In paleobiology, fossilized hard tissue is the most important source of information. In our case, we focus primarily on fossilized teeth and bones of vertebrates, including mammals and human ancestors. We view paleobiological remains as former living organisms and interpret them within their environmental and ecological context.
The master module Paleobiology and Environment focuses on linking basic bone and dental anatomy and functional morphology of modern vertebrates with paleontological knowledge of extinct species by applying methods of morphological and ecological analyses, microscopy, 3-D topometry, image analysis techniques, programming in R, modelling, and taxonomic applications to osteological collections and cast specimens.
In a series of lectures, seminar and practical course the following topics are covered: Vertebrate evolution and the origin of mammals, comparative anatomy and morphology of mammals (skeleton, skull, dentition), adaptations in the skull, morphometrics and functional analyses of the mammalian dentition, evolution of primates and early hominins, paleoecology, processes of taphonomy and fossilisation, actualistic comparisons and modelling in palaeobiology, fossil prospecting and field documentation.
The module will take place in the Faculty of Biosciences and the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt. It is divided into two parts: During the first three weeks, we integrate lectures and seminar and basic practical courses. During the second three weeks, the participants will work on a research project in our workgroups at the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum. For this purpose, topics of paleoclimate, palaeoanthropology, mammalogy and morphometrics, Ethnobotany, the Messel Pit and the ROCEEH project (Role of Culture in Early Expansions of Humans) can be chosen.
