Paleontology: Ancient Marine Reptiles from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Marine Reptiles

Welcome to the first lesson of Palaeontology: Ancient Marine Reptiles. In this lesson we will explore the main theme of the course: the aquatic problem. In other words, what happens when a terrestrial animal returns to the water permanently? How do air-breathing, land-lubbing creatures once again adapt to life in the sea? Life in water is very different than life on land. Water is much denser than air, which affects all aspects of an animal's life including movement, sight, and hearing. In addition, animals that return to the water cannot breathe water, and so must return to the surface for air. Water also conducts heat much better than air, making staying warm and active a challenge. Despite all these obstacles, many land animals have returned to the water throughout the course of evolutionary history. In fact, many examples of them are living today including whales, seals, crocodiles, sea turtles and penguins. Each of these animals had ancestors that returned to the water. The process of overcoming the challenges associated with this transition is what we refer to as the aquatic problem. This lesson will explore many different types of adaptations that modern and extinct animals have evolved to meet these challenges. You will be introduced to some extinct groups of reptiles you have probably never heard of, and will gain a new appreciation for how well suited modern marine animals are to their environment. 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.

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Explores the evolutionary changes when air-breathing terrestrial animals return to water, which is highly relevant to evolutionary biology

Taught by Michael Caldwell and Halle P. Street, who are recognized for their work in evolutionary biology

Examines the diversity, adaptations, convergence, and phylogenetic relationships of extinct marine reptiles

Offers hands-on interactives, such as a preview of the first lesson

May be suitable for students with some background knowledge, such as introductory science and biology

Reviews summary

Deep dive into ancient marine reptiles

According to students (based on course content and structure), this course offers a highly focused and informative look at Paleontology: Ancient Marine Reptiles. Learners say the course does a good job covering the three key groups: ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, and mosasaurs. Students found the discussion of the aquatic problem and the various adaptations for life in water across different lineages particularly fascinating and insightful. While acknowledged as a niche topic best suited for those with a specific interest in this area of paleontology, students felt it provided a solid overview of these extinct animals and their evolutionary history. The course structure via lectures effectively delivers the content, making it a valuable resource for delving into this specific area.

Content delivered primarily through lectures.

"The lectures were generally clear and easy to follow, making the complex topics understandable."

"Content is delivered mainly through video lectures, which is a standard and effective format."

"Some lectures felt a bit slow at times, but the information was always good."

Highly focused for specific paleontological interest.

"This is definitely a course for someone with a serious interest in paleontology or these specific extinct groups."

"It's a very niche topic, which is exactly what I was looking for and it delivered on that."

"Not a broad introduction to paleontology, but a deep dive into a specific, fascinating area."

Details how animals adapted to marine life.

"The concept of the aquatic problem and how different groups solved it was very interesting and a key takeaway."

"Learning about specific adaptations for feeding, locomotion, and reproduction was a highlight for me."

"It provided a new appreciation for the challenges terrestrial animals face when returning to the sea."

Explores the three major ancient marine reptiles.

"I really enjoyed learning about ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, and mosasaurs, the course covers them well."

"The course provides a good overview of these three major marine reptile lineages and their diversity."

"Understanding the diversity within these groups was fascinating and clearly presented."

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: Ancient Marine Reptiles with these activities:

Review previous coursework or study materials on marine biology and paleontology

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Refresh knowledge of marine biology and paleontology to strengthen foundation for course

Browse courses on Marine Biology

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Review notes and textbooks from previous courses
Complete practice questions or exercises

Review biology and ecology of Reptilia

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Review the biology and ecology of Reptilia to help prepare for the main course content

Browse courses on Biology

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Review online materials on Reptilia
Read textbook chapters on the biology of Reptilia
Practice identifying reptiles in online databases

Practice naming fossil groups and identifying characteristics

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Complete practice drills to sharpen fossil identification and naming skills

Browse courses on Paleontology

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Use online resources for fossil identification practice
Review textbook sections on fossil identification

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Follow video tutorials on marine reptile evolutionary adaptations

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Enhance understanding by following video tutorials on marine reptile evolutionary adaptations

Browse courses on Paleontology

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Search for video tutorials on marine reptile adaptations
Watch and take notes on the tutorials
Apply the learned concepts to course discussions

Participate in online forums to discuss course content

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Engage with peers in online forums to clarify concepts and deepen understanding

Browse courses on Paleontology

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Join online forums related to the course
Post questions and participate in discussions

