280165 VO An Introduction into Palaeopathology (2006S)

It's the aim of this lecture to demonstrate the fascinating field of paleopathology, which is of great help in many respects, especially if paleobiology sensu Abel is in question. Beginning with a short introduction in the historical development of this field of work it is tried to give an overview on the pathologic changes, which can be found in nearly every group of fossils, starting with foraminifers up to plants and molluscs to vertebrates. A special focus is drawn on the vertebrates.
The methods are presented when it is necessary because of the needs of the different groups. If possible these methods are explained in a more detailed way in the course of the demonstrations. The last part of this lecture is dedicated to a little practical work to get a feeling for what's pathologic and what's not.