History of Plants and Natural Environments

The course approaches the history of plants, on the one hand, diachronically, by studying each of the major geological periods (Paleozoic, Mesozoic, Cenozoic), and second, in a cross-disciplinary manner, by delving into certain methods for studying paleoenvironments (macroflora, palynology, climate, geochemistry, biomechanics, etc.).

Following an introductory lecture, the lectures cover, on the one hand, the history of plants by major geological period (Lectures 2–3: Paleozoic; Lectures 4–5: Mesozoic; Lectures 6–8: Cenozoic) and, on the other hand, interdisciplinary approaches (Lectures 9–10: Isotopic geochemistry; CM11–12: Biomechanics).

The lab sessions illustrate examples of paleoenvironmental reconstruction based on the study of fossil records: Lab 1, Paleozoic Macroflora (Graissessac); Labs 2–3, Early Pleistocene Macroflora (Bernasso); Lab 4, Recent Pleistocene Pollen (La Gourre); Lab 5, Holocene Geochemistry.

- Be able to place the major stages of plant evolution in their proper historical context

- Understand the paleoenvironments and paleoclimates of the major geological periods

- Have a basic understanding of the main methods used to study the history of plants and paleoenvironments