Introduction to Paleobiology and the Fossil Record
Home > Sciences & Environment > Earth sciences > Palaeontology > Introduction to Paleobiology and the Fossil Record
Introduction to Paleobiology and the Fossil Record

Introduction to Paleobiology and the Fossil Record


     0     
5
4
3
2
1



Available


X
About the Book

This 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. All the well-known fossil groups are included, including microfossils and invertebrates, but an important feature is the thorough coverage of plants, vertebrates and trace fossils together with discussion of the origins of both life and the metazoans. All key related subjects are introduced, such as systematics, ecology, evolution and development, stratigraphy and their roles in understanding where life came from and how it evolved and diversified. Unique features of the book are the numerous case studies from current research that lead students to the primary literature, analytical and mathematical explanations and tools, together with associated problem sets and practical schedules for instructors and students. “..any serious student of geology who does not pick this book off the shelf will be putting themselves at a huge disadvantage. The material may be complex, but the text is extremely accessible and well organized, and the book ought to be essential reading for palaeontologists at undergraduate, postgraduate and more advanced levels—both in Britain as well as in North America.” Falcon-Lang, H., Proc. Geol. Assoc. 2010 “…this is an excellent introduction to palaeontology in general. It is well structured, accessibly written and pleasantly informative …..I would recommend this as a standard reference text to all my students without hesitation.” David Norman Geol Mag 2010 Companion website This book includes a companion website at:  www.blackwellpublishing.com/paleobiology The website includes:  ·         An ongoing database of additional Practical’s prepared by the authors ·         Figures from the text for downloading ·         Useful links for each chapter ·         Updates from the authors

Table of Contents:
Preface. 1. Paleontology as a science. Paleontology in the modern world. Paleontology as a science. Steps to understanding. Fossils and evolution. Paleontology today. Review questions. References. Further reading. 2. Fossils in time and space. Frameworks. On the ground: lithostratigraphy. Use of fossils: discovery of biostratigraphy. Paleobiogeography. Fossils in fold belts. Review questions. References. Further reading. 3. Taphonomy and the quality of the fossil record. Fossil preservation. Quality of the fossil record. Review questions. References. Further reading. 4. Paleoecology and paleoclimates. Paleoecology. Paleoclimates. Review questions. References. Further reading. 5. Macroevolution and the tree of life. Evolution by natural selection. Evolution and the fossil record. The tree of life. Review questions. References. Further reading. 6. Fossil form and function. Growth and form. Evolution and development. Interpreting the function of fossils. Review questions. References. Further reading. 7. Mass extinctions and biodiversity loss. Mass extinctions. The “big five” mass extinction events. Extinction then and now. Review questions. References. Further reading. 8. The origin of life. The origin of life. Evidence for the origin of life. Life diversifies: eukaryotes. Review questions. References. Further reading. 9. Protists. Protista: introduction. Eukaryotes arrive center stage. Protozoa. Chromista. Review questions. References. Further reading. 10. Origin of the metazoans. Origins and classification. Four key faunas. Soft-bodied invertebrates. Review questions. References. Further reading. 11. The basal metazoans: sponges and corals. Porifera. Cnidaria. Review questions. References. Further reading. 12. Spiralians 1: lophophorates. Brachiopoda. Bryozoa. Review questions. Further reading. References. 13. Spiralians 2: mollusks. Mollusks: introduction. Early mollusks. Class Bivalvia. Class Gastropoda. Class Cephalopoda. Class Scaphopoda. Class Rostroconcha. Evolutionary trends within the Mollusca. Review questions. References. Further reading. 14. Ecdysozoa: arthropods. Arthropods: introduction. Early arthropod faunas. Subphylum Trilobitomorpha. Subphylum Chelicerata. Subphylum Myriapoda. Subphylum Hexapoda. Subphylum Crustacea. Review questions. References. Further reading. 15. Deuterostomes: echinoderms and hemichordates. Echinoderms. Hemichordates. Review questions. References. Further reading. 16. Fishes and basal tetrapods. Origin of the vertebrates. Jaws and fish evolution. Tetrapods. Reign of the reptiles. Review questions. References. Further reading. 17. Dinosaurs and mammals. Dinosaurs and their kin. Bird evolution. Rise of the mammals. The line to humans. Review questions. References. Further reading. 18. Fossil plants. Terrestrialization of plants. The great coal forests. Seed-bearing plants. Flowering plants. Review questions. References. Further reading. 19. Trace fossils. Understanding trace fossils. Trace fossils in sediments. Review questions. References. Further reading. 20. Diversification of life. The diversification of life. Trends and radiations. Ten major steps. Review questions. References. Further reading. Glossary. Appendix 1: Stratigraphic chart. Appendix 2: Paleogeographic maps. Index

About the Author :
Michael J. Benton is Professor of Vertebrate Palaeontology at the University of Bristol. He is interested particularly in early reptiles, Triassic dinosaurs and macroevolution, and has published 50 books and 160 scientific articles. David Harper is a leading expert on fossil brachiopods and numerical methods in palaeontology. He is Professor of Palaeontology in the University of Copenhagen, where he is currently Head of Geology in the Natural History Museum of Denmark. He has published over 10 books and monographs, including a couple of influential textbooks, as well as over 250 scientific articles and, together with Øyvind Hammer, the widely-used software package PAST. His time is divided between collection management, exhibition work, research and some teaching.

