ERTH 2401: Dinosaurs Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which characteristic distinguishes dinosaurs from marine reptiles?

Bipedal gait (correct)

Fully adapted to aquatic life

Tetrapod skeleton

Presence of scales

Which of the following groups is classified as marine reptiles?

Triceratops

Plesiosaurs (correct)

Sphenacodontia

Crocodiles

What feature is indicative of the tetrapod classification in dinosaurs?

Fully aquatic adaptations

Diminished limb structure

Presence of feathers only

Lower temporal fenestra (correct)

Which dinosaur is mentioned as a representative derived bird?

Passer domesticus Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic does not apply to dinosaurs?

Anatomically adapted to marine environments Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary objectives of the ERTH 2401 course?

To understand what defines a dinosaur Signup and view all the answers

Who is the instructor of the ERTH 2401 course?

Dr. Michael J Ryan Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following topics will NOT be covered in the ERTH 2401 course?

The evolution of mammals in the Mesozoic Signup and view all the answers

What is expected of students regarding academic accommodations?

To be familiar with the request process outlined in the syllabus Signup and view all the answers

What is the designated course textbook for ERTH 2401?

Dinosaurs, 4th Edition Signup and view all the answers

Which TA is assigned to students with the last names starting from Kb to Pa?

Derek Wilson Signup and view all the answers

Which area will the course NOT cover concerning dinosaurs?

Macroecology of birds Signup and view all the answers

What is required for students to understand about the geological time scale?

They need to know the key dates and periods Signup and view all the answers

What geological time period marks the beginning of complex animal life with the first protozoa?

Late Proterozoic Signup and view all the answers

During which period did the first fossil evidence of animals with bilateral symmetry appear?

Late Proterozoic Signup and view all the answers

Which geological period is known for the Cambrian explosion and the diversification of living things in the oceans?

Early Cambrian Signup and view all the answers

What development in the atmosphere around 600 million years ago allowed for the formation of an ozone layer?

Accumulation of oxygen Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following organisms includes arthropods such as trilobites and crustaceans that first appeared in the Early Cambrian?

Echinoderms Signup and view all the answers

What significant fossil site preserved the Burgess Shale fauna around 508 million years ago?

Burgess Shale Signup and view all the answers

What major characteristic defines phylum Chordata that distinguishes them from other animal phyla?

Notochord and dorsal nerve cord Signup and view all the answers

What era follows the Precambrian time known for the appearance of the first complex life forms?

Paleozoic Era Signup and view all the answers

What significant evolutionary development allowed reptiles to rapidly evolve during the Late Carboniferous period?

Amniote egg development Signup and view all the answers

What type of skull is characteristic of synapsids?

One opening in the skull Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary cause of the Carboniferous Rainforest Collapse?

Climate change from hot & humid to cool & arid Signup and view all the answers

Which group of plants began to radiate during the Permian period?

Early conifers, ginkos, and cycads Signup and view all the answers

What was the estimated impact of the Permian-Triassic extinction event?

Around 95% of marine species and 70% of land organisms became extinct Signup and view all the answers

What major geologic feature dominated the Earth during the Early Triassic?

Pangaea supercontinent Signup and view all the answers

Which reptiles thrived in the oceans during the Jurassic period?

Ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups of organisms first appeared during the Jurassic period?

Dinosaurs and birds Signup and view all the answers

Which group of dinosaurs was dominant in the Northern Hemisphere during the Late Cretaceous?

Tyrannosaurs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following dinosaurs went extinct at the Cretaceous/Paleogene Boundary?

Tyrannosaurus Signup and view all the answers

What significant geological event occurred during the Late Triassic period?

Formation of the supercontinent Pangaea Signup and view all the answers

During which time period did hadrosaurs and ceratopsians diversify significantly?

Late Cretaceous Signup and view all the answers

What was the climate condition during the Late Jurassic period?

Greenhouse conditions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Course Overview

Course ERTH 2401 focuses on dinosaurs, taught by Dr. Michael J. Ryan.
Course structure includes introductions, definitions, and a review of Earth's history.
Syllabus covers important dates for midterms, academic accommodations, and instructor contact methods.

Dinosaur Definition

Dinosaurs are defined as tetrapods, characterized by certain skeletal features, including a lower temporal fenestra.
They possess an amnion, have limbs positioned directly beneath their bodies, allowing a narrow gait.
Distinction made between dinosaurs and other life forms like marine reptiles (e.g., ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs) and pterosaurs.

Geological Time Scale

Key dates to remember in the Mesozoic include:
- 251.9 Ma: Beginning of Mesozoic Era.
- 201.3 Ma: Start of the Jurassic Period.
- 66.0 Ma: Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary, marking the extinction of all non-avian dinosaurs.

History of Life on Earth

Late Proterozoic (1000 - 541 Ma): First protozoa appear, leading to the evolution of animals by accumulating oxygen in the atmosphere.
Cambrian Explosion (541 - 509 Ma): Modern animal phyla appear, marking diversification in ocean life.
Late Carboniferous (323 - 299 Ma): Synapsids evolve into mammals; significant climate change leads to Carboniferous Rainforest Collapse.
Permian (299 - 251 Ma): Major land and marine extinctions due to the Permian-Triassic extinction event, affecting up to 95% of marine species.

Dinosaur Evolution

Early Triassic (~240 Ma): Life recovers post-Permian extinction; emergence of first reptiles.
Late Triassic (237 - 201 Ma): First theropod dinosaurs, including Coelophysis, and basal dinosaurs appear.
Jurassic (201 - 174 Ma): Birth of lizards and birds; dinosaurs become the dominant terrestrial vertebrates.
Late Cretaceous (100 - 66 Ma): Diversification of hadrosaurs and ceratopsians; rise of mosasaurs in marine environments.

Extinction Events

Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary (66.0 Ma): All non-avian dinosaurs are wiped out, leading to a significant shift in earth's biodiversity.

Teaching Assistants

TAs are assigned by last name initials, with contact information provided for course-related queries.
Each TA focuses on specific areas of study related to dinosaurs and ecosystems.

Key Concepts on Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs existed on all continents and adapted to various ecological niches.
Differentiation between dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures is crucial for understanding their unique evolutionary traits.

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts from ERTH 2401, focusing on dinosaurs' definitions, skeletal features, and their distinction from other reptiles. Additionally, it highlights essential dates in the geological time scale, particularly in the Mesozoic Era, and the history of life on Earth. Prepare to engage with critical information about these fascinating creatures.