Palaeoecology

The first part of the course introduces palaeoecology as a study related and dependant on the study of recent ecosystems. It points out major differences and specifics of the fossil record (taphonomy, time averaging etc.). Secondly, the students learn about environmental parameters: abiotic and biotic factors. Among abiotic, sources important in marine ecosystems are given more attention. We learn about organisms’ living space and their requirements. We than move to features and structures of populations and assemblages. Students are encouraged to find examples from the fossil record and to apply the gained knowledge to the fossil record.

The second part of the course is entirely dedicated to the fossil record as part of sedimentary rocks. We learn about fossil assemblages from other parts of the world and specifically try to make interpretation for assemblages preserved in local formations.