In this class we will explore the study of evolution through one of the most incredible and diverse animal families in Earth's history--the dinosaurs! We'll start out by introducing big ideas for the class: natural selection, how to read a phylogenetic tree, and some of the ways that scientists try to figure out where different organisms fit on the tree of life. From there, we'll spend most of our class tracing the branches of the dinosaur phylogenetic tree, looking at what traits are shared among all the animals in each group, then learning about some of the members of the group to see how they diverge. Here is the breakdown by class:

Week 1--Introduction and Sauropodomorpha: We'll introduce the basic principals of evolution and phylogenetics then explore how scientists learn about relationships between organisms. Next we will look at the "big picture"--the dinosaur phylogenetic tree as a whole--and learn why it has been so controversial lately! Finally we'll jump in to explore our first group, the long-necked sauropod dinosaurs and their close relatives.

Week 2--Ornithiscia: We'll learn about the basal members of this large and diverse group of dinosaurs, and follow each of its three main branches: Ornithopoda, including Iguanodon and the "duck-billed" Hadrosaurs; Marginocephalia, which includes the beaked ceratopsians and the dome-headed pachycephalosaurs; and Thyreophora, including Stegosaurus and the armored ankylosaurs.

Week 3--Theropoda Part I: We'll talk about the origins of the only group of dinosaurs with living members, and look at some of the branches of their family tree, including Ceratosauria, which includes the fascinating Carnotaurus, and Megalosauroidea, whose most famous member is probably Spinosaurus.

Week 4--Theropoda Part II: We will wrap up by discussing the last two large groups of theropods, starting with Carnosauria, a group that includes apex predators of the Jurassic and Cretaceous like Allosaurus and Giganotosaurus. Finally, we will explore Coelurosauria, an incredibly diverse group that features many of the most famous dinosaurs, like Velociraptor and T. rex, along with  modern birds and their close cousins!

Prior knowledge of the basic idea of natural selection is helpful, but not required. I am so excited to start exploring with you!