Plate Tectonics, Geologic Time, and Evolution

Marion Public Library Session 1: Earth on the Move: Understanding Plate Tectonics - Nothing in Earth's history makes sense without moving continents; it tells us why mountains, volcanoes, minerals, and fossils are where they are. Dale examines the evidence for continental drift, why it was disbelieved, and explains how the more encompassing theory of plate tectonics was developed and eventually proven.Session 2: Understanding Geologic Time - The rocks in Marion County were formed 430 to 380 million years ago, during what geologists call the Silurian and Devonian Periods. Some of our favorite fossils, dinosaurs, appeared 225 million years ago in the Triassic Period and became extinct 66 million years ago at the end of the Cretaceous Period. Where did those period names come from, and how do we know how old they are? Find out in this class!Session 3: Understanding Evolution - In 1973, the famous biologist Theodosius Dobzhansky commented that nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution. This session explains how evolution happens and explores some of the many theological, legal, and scientific aspects of the theory, and shows why it is the best explanation for the diversity of life on this planet.Each 1.5hr course led by:Dale Gnidovec is the Collections Manager and Curator of OSU's Orton Geological Museum, where he takes care of over 90,000 specimens. He manages the exhibit hall and identifies rocks, minerals, fossils, bones, and teeth. He speaks to about 3,