3.00 Credits
Introduction to paleontology, evolution and development, focusing on the transition of therapod dinosaurs to extant birds. Topics include the evolution of avian dinosaurs, the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary, bird radiation, morphological adaptions, diversity, the inner bird, lifestyle and ecology. Material covers principles in paleontology, preservation and identification of fossils, historical contributions, and modern experimental methods to aid student understanding of important concepts. Preq: BIOL1030/1050 and BIOL1040/1060; or BIOL 1100.