Paleontology: Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Bird Anatomy

In Lesson 1, we explore the anatomy and adaptations of birds, and meet the Victorian scientists who first suspected the link between the terrible lizards and modern birds. In order to fly, birds have undergone a series of anatomical specializations that distinguishes them from other vertebrates. However, many of the most striking and anatomically unusual traits of birds originated over 230 million years ago with the very first theropod dinosaurs. Just a quick note before you get started: 'Palaios' is the Greek word for 'ancient', so palaeontology or paleontology is the study of ancient life. Both spellings are correct, with palaeontology used in Britain, and paleontology more common in the US.

Survey of Non-Avian Theropods

In the wake of the Permian mass extinction, the prehistoric world was ripe for the taking. All the world’s landmass was consolidated into the single supercontinent: Pangaea. With no seas standing in their way, new terrestrial animal lineages were able to exploit new habitats all across the globe. Archosaurs, meaning ‘ruling reptiles’, came to dominate Triassic ecosystems. However, dinosaurian archosaurs were not the top predators. Instead, crurotarsans sat undisputed at the top of the food chain. The first theropods were small, but agile carnivores, and although they started out as the Darwinian equivalent of the mail room clerks, by the next geological period (the Jurassic), they were large and in charge. In Lesson 2, we will introduce you to some of the earliest theropods, and explore the anatomical secrets to their survival and eventual success. We will also meet the largest land predators of all time.

Coelurosaurs I

In the previous lesson, we explored how the various theropod lineages adapted to their role as apex predators. In this lesson, we will explore a new group of theropods, as much characterized by their speed and agility as their predatory prowess. The coelurosaurs were the most successful and diverse of all the theropods, and included herbivores, the smallest of all dinosaurs, and, of course, the mighty tyrannosaurs.

Coelurosaurs II

Dinosaurs had long been thought of as overgrown reptiles; cold blooded, swamp bound, with meagre intelligence and little to no social complexity. The ‘Dinosaur Renaissance’ was a revolution in palaeontological thinking that entirely transformed that traditional image of dinosaurs. In Lesson 4, we will see how new research and discoveries over the past fifty years have shaped our modern image of dinosaurs into one of energetic, intelligent animals, that likely displayed many of the complex social behaviours witnessed in modern birds. You’ll also meet the deinonychosaurs, A.K.A. ‘the raptors’, and you will learn the leading theories for how one group of dinosaurs learned to fly.

The Avian World

66 million years ago, an asteroid the larger than Mt. Everest collided with the earth and brought about the extinction of the dinosaurs…except birds! Now that you’re familiar with some of their larger Mesozoic ancestors and their bird-like features, it’s time to meet the avian lineage proper. With the evolution of flight, birds could exploit habitats and resources that were literally unreachable by other animals. The evolution of birds has been one of diversification. Flightlessness has evolved numerous times, as have specializations for insectivory, swimming, and predation. Although theropods may no longer dominate the land, they still rule the skies.

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Suitable for beginners, covering the topic from the very basics

Delivered by Dr. Philip John Currie, a leading paleontologist

Explores the relevance of theropod dinosaurs to the development of modern birds

Examines the evolutionary journey of dinosaurs and their transition into birds

Covers a diverse range of topics within the field of theropod dinosaurs

Reviews summary

Superlative theropod course

Learners say this is a fascinating course that features engaging videos. The excellent course material is easy to follow and well organized. With topics such as dinosaur evolution and hunting habits, learners are likely to discover things they didn't know about dinosaurs. Some learners feel that this course can be considered one of the best MOOCs available.

The course material is easy to follow.

"Excellent course material. Very Interesting and easy to follow."

The course features engaging videos.

"All in all, a great lecturer, amazing graphics, and the most awesome real-life fossils from the University of Alberta."

The course is well organized and presented.

"Course is well organized and presented."

"This course continues Dino 101 in more detail, focusing on Theropoda dinosaurs, and describing their evolution into birds we know today."

The course material shares things that learners may not already know.

"You'll learn a lot about anatomy, hunting habits, life conditions and novelties these species have manifested, and you'll learn that everything you know about dinosaurs is probably incorrect."

The course material is excellent.

"Excellent course material. Very Interesting and easy to follow."

"The same way Dino 101 is certainly in the top three of all MOOCs I have ever taken, if not the best, these courses seem like worthy sequels."

The course is considered by some learners as a top MOOC.

"The same way Dino 101 is certainly in the top three of all MOOCs I have ever taken, if not the best, these courses seem like worthy sequels."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Paleontology: Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds with these activities:

Review Basic Biology

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Reviewing basic biology concepts helps strengthen the foundation for understanding dinosaur evolution and biology.

Browse courses on Biology

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Review notes or textbooks from previous biology courses.
Take practice quizzes or tests to assess your understanding.
Focus on concepts such as cell structure, genetics, and evolution.

Explore Dinosaur Museum Exhibits

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Visiting a museum provides an immersive learning experience and allows students to see real dinosaur fossils.

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Find a dinosaur museum or exhibit near you.
Attend the museum and explore the exhibits.
Take notes on the information presented in the exhibits.
Ask questions to museum staff or docents.

Participate in a Dinosaur Art Contest

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Participating in an art contest provides an opportunity to express creativity and learn about dinosaurs.

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Find a dinosaur art contest online or in your community.
Create a piece of dinosaur-themed artwork.
Submit your artwork to the contest.

Five other activities

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Participate in Dinosaur Discussion Forums

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Engaging in discussions allows students to share their knowledge and learn from others.

