Students explore dinosaurs and their domination of terrestrial habitats for about 160 million years during the Mesozoic era. The course begins by examining global plate tectonics and climate with specific reference to the Mesozoic. Students examine the evolution of the dinosaurs from the early land-dwelling vertebrates, their diversification, and their extinction 65 million years ago. The manner in which the ancestors of modern animals filled the habitats previously occupied by dinosaurs is also examined. This course is intended to meet the science requirements of non-science programs, and to be of interest to students who have taken other courses in earth and environmental sciences.
Students explore dinosaurs and their domination of terrestrial habitats for about 160 million years during the Mesozoic era. The course begins by examining global plate tectonics and climate with specific reference to the Mesozoic. Students examine the evolution of the dinosaurs from the early land-dwelling vertebrates, their diversification, and their extinction 65 million years ago. The manner in which the ancestors of modern animals filled the habitats previously occupied by dinosaurs is also examined. This course is intended to meet the science requirements of non-science programs, and to be of interest to students who have taken other courses in earth and environmental sciences.