Lecture 1 - introduction

Question 1

what does the punctuated equilibrium model show?

Answer 1

sudden morphological changes associated with rapid speciation after long periods of stasis

Question 2

define fossil

Answer 2

the remains/ trace of any once living organism

Question 3

what percentage of the fossil record consist of hard parts?

Answer 3

99%

Question 4

define ichnology

Answer 4

the study of trace fossils e.g. footprints

Question 5

define gastrolith

Answer 5

rocks / pebbles swallowed by dinosaurs to help them break down their food

Question 6

define coprolite

Answer 6

dinosaur dung