Cambrian Explosion - More Like Precambrian Explosion and Cambrian Skeletonization

This course explores the concept of the Cambrian Explosion and challenges the traditional understanding of it as a sudden burst of life. By examining the evolution of animals before and during the Cambrian period, the course delves into the factors contributing to increased diversity, complexity, and skeletonization in early Earth's fauna. The learning outcomes include understanding the differences between Ediacaran and Cambrian fauna, exploring the causes of the Cambrian Explosion, and analyzing the impact of increased oxygen concentrations and other environmental factors on the evolution of benthic animals. The course teaches critical thinking skills, data analysis, and scientific reasoning through a lecture-based teaching method. It is designed for individuals interested in paleontology, evolutionary biology, geology, or environmental science.