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Find a dinosaur discussion forum online.
Participate in discussions by posting questions, sharing information, and responding to others.
Be respectful of others' opinions and try to provide constructive feedback.

Volunteer at a Dinosaur Museum or Exhibit

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Volunteering at a dinosaur museum or exhibit provides hands-on experience and allows students to share their knowledge with others.

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Find a dinosaur museum or exhibit that offers volunteer opportunities.
Apply for a volunteer position.
Complete the necessary training.
Volunteer your time, assisting visitors and sharing your knowledge about dinosaurs.

Survey Scientific Literature

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Review a book that provides a comprehensive overview of dinosaurs.

View Dinosaurs on Amazon

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Choose a book on dinosaurs that interests you.
Read the book and take notes on the key points.
Write a summary of the book, highlighting the most important information.

Create a Dinosaur Timeline

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Creating a timeline of key events in dinosaur evolution helps visualize the vast span of time they existed.

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Research the major events in dinosaur evolution.
Choose a format for your timeline (e.g., a chart, a graph, or a video).
Create your timeline, including important dates, events, and key species.
Present your timeline to others.

Write a Dinosaur Report

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Composing a report on a particular dinosaur species aids in developing research and writing skills.

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Choose a dinosaur species to research.
Gather information about your chosen species from books, articles, and websites.
Organize your information into an outline.
Write your report, including information on the species' physical characteristics, habitat, diet, and behavior.

Career center

Learners who complete Paleontology: Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Paleontologist

Paleontologists study the history of life on Earth, including dinosaurs and birds. This course on Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds would provide you with a strong foundation in the field and help you to better understand the evolution of dinosaurs and birds. The course would also provide you with hands-on experience in fossil preparation and analysis, which would be helpful in your work as a Paleontologist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Paleontologist

College Professor

College Professors teach and conduct research in a variety of fields, including paleontology and ornithology. This course on Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds would provide you with a strong foundation in the field and help you to better understand the evolution of dinosaurs and birds. The course would also provide you with hands-on experience in fossil preparation and analysis, which would be helpful in your work as a College Professor.

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Zoologist

Zoologists study the biology of animals, including birds. This course on Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds would provide you with a strong foundation in the field and help you to better understand the evolution of birds. The course would also provide you with knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of birds, which would be helpful in your work as a Zoologist.

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Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct research in a variety of fields, including paleontology and ornithology. This course on Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds would provide you with a strong foundation in the field and help you to better understand the evolution of dinosaurs and birds. The course would also provide you with hands-on experience in fossil preparation and analysis, which would be helpful in your work as a Research Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist

Museum curator

Museum Curators preserve and manage museum collections, which may include fossils or dinosaur specimens. Taking this course on Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds would give you a strong background in the field and help you to better understand the significance of the collection. This course would also provide you with knowledge of the evolutionary history of birds, which would be helpful in interpreting and presenting the collection to the public.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and its interactions with humans and other organisms, including birds. This course on Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds would provide you with a strong foundation in the field and help you to better understand the evolution of birds. The course would also provide you with knowledge of the ecology and conservation of birds, which would be helpful in your work as an Environmental Scientist.

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Wildlife Biologist

Wildlife Biologists study the biology and behavior of wild animals, including birds. This course on Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds would provide you with a strong foundation in the field and help you to better understand the evolution of birds. The course would also provide you with knowledge of the ecology and conservation of birds, which would be helpful in your work as a Wildlife Biologist.

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Museum Educator

Museum Educators teach about museum collections to the public, which may include fossils or dinosaur specimens. This course on Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds would provide you with a strong background in the field and help you to better understand the significance of the collection. This course would also provide you with knowledge of the evolutionary history of birds, which would be helpful in interpreting and presenting the collection to the public.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum Educator

Science Teacher

Science Teachers teach science to students of all ages, including biology, which may include dinosaurs and birds. This course on Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds would provide you with a strong foundation in the field and help you to better understand the evolution of dinosaurs and birds. The course would also provide you with knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of birds, which would be helpful in your work as a Science Teacher.

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Veterinarian

Veterinarians care for the health of animals, including birds. This course on Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds would provide you with a strong foundation in the field and help you to better understand the evolution of birds. The course would also provide you with knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of birds, which would be helpful in your work as a Veterinarian.

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Avionics Technician

Avionics Technicians install, maintain, and repair avionics systems on aircraft, which may include birds. This course on Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds would provide you with a strong foundation in the field and help you to better understand the evolution of birds. The course would also provide you with knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of birds, which would be helpful in your work as an Avionics Technician.

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Wildlife Rehabilitator

Wildlife rehabilitators care for injured, sick, or orphaned wild animals, including birds. This course on Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds would provide you with a strong foundation in the field and help you to better understand the evolution of birds. The course would also provide you with knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of birds, which would be helpful in your work as a Wildlife rehabilitator.

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Zookeeper

Zookeepers care for animals in zoos and other captive settings, including birds. This course on Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds would provide you with a strong foundation in the field and help you to better understand the evolution of birds. The course would also provide you with knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of birds, which would be helpful in your work as a Zookeeper.

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Animal Trainer

Animal Trainers train animals to perform specific tasks, such as hunting, performing, or assisting people with disabilities. This course on Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds would provide you with a strong foundation in the field and help you to better understand the evolution of birds. The course would also provide you with knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of birds, which would be helpful in your work as an Animal Trainer.

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Science Writer

Science Writers write about science for the general public. This course on Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds would provide you with a strong foundation in the field and help you to better understand the evolution of dinosaurs and birds. The course would also provide you with knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of birds, which would be helpful in your work as a Science Writer.

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