The focus of chapter 7 is a description of stromatolites in greater detail. Dr. Schopf also includes in this chapter the description of a small side excursion he took to a so-called "Marble Factory" in Mao's China.
There are relatively few points that the students need to concentrate on in this chapter:
- The first is the Dr. Schopf's discussion of compartmentalization of science: how a more thorough exchange of information between different branches of science might have led to an earlier understanding of stromatolites. While this example merely refers to our case (and I will not ask questions about this section), try to take in the big picture: it is very important and necessary that we do not restrict or limit ourselves to our field of work; we need to be able to see beyond it and to make connection between different fields. This is true not only in science, but in life in general.
- The next important point is the description of stromatolites and of the organisms that build them, the way they work, the way they grow. Make sure to understand and know this section in depth.
- A third point is the comparison between modern and ancient stromatolites. Among other things, you want to be able to outline the major differences (or similarities) between modern and ancient stromatolites, and know what their four basic shapes are.
- Study the discussion about the Volkswagen syndrome: did stromatolites themselves change over time? Also, did the organisms that build stromatolites evolve over time? This is an interesting discussion, particularly when integrated with Chapter 7 in your textbook, where evolution is introduced and discussed.
- What are stromatolites good for? Read the pleasant description of Dr. Schopf's side trip to the Marble Factory (no questions on his encounters there) but be sure to know why these "pretty stones" actually "say a lot" (expect a question on this).
One last note:
Images are often overlooked when studying for a quiz or a test. While that is never a good study technique, in this particular case I would strongly recommend that you spend a few extra minutes to look at
all of the color plates at the end of the chapter.
In particular, review plates 5 and 6 (even if they refer to chapter 6) but above all study plate 7 (which shows, in color, the different layers of a living stromatolite) and plate 8 (which shows polished slabs of stromatolitic limestones).
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