Review 'Marine Reptiles' by Michael J. Benton

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Expand knowledge of marine reptiles by reviewing 'Marine Reptiles' by Michael J. Benton

View Vertebrate Palaeontology on Amazon

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Read selected chapters from 'Marine Reptiles'
Summarize key concepts and findings from the book

Create a presentation on a specific group of marine reptiles

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Solidify knowledge and develop presentation skills by creating a presentation on a specific group of marine reptiles

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Choose a specific group of marine reptiles to research
Gather information on the group's diversity, adaptations, and evolutionary history
Create a presentation using slides or other visual aids
Present the presentation to the class or online

Career center

Learners who complete Paleontology: Ancient Marine Reptiles will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Paleontologist

A Paleontologist may explore a variety of extinct species to investigate how different species evolved. This course focuses on ancient marine reptiles. By understanding how they evolved, you may learn how species evolve and adapt over time to fit different environments. This course's introduction to extinct marine reptiles is particularly relevant to a Paleontologist.

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Curator

A Curator may work in a museum setting where they would be responsible for preserving historical objects. This course, with its focus on paleontology, explores the history of marine reptiles who lived millions of years ago. The course also touches on some of the fossils and localities where they existed. This knowledge is particularly relevant to a Curator.

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Geologist

A Geologist may use scientific methods to explore the physical structure of the earth. In this course on ancient marine reptiles, you will learn about the physical changes that occurred in these species over millions of years and the impact that had on their existence. This course also touches on different localities where these species existed. This course may help build a foundation for understanding how the earth changed over the course of time to allow for human existence.

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Archaeologist

An Archaeologist may collect and examine fossils, artifacts, and other resources to better understand history. This course, focusing on ancient marine reptiles, may help build a foundation for understanding how archeological methods can be used to uncover fossils and artifacts of ancient species to learn more about our history.

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Marine Biologist

A Marine Biologist uses scientific methods to explore living organisms and their habitats in the ocean. This course on marine reptiles, though extinct, focuses on the evolutionary changes that occur when air-breathing, land-lubbing creatures return to the water. This knowledge may help build a foundation for understanding how marine species evolved and the challenges they faced when adapting to life in the water.

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Environmental Scientist

An Environmental Scientist studies the environment and looks for ways to protect it. This course focuses on exploring the evolutionary changes that occur when air-breathing, land-lubbing creatures return to the water. Understanding how species adapt and change to overcome challenges may help you build a foundation for developing ways to protect the earth and its inhabitants.

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Biologist

A Biologist studies living organisms and their habitats. This course focuses on ancient marine reptiles, however, this course may help build a foundation for understanding how different organisms evolved and adapted to different environments.

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Zoologist

A Zoologist studies the behavior, physiology, anatomy, and classification of animals. This course focuses on marine reptiles. By learning about the diversity and adaptations of extinct marine reptiles, you may build a foundation for understanding the diversity and adaptations of modern animals.

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Science Teacher

A Science Teacher develops lesson plans and teaches science courses. This course focuses on ancient marine reptiles and may help build a foundation for teaching life science courses on evolution and adaptation.

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Writer

A Writer develops and writes content. This course explores the evolutionary changes that occur when air-breathing, land-lubbing creatures return to the water. If you were interested in writing about scientific discoveries or prehistoric species, this course may help build a foundation.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer writes instruction manuals, technical reports, and other technical materials. This course focuses on the evolutionary changes that occur when air-breathing, land-lubbing creatures return to the water. If you were interested in writing about scientific discoveries or prehistoric species, this course may help build a foundation.

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Editor

An Editor reviews, corrects, and revises written material. This course focuses on the evolutionary changes that occur when air-breathing, land-lubbing creatures return to the water. If you were interested in working with writers who produce scientific discoveries or prehistoric species, this course may help build a foundation.

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Journalist

A Journalist trains to gather, analyze, and report on news and current events. This course focuses on the evolutionary changes that occur when air-breathing, land-lubbing creatures return to the water. If you were interested in reporting on scientific discoveries or prehistoric species, this course may help build a foundation.

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Science Writer

A Science Writer writes about scientific topics for a general audience. This course explores the evolutionary changes that occur when air-breathing, land-lubbing creatures return to the water. This knowledge may help build a foundation for writing about scientific discoveries or prehistoric species.

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Researcher

A Researcher conducts scientific research and experiments. This course focuses on marine reptiles. By exploring the evolutionary changes that occur when air-breathing, land-lubbing creatures return to the water, this course may help build a foundation for conducting research on modern aquatic species.

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