Great Transformations in Vertebrate Evolution

Full course description

An exploration of vertebrate evolution and paleobiology, with emphasis on the anatomical and physiological transformations that occurred at the evolutionary originations of major vertebrate groups.  Structure and function of both extant and extinct taxa are explored, as documented by modern fauna and the fossil record. Topics studied include locomotion and the origin of fins and limbs, the transition from water to land, dinosaur physiology, the origin of flight, and mammalian reproduction.