The five largest mass extinctions of the Phanerozoic: causes and consequences on biodiversity. The sixth mass extinction: anthropogenic impact and global environmental change. Future scenarios: actions for a sustainable economy: 2030 Agenda.
Hallam A. & Wignal P.B. – Mass Extinctions and their aftermath. Oxford University Press
Kolbert E. – The Sixth Extinction: An unnatural History. Henry Holt & Co
Leakey R., Lewin R. – The Sixth Extinction: Patterns of Life and the Future of Humankind. Anchor
Learning Objectives
Knowing the dynamics and ways in which biodiversity has changed in geological ecosystems through time. Ability to analyze the fossil record with a look at the footprint left by the anthropic impact. Ability to hypothesize possible future scenarios of biodiversity trends.
Prerequisites
Basics of general Paleontology and Ecology
Teaching Methods
Lectures
Further information
Attendance to lessons is highly recommended
Type of Assessment
Oral examination
Course program
The five great mass extinctions of the Phanerozoic, hypotheses on the causes (plate tectonics and volcanism, paleogeography and climate, ocean acidification, extraterrestrial factors) and consequences on biodiversity. The sixth mass extinction: paleontological, paleoanthropological and palethnological evidence of the anthropic impact (extinction of the Quaternary megafauna, Neolithic revolution), industrial revolution and global environmental change, overexploitation of natural food resources, biogeography of the "islands" and biodiversity crisis. Future scenarios. Ecological footprint analysis. Designing a sustainable economy: 2030 Agenda.