Geology

[equalsmcsquared.livejournal.com]

*There may be a spring in Ms. Sidle's step. There may not be. And it could be due to the excellent coffee she is sharing with the class.*

Good morning. I know this weekend wasn't the most pleasant some of us have ever had. If any of you would like to speak to me in private, we can do so. Also, please note that I am cancelling Wednesday's class for the Thanksgiving holidays.

Today, we will be discussing the processes of fossilization. I would like a brief report on this subject when you return next Monday.

The fossil record is imperfect. The fossil record is also our best window on the history of life on this planet. What happens when your best is less than ideal? You have to work that much harder to derive useful information. Consequently, paleontology, as with just about everything else associated with the sciences of evolutionary biology, is not easy to do.

There are a number of basic principles which go a long way toward understanding interpretation of the fossil record. One is to understand just how fossilization occurs. Another is to be familiar with the various strategies for dating fossils. Of course, it also helps if you are an expert on the anatomy of those parts of organisms which tend to fossilize. Obviously you will not be held responsible here for this latter consideration. The object of this lecture is to familiarize you with the concepts of fossils and fossilization.

To understand how it is that the history of life is thought to be understood, you have to understand fossils. In this lecture we will introduce the concept of fossilization, the dating of fossils, and dwell upon why it is that the fossil record is not perfect.

Comments

[leeadama.livejournal.com]

Lee takes rather terrible notes as he's preoccupied with thoughts of his upcoming trip home, but he at least attempts at looking studious.

[sensethevisions]

Phoebe signs in and takes her seat. She is bundled up and is obviously still very sick.

[equalsmcsquared.livejournal.com]

Phoebe, you may leave if you aren't feeling well. *Ms. Sidle is concerned.*

[sensethevisions]

Phoebe nods and stands up. "Thank you, Ms. Sidle. I'll see if Angela or Piper can bring my homework later? I'm sorry."

[equalsmcsquared.livejournal.com]

The only homework is to write a brief report on the fossilization process. *She hands her the appropriate handouts.* Go--feel better. *A gentle smile.*

[sensethevisions]

Phoebe takes the handouts and smiles another thanks at Sara before returning to her dorm.

[aroseintime.livejournal.com]

Rose signs in and listens to the lecture.

[pure-blooddraco.livejournal.com]

Draco signs in and listens to the lecture. His weekend wasn't the best but he had the feeling Ms. Sidle probably wasn't the right person to talk to.

[chasingangela]

Angela signs in to listen to the lecture. She is clearly concerned by Phoebe's apparent illness.

[sensethevisions]

As she's leaving class, Phoebe squeezes Angela's hand gently. "Come talk to me when you have a chance? I'll be in my dorm."

[chasingangela]

Angela squeezes Phoebe's hand back. "No problem -- I'll stop by after class."

[sensethevisions]

"Thank you, Angela."

[12parseckessel.livejournal.com]

Han signs in and takes his usual excellent notes.

[alchemic-bean.livejournal.com]

Edward signs in, tired but still present. He takes his notes but keeps staring out the window, looking distracted.

[conathon.livejournal.com]

Sawyer signs in and takes notes in slightly unlegiable font.

[miss-thomasina.livejournal.com]

Thomasina signs her name to the class roster and takes her usual seat. She is quite interested in this lecture - certainly moreso than usual.