Course: The importance of ichnofossils

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Course title The importance of ichnofossils
Course code KGE/ICHN
Organizational form of instruction Lecture + Exercise
Level of course Master
Year of study not specified
Semester Summer
Number of ECTS credits 2
Language of instruction Czech
Status of course Optional
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Lecturer(s)
  • Lehotský Tomáš, RNDr. Ph.D.
Course content
Introduction to ichnofossils, their taxonomy, and geological significance. 1. Introduction, history of ichnofossils research. Nomenclature. 2. Classification of trace-fossils (descriptive, genetic, toponomic) 3. Paleontological significance of trace-fossils. 4. Stratigraphic and sedimentological significance of trace-fossils. 5. Recurrent ichnofacies and ichnofacial models (skoyenia-, trypanites, teredolite-, glossifungite-, psilonichnus- ichnofacies). 6. Recurrent ichnofacies and ichnofacial models (skolithos-, kruziana-, zoophycos-, nereites-, arenicolite- ichnofacies). 7. Ichnofossils and the environment, paleoecological reconstructions. 8. Preservation of trace-fossils. Pseudoichnofossils. 9. Vertebrate traces-fossils, footprints. 10. Localities with ichnofossil occuernce in the Czech Republic. Demonstration samples. 11. Methods in ichnological research.

Learning activities and teaching methods
Lecture, Monologic Lecture(Interpretation, Training), Dialogic Lecture (Discussion, Dialog, Brainstorming)
  • Homework for Teaching - 12 hours per semester
  • Attendace - 12 hours per semester
  • Preparation for the Exam - 10 hours per semester
Learning outcomes
Introduction to ichnofossils, their taxonomy, and geological significance.
The students should be able to: - recall the terminology of ichnofossils - classify the trace fossils - explain the paleontological, stratigraphic and sedimentological importance of trace fossils - describe ichnofacial models - relate trace fossils to trace fossils - describe the methods of ichnological research
Prerequisites
Knowledge of paleontology problems, passing courses Paleontology 1 (KGE/OBP1, KGE/OBPA1)and Paleontology 2 (KGE/OBPA2) or Paleontology (KGE/PALEO).

Assessment methods and criteria
Written exam

Colloquium: practical knowledge of basic fossil taxa, theoretical knowledge of basic taxa of trace-fossils, their signifikance and use in geological sciences.
Recommended literature
  • Augusta, J. - Remeš, M. (1956). Všeobecná paleontologie. NČSAV, Praha.
  • Bromley, R., G. (1996). Trace Fossils. Biology, taphonomy and applications. Chapman&Hall, London.
  • Buatois, L. A., & Mángano, M. G. (2011). Ichnology: organism-substrate interactions in space and time. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
  • Miller, V. (ed.). (2007). Trace Fossils. Concepts, Problems, Prospects. Elsevier, Amsterdam.
  • Pek, I., & Mikuláš, R. (1996). Úvod do studia fosilních stop. Praha: Český geologický ústav.
  • Pokorný, V. (1992). Všeobecná paleontologie. Praha: Karolinum.
  • Sarjeant, W., A., S. (ed.). (1983). Terrestrial Trace Fossils. Hutchinson Ross Publishing Company. Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.
  • Špinar Z., V. (1965). Systematická paleontologie bezobratlých. NČSAV, Praha.


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester
Faculty: Faculty of Science Study plan (Version): Environmental Geology (2019) Category: Geology courses - Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: Summer