Introduction to Paleobiology - Monday, 1st Period

[anomaly_research_nerd]

Connor was in front of the class, notes in hand. There was a particular smile on his face as he got ready for class as he had just started a class on paleobiology for his university studies. So, he had been really digging into the research and all and was excited to get into the meat of paleobiology with the class. When it was time he cleared his throat and started.

“To start off our exploration of paleobiology we are going to focus on the field of paleobotany today. Paleobotany applies the principles and methods of paleobiology to flora, especially green land plants, but also includes fungi, algae, seaweed, and other micro as well as macro plants. It also deals with the recovery and identification of plant remains from geological contexts, and their use for the biological reconstruction of past environments, and the evolutionary history of plants, with a bearing upon the evolution of life in general. When archeologists, paleontologists, and even modern-day scientists look at the remains of plants, we can learn a lot about distant and not-so-distant histories of the earth. Fossilized tree rings can give clues about droughts, rainy seasons, and even volcanic activity. The appearance and disappearance of certain pants from the fossil record can give us information about the evolution of plant life and a look at extinction events in the past.” Connor smiled as he looked over at Cutter and nodded so he could continue with anything he wanted to add.

Cutter smiled at Connor as he continued the lecture, “Paleobotany has become important to the field of archaeology with the use of Phytoliths in relative dating,” he explained, “this is a microscopic structure made of silica that can be found in some plant tissues and these persist even after a plant has been decayed and it is through this that this can help archaeologists reconstruct the plant at the site. Phytoliths can provide evidence of both economically important plants and those that are indicative of the environment at a particular time period. Today, we’re going to be looking at some slides of preserved pollen fossils to help get an idea of what it is like to study plant fossils on the smallest of scales," he added before he looked back to Connor for him to continue the rest of the class.

Connor nodded and finished up the class as he passed around the papers to go along with the class activity. “If you have any questions or need help with anything, Professor Cutter and I will be around. We will also be around after class if anyone wishes to discuss anything.” With that, he went back behind the desk while the class got started.

Comments

Re: Class Acivity

[mess_and_i_are_friends]

"Liliana, good to see you bright and early this morning!" Humphrey said from where he was situated just across the way from her. His voice was all too chipper and his smile was all too bright for such an early hour.

Re: Class Acivity

[deathsmajesty]

Liliana raised her head up at him and leveled him a glare that, had she put mana into it, might have sent him to the graveyard early. "No."

Mornings were not for this level of energy, Humphrey. Especially mornings without skeletons.

Re: Class Acivity

[mess_and_i_are_friends]

"No? Oh... ummm right... right.... mornings" Humphrey said lowering his voice and giving an apologetic nod. He often forgot that most people weren't early risers like him. (Humphrey, most people weren't like you in most ways!) "Sorry," he said giving another apologetic nod toward Liliana.

Re: Class Acivity

[deathsmajesty]

Liliana had had enough enthusiasm for one (1) medium-energy interaction this morning and that was to ask about extinction events. She was done and required now a nap of at least three (3) hours before anything more were possible.

"Why am I not at all surprised you're a morning person?" she asked. Her tone did not suggest this was a compliment.

Re: Class Acivity

[mess_and_i_are_friends]

Humphrey was good at the details. Social cues not so much. But he read that tone loud and clear and he sat quietly, making a mental note to bring coffee or a peace offering of some sort for Liliana next class.

Re: Class Acivity

[deathsmajesty]

See, though? He was educable and that was important. She continued her glare for another few moments and then let it go, going back to her microscope while grumbling to herself. Ignis, Steve Rogers, Gladio, and Humphrey might all be mentioned, in various accusatory tones.