The “Introduction to Paleobiology and the Fossil Record” book presents a comprehensive overview of the science of the history of life. Paleobiologists bring many analytical tools to bear in interpreting the fossil record and the book introduces the latest techniques, from multivariate investigations of biogeography and biostratigraphy to engineering analysis of dinosaur skulls, and from homeobox genes to cladistics.
This book covers all major fossil groups, including microfossils and invertebrates. Notably, it extensively addresses plants, vertebrates, and trace fossils, exploring life’s origins and the emergence of metazoans.
The “Introduction to Paleobiology and the Fossil Record” book introduces essential topics like systematics, ecology, evolution, development, stratigraphy, and their roles in uncovering the origins and diversification of life.
The “Introduction to Paleobiology and the Fossil Record” book stands out due to its unique features. Notably, it includes numerous case studies from current research, providing a bridge to primary literature. Additionally, it offers analytical and mathematical explanations, along with tools, problem sets, and practical schedules for instructors and students. Consequently, any dedicated geology student who overlooks this book will undoubtedly place themselves at a significant disadvantage.
“Although the content can be intricate, the book’s accessibility and excellent organization make it a must-read for paleontologists at various levels, from undergraduates to advanced scholars, in both the UK and North America.” – Falcon-Lang, H., Proc. Geol. Assoc. 2010
Contents
- Full contents
- Preface
- Paleontology as a science
- Fossils in time and space
- Taphonomy and the quality of the fossil record
- Paleoecology and paleoclimates
- Macroevolution and the tree of life
- Fossil form and function
- Mass extinctions and biodiversity loss
- The origin of life
- Protists
- Origin of the metazoans
- The basal metazoans: sponges and corals
- Spiralians 1: lophophorates
- Spiralians 2: mollusks
- Ecdysozoa: arthropods
- Deuterostomes: echinoderms and hemichordates
- Fishes and basal tetrapods
- Dinosaurs and mammals
- Fossil plants
- Trace fossils
- Diversifi cation of life
- Glossary
- Appendix 1: Stratigraphic chart
- Appendix 2: Paleogeographic maps
- Index