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Micropalaeontology and Molecular Palaeontology
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:22
Abstract
The course provides an introduction to the key micropaleontological and molecular fossils from marine and terrestrial niches, and the use of these fossils for reconstructing environmental and evolutionary changes.
Objective
After finishing the lecture, the students know the key micropaleontological and molecular fossils from marine and terrestrial niches, and can use them in a multiproxy approach for reconstructing environmental and evolutionary changes. The course will include laboratory exercises with microscopy training where planktonic foraminifera and calcareous nannoliths will be identified. The water column structure and productivity with be reconstructed using the n-ratio. Major calcareous nannofossils for Mesozoic-cenozoic biostratigraphy will be identified. The course will further include laboratory exercises on molecular markers including alkenones and GDGTs for primary productivity and temperature reconstruction, and terrestrial leaf wax concentrations for vegetation structure and river input, using GC-FID and LC-MS
Content
Micropaleontology and Molecular paleontology 1. Introduction to the domains of life and molecular and mineral fossils. Genomic classifications of domains of life. Biosynthesis of molecular fossils their preservation or degradation. Biomineralization of mineral fossils and preservation or dissolution. Review of stable isotopes in biosynthesis. 2. The planktic niche – primary producers. Resources and challenges of primary production in the marine photic zone – light supply, nutrient supply, water column structure and niche partitioning. Ecological strategies and specialization, bloom succession, diversity and size gradients in the modern ocean. Introduction to the principal mineralizing phytoplankton clades; diatoms, coccolithophores, dinoflagellates, as well as cyanobacteria. Molecular markers including alkenones and sterols, highly branched isoprenoid lipids, pigments. Application of fossils and markers as environmental proxies. Long term evolutionary evidence for speciation, radiations, and extinctions based on microfossils and biomarkers; evolution of size trends in phytoplankton over the Cenozoic, geochemical evidence for evolution of carbon concentrating mechanisms. Introduction to nannofossil biostratigraphy. 3. The planktic niche – heterotrophy from bacteria to zooplankton. Resources and challenges of planktic heterotrophy – food supply, oxygen availability, seasonal cycles, seasonal and vertical niche partitioning. Introduction to principal mineralizing zooplankton and planktic foraminifera: ecological strategies and specialization, succession, diversity and size gradients in the modern ocean. Morphometry and adaptations for symbiont hosting. Molecular records such as isorenieratene and Crenarcheota GDGT; the debate of TEX86 temperature production. Long term evolutionary evidence for speciation, radiations, and extinctions based on microfossils; evolution of size and form, basic biostratigraphy. 4. The benthic niche. Resources and challenges of benthic heterotrophy – food supply, oxygen, turbulence and substrate. Principal mineralizing benthic organisms – benthic foraminifera and ostracods. Benthic habitat gradients (infaunal and epifaunal; shallow to deep margin) and the microbial redox ladder in sediments are covered. Applications of benthic communities for sea level reconstructions. Relationship to deep oxygen level and productivity. 5. Terrestrial dry niches -soils and vegetation. Resources and challenges - impacts of temperature, humidity, CO2 and soil moisture on terrestrial vegetation and microbial reaction and turnover. Introduction to molecular markers for soil pH, humidity, lignin proxies for plant types and leaf wax isotopes for reconstructing dominant carbon fixation pathways of plants (C3-C4) and hydrology. Long term evolution of C4 carbon fixation pathway, markers for angiosperm and gymnosperm evolution.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Lecture slides will be made available in the course Moodle before the lecture.
Literature
For each lecture, key references from primary literature will be provided as pdf on the course Moodle.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Micropalaeontology and Molecular Palaeontology |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Major: Geology and Geophysics (Advisors of the major in Geology and Geophysics are Dr. Vincenzo Picotti (Geology) and Dr. Andrea Zunino (Geophysics).)
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Electives (Additional courses can be chosen from the complete offerings of the ETH Zurich and University of Zurich. The following elective courses are strongly recommended for students interested in the "Space Systems" focus: - 701-0106-00L Mathematik V: Angewandte Vertiefung von Mathematik I - III)
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Restricted Choice Modules Geology (A minimum of two restricted choice modules must be completed for the major Geology.)
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Restricted Choice Modules Mineralogy and Geochemistry (A minimum of two restricted choice modules must be completed in the major Mineralogy and Geochemistry.)
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