Paleontology: Early Vertebrate Evolution

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/early-vertebrate-evolution

Introduction

### Course Review: Paleontology: Early Vertebrate Evolution **Overview** Coursera’s course, *Paleontology: Early Vertebrate Evolution*, is a fascinating four-lesson exploration into the origins and evolution of vertebrates. Designed for anyone interested in the intricate tapestry of life that preceded us, this course offers a thorough understanding of the Palaeozoic era, examining the diversity of early vertebrate lineages. Students will delve into the landmark evolutionary developments such as the formation of fins, jaws, and tetrapod limbs, providing a holistic view of the evolutionary milestones that shaped the vertebrate lineage. ### Syllabus Breakdown #### 1. The Phanerozoic Begins In this introductory lesson, participants are transported back to the beginning of the Phanerozoic Eon, unraveling the anatomical nuances that define vertebrates and their close relatives. By familiarizing students with the language of evolution, particularly phylogenetics, and engaging in sedimentology, this lesson sets a foundational understanding of early aquatic environments. It offers a succinct history of vertebrate evolution, making it an excellent starting point for those new to paleontology. #### 2. Learning to Swim This lesson dives into the comparative anatomy of vertebrates, revealing the complexities behind what makes a vertebrate. By exploring the variety of jawless vertebrates, including Cyclostomata and ostracoderms, students grasp the diversity inherent in vertebrate evolution. The focus on anatomical terms and features like the lateral line system not only enhances understanding but also sparks curiosity about the adaptability of life forms in different environments. #### 3. Learning to Bite A pivotal moment in vertebrate history emerges in this lesson, where the evolution of jaws is unveiled against the backdrop of significant environmental changes. The course explores how early vertebrates adapted and thrived, leading to the predominance of jawed species - a transformative trait that still resonates in modern vertebrates. Encountering formidable ancient predators like Dunkleosteus adds an engaging narrative that captivates the imagination and underscores the dynamic nature of evolutionary processes. #### 4. Learning to Walk The final lesson culminates in the development of tetrapods, highlighting the critical transition from aquatic to terrestrial life. Examining Osteichthyes and distinctive vertebrate groups like ray-finned and lobe-finned fishes, this lesson delves into the adaptive features that facilitated life on land. The exploration of tetrapod ancestors, such as Acanthostega, serves as a profound reminder of our origins, enhancing the student's appreciation for both the complexity and beauty of evolutionary history. ### Why You Should Enroll This course is particularly well-suited for: - **Students of Paleontology**: Offering solid foundational knowledge, it allows for an incremental build-up of complex concepts. - **Nature Lovers and Evolution Enthusiasts**: If you are intrigued by the origins of life and the intricate connections among species, this course offers a captivating narrative. - **Future Researchers**: The emphasis on important fossil localities, particularly in Canada, can inspire further research in the field. ### Conclusion *Paleontology: Early Vertebrate Evolution* on Coursera is an enriching course that blends rigorous scientific knowledge with engaging storytelling. The comprehensive syllabus is designed to facilitate understanding while fostering a deep appreciation for the evolutionary processes that led to the vertebrate lineages we see today. Whether you are a beginner or a more knowledgeable student looking to deepen your understanding, this course is highly recommendable. Embark on this intellectual journey and uncover the fascinating history of vertebrate evolution!

Syllabus

The Phanerozoic Begins

In this lesson we take you back to the beginning of the Phanerozoic Eon to learn what it truly means to have backbone, as we encounter the key anatomical features of vertebrates and their closest chordate relatives. We’ll also introduce the language of evolution – phylogenetics – as we examine some of the contenders for the title of ‘The Earliest Vertebrate’, and give you a crash course in sedimentology, so you can begin to piece together the spectacular environments that were home to our early aquatic ancestors. 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.

The old problem of the comparative anatomist was exactly how to compare two animals that appeared, at first glance, to look nothing alike. How, do you compare cows and lobsters? Well, in this lesson you’ll not only learn how to compare crustaceans and cattle, but you’ll also quickly learn that there’s more to a vertebrate than just a backbone as we delve into basic vertebrate anatomy. We’ll cover all the need-to-know anatomical terms and directions, as well as specialist features like the lateral line system, which not only helped early fish avoid predation, but is also the main reason why you find it very difficult to catch fish with your bare hands today! We will also explore the immense diversity of the jawless vertebrates including the tenacious Cyclostomata, the elusive Conodonta, and, long before Ankylosaurus, a group of heavily armoured jawless fishes – the ostracoderms.

The Ordovician, Silurian and Devonian Periods were times of great continental, oceanic and climactic change that brought about the Earth’s first mass extinction events. With environmental catastrophes opening up new ecological niches, a trait evolved in early vertebrates that would prove so successful that over 99% of modern vertebrates still retain it: jaws. In this lesson we will try to understand the geographical and temporal background of early vertebrate diversity, as well as the impact and origin of the evolution of jaws on vertebrate life. Introducing huge predators such as Dunkleosteus along the way, we’ll explore the incredible diversity of the Gnathostoma (the jawed fishes), mainly from fossils known from the spectacular Late Devonian site of Miguasha in Quebec. So get ready for a lesson you can really sink your teeth into!

Although this lesson marks the end of the beginning of the vertebrate story, we still have some bones left to pick! In this last lesson we’ll look at the features of the Osteichthyes (the bony fishes) and examine the differences between two immensely successful vertebrate groups; one that conquered the water: the Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes), and one that eventually conquered the land: the Sarcopterygii (lobe-finned fishes). We’ll investigate how the sarcopterygians gave rise to the tetrapods, meet our very first tetrapod ancestors like Acanthostega, and introduce the features that were essential in making the leap from water to land. Along the way we’ll meet some living fossils, see some incredible evolutionary adaptations, and learn about our earliest terrestrial origins – it’s time to step up and finish the tale of ‘Early Vertebrate Evolution’!