G 203 Evolution of the Earth

This course explores how plate motions, climate change, and other factors influence the distribution and evolution of continents and organisms through geologic time. Labs examine fossils, age relationship, stratigraphy and analysis of complex regions using geologic maps and cross-sections. Lab included.

Credits

4

Prerequisite

G 101 or G 102 or G 201 or G 202, with a grade of C- or better

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Describe and explain the origin and changing configuration of the Earth through plate tectonics, and the evolutionary progression of different life forms that have lived on Earth
2. Identify major fossil groups and determine their ages, distinguish types of geologic structures and their placement in mountain building events, and use stratigraphic principles and recognition of rock types and fossils contained in them to interpret the geologic history of select regions of the world
3. Gain knowledge of new discoveries about the development of Earth and the life on Earth by investigating media sources, in addition to writing summaries and critiques of the information gleaned
4. Review early evolutionary theories, and how they are being reconsidered/revised in light of recent studies
5. Examine different types of sedimentary rocks and propose the specific paleoenvironments in which they may have formed
6. Collaboratively examine and use geologic maps and cross sections to construct paleogeographic and isopach maps
7. Examine theories of, and statistical and factual data for, plate tectonics, mountain building, ancient climate change, evolution, uniformitarianism and catastrophism for comparison and assessment
8. Evaluate the usefulness of the above theories and data when interpreting modern geologic settings and situations
9. Distinguish and discuss the changes throughout Earth’s history of life due to geologic processes, including the evolution of humans and the development of human culture, allowing an assessment of how human culture does/could have an effect on Earth’s surface, life, and climate
10. Annotate the sequence of geologic events and development of life as exposed in the rock and fossil records
11. Apply concepts of plate tectonics to locations of fossil forms to construct and interpret paleogeographic and paleobiogeographic maps and to evaluate past global climate change and formulate hypotheses as to recent climate change
12. Compare and contrast the modern and ancient: placement of continents and oceans; extent of glaciers; sea level change; atmospheric and climate conditions; life forms
13. Recognize the interconnectedness of all life on this planet and life’s intimate connection with the Earth itself, including the importance of human stewardship vs. exploitation
14. Be knowledgeable of the data which exists that allows scientists to accomplish these evaluations