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Paleontology and Paleoecology Principles of Paleoecology
Fossils
Remains or traces of ancient life Bones, Teeth, Shells, Tracks, Trails Soft tissues – rare
Utility of Fossils
History of Life on Earth Evolution – appearances of new species Extinction – disappearances of species Framework for other events in Earth’s History Guide in exploring for fossil fuels Important clues to ancient environmental conditions
Principles of Paleoecology Organisms adapt to their environments Fossils provide clues to organism lifestyle Analogy to living relatives Functional Morphology Association with other fossils – similar preferences Type of substrate
Environmental Factors that Influence Distribution of Organisms Salinity Oxygenation Temperature Light Nutrients: – – –
Type Abundance Distribution
Agitation/Currents Clarity/Cloudiness of Water Substrate – preferences – Grain Size – firm/soft – Composition – Mobility/stability
Preferences/Lifestyles of Organisms Tell Us About Environmental Conditions Sessile organisms rely on currents to bring food Motile organisms can search for food in water or in/on sediment Distribution of food related to agitation/currents Therefore, related to oxygenation also
Ways to Feed Producer – Plants Primary Consumer – Herbivore Secondary Consumer – Carnivore Passive/semi-active – Filter feeding
Active Feeding – Swimming, crawling, scavenging, preying