History of plants and natural environments

The EU approaches the history of plants, on the one hand diachronically, by studying each of the major geological periods (Paleozoic, Mesozoic, Cenozoic), and on the other hand, transversally, by delving into certain methods of studying paleoenvironments (macroflora, palynology, climate, geochemistry, biomechanics, etc.).

After an introductory CM, the CMs present, on the one hand, the history of plants by major geological period (CM2-3: Paleozoic; CM4-5: Mesozoic; CM6-8: Cenozoic) and, on the other hand, cross-disciplinary approaches (CM9-10: Isotopic geochemistry; CM11-12: Biomechanics).

The practical assignments illustrate examples of paleoenvironmental reconstruction based on the study of fossil records: PA1, Paleozoic macroflora (Graissessac); PA2-3, Early Pleistocene macroflora (Bernasso); TP4, Recent Pleistocene Pollen (La Gourre); TP5, Holocene Geochemistry.

- Be able to place the major stages of plant evolution in chronological order

- Understanding the paleoenvironments and paleoclimates of major geological periods

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