Dinosaur paleobiology with elements of ichnology

Course objectives

"Paleobiology of Dinosaurs with Elements of Ichnology" is a course aimed at providing a general understanding of dinosaurs, a highly successful group of vertebrates that dominated terrestrial environments throughout the Mesozoic Era. Following a historical introduction on the discoveries and early studies of dinosaurs, the course will focus on numerous paleobiological aspects of this important group of tetrapods, covering macroevolutionary aspects, diversity of diets and trophic chains, behavior, metabolism, and paleobiogeographic distribution. Another topic covered will be the various theories proposed for the extinction of dinosaurs, a subject that is still the subject of lengthy and extremely vital debates. In addition, the basics for the study of terrestrial tetrapod footprints, in particular dinosaur footprints, will be provided, with in-depth exploration of new methods and 3D technologies for reconstructing zoological producers of footprints. Several focuses will also be presented on new discoveries in the Italian fossil record and their important implications for the paleobiogeography and geodynamics of the Mediterranean area. Learning outcomes: The course allows for the acquisition of basic and advanced knowledge regarding the paleobiology of dinosaurs, macroevolutionary dynamics, and the study and interpretation of fossil footprints. As a result, students will be able to critically approach and read publications on these topics, analyze and interpret terrestrial tetrapod footprints, and use new 3D techniques and methodologies for the study of both body fossils and footprints.

Channel 1
MARCO ROMANO Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
1) Introduction: Dinosaurs and Their Lost World 2) The Discovery of Dinosaurs: From the First Bones to the Scientific Renaissance 3)The Origin of Dinosaurs 4)Anatomy of the Hard Parts of Dinosaurs 5) Anatomy of Soft Tissues in Dinosaurs 6) Theropod Dinosaurs 7) Sauropodomorpha 8) Thyreophora 9) Marginocephalia 10) Ornithopoda 11) Dinosaur Physiology 12) Growth in Dinosaurs 13) Feeding Strategies and Feeding Behavior 14) Histology and Paleopathologies 15) Dinosaur Reproduction and Parental Care 16) Paleoecology and Habitats 17) Theropods and the Origin of Birds 18) Paleobiogeography and Dwarfism in Dinosaurs 19) Macroevolutionary Trends in Dinosaurs 20) Dinosaur Extinction – Theories and Models 21) Elements of Ichnology I 22) Elements of Ichnology II
Prerequisites
To successfully follow the course on dinosaurs, a basic knowledge of geology and general biology is recommended, with particular reference to fossilization processes, stratigraphic principles, and vertebrate classification. It is useful for students to have some familiarity with the fundamentals of comparative anatomy, biological evolution, and introductory paleontology, in order to understand the concepts of functional morphology, phylogeny, and adaptation. However, the course includes introductory sections in which the fundamental principles of the comparative anatomy of hard tissues and the classification of terrestrial tetrapods will be reviewed. No advanced skills are required, but an interest in the history of life and the scientific interpretation of fossil remains is desirable.
Books
Brusatte, S. L. (2012). Dinosaur paleobiology. John Wiley & Sons Brett-Surman, M. K., Holtz, T. R., & Farlow, J. O. (Eds.). (2012). The complete dinosaur. Indiana University Press Benton, M. J. (2019). The dinosaurs rediscovered: How a scientific revolution is rewriting history. Thames & Hudson Martin, A. J. (2021). Dinosaurs without bones: Dinosaur lives revealed by their trace fossils. Simon and Schuster
Frequency
Attendance is strongly recommended.
Exam mode
The exam is conducted exclusively in oral form. Students are required to carry out a research project on a specific topic related to dinosaur paleobiology and prepare a PowerPoint presentation on the chosen subject. The presentation will serve as a starting point for broader questions covering the rest of the course content.
Lesson mode
The lectures will be held in a traditional classroom setting, using PowerPoint presentations and osteological and ichnological materials brought to class to allow direct contact with dinosaur fossils and their tracks.
  • Lesson code10612055
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CourseGeological Sciences
  • CurriculumSingle curriculum
  • Year3rd year
  • Semester1st semester
  • SSDGEO/01
  • CFU6