Review :
"The shear scope of the book is a marvel. The easily accessible English which has been employed by the authors makes this book a sure-fire hit for anyone with a basic grasp of palaeontology and who needs to acquire an authoritative overview of the seemingly disparate parts of the subject. Introduction to Paleobiology and the Fossil Records is therefore perfect for undergraduate and postgraduate students of palaeontology; however, it will also endear it to anybody with a palaeontological background or interest. It is an outstanding contribution and in my opinion a must for all." (Geological Journal, August 2010) "This book provides an excellent introduction to the study of paleobiology for advanced students in paleontology, evolutionary biology, and related fields." (CHOICE, February 2009) “..any serious student of geology who does not pick this book off the shelf will be putting themselves at a huge disadvantage. The material may be complex, but the text is extremely accessible and well organized, and the book ought to be essential reading for palaeontologists at undergraduate, postgraduate and more advanced levels­both in Britain as well as in North America.” (Proceedings of the Geologists' Association, 2010) “…this is an excellent introduction to palaeontology in general. It is well structured, accessibly written and pleasantly informative …..I would recommend this as a standard reference text to all my students without hesitation.” (Geological Magazine, 2010) "This is the best paleontology textbook on the market today. It is a sure bet to set young students on the right path, and provides the 'long' answer to the question 'What should I study?'" (The Quarterly Review of Biology, March 2010) "This undergraduate level college textbook presents a comprehensive overview into the science of paleobiology, and the many analytical tools and latest techniques used to interpret the fossil record." (The Birdbooker Report, February 2009) "This book gives a competent, comprehensive and easy readable overview of all aspects of palaeontology and palaeobiology, which can be highly recommend to all, who are interested in the record of life from the beginning." (Geological Survey of Austria, December 2008)


Best Sellers


Product Details
  • ISBN-13: 9781405141574
  • Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd
  • Publisher Imprint: Wiley-Blackwell
  • Height: 274 mm
  • No of Pages: 604
  • Weight: 1610 gr
  • ISBN-10: 1405141573
  • Publisher Date: 16 Jan 2009
  • Binding: Paperback
  • Language: English
  • Spine Width: 31 mm
  • Width: 216 mm


Similar Products

Add Photo
Add Photo

Customer Reviews

REVIEWS      0     
Click Here To Be The First to Review this Product
Introduction to Paleobiology and the Fossil Record
John Wiley and Sons Ltd -
Introduction to Paleobiology and the Fossil Record
Writing guidlines
We want to publish your review, so please:
  • keep your review on the product. Review's that defame author's character will be rejected.
  • Keep your review focused on the product.
  • Avoid writing about customer service. contact us instead if you have issue requiring immediate attention.
  • Refrain from mentioning competitors or the specific price you paid for the product.
  • Do not include any personally identifiable information, such as full names.

Introduction to Paleobiology and the Fossil Record

Required fields are marked with *

Review Title*
Review
    Add Photo Add up to 6 photos
    Would you recommend this product to a friend?
    Tag this Book Read more
    Does your review contain spoilers?
    What type of reader best describes you?
    I agree to the terms & conditions
    You may receive emails regarding this submission. Any emails will include the ability to opt-out of future communications.

    CUSTOMER RATINGS AND REVIEWS AND QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS TERMS OF USE

    These Terms of Use govern your conduct associated with the Customer Ratings and Reviews and/or Questions and Answers service offered by Bookswagon (the "CRR Service").


    By submitting any content to Bookswagon, you guarantee that:
    • You are the sole author and owner of the intellectual property rights in the content;
    • All "moral rights" that you may have in such content have been voluntarily waived by you;
    • All content that you post is accurate;
    • You are at least 13 years old;
    • Use of the content you supply does not violate these Terms of Use and will not cause injury to any person or entity.
    You further agree that you may not submit any content:
    • That is known by you to be false, inaccurate or misleading;
    • That infringes any third party's copyright, patent, trademark, trade secret or other proprietary rights or rights of publicity or privacy;
    • That violates any law, statute, ordinance or regulation (including, but not limited to, those governing, consumer protection, unfair competition, anti-discrimination or false advertising);
    • That is, or may reasonably be considered to be, defamatory, libelous, hateful, racially or religiously biased or offensive, unlawfully threatening or unlawfully harassing to any individual, partnership or corporation;
    • For which you were compensated or granted any consideration by any unapproved third party;
    • That includes any information that references other websites, addresses, email addresses, contact information or phone numbers;
    • That contains any computer viruses, worms or other potentially damaging computer programs or files.
    You agree to indemnify and hold Bookswagon (and its officers, directors, agents, subsidiaries, joint ventures, employees and third-party service providers, including but not limited to Bazaarvoice, Inc.), harmless from all claims, demands, and damages (actual and consequential) of every kind and nature, known and unknown including reasonable attorneys' fees, arising out of a breach of your representations and warranties set forth above, or your violation of any law or the rights of a third party.


    For any content that you submit, you grant Bookswagon a perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free, transferable right and license to use, copy, modify, delete in its entirety, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from and/or sell, transfer, and/or distribute such content and/or incorporate such content into any form, medium or technology throughout the world without compensation to you. Additionally,  Bookswagon may transfer or share any personal information that you submit with its third-party service providers, including but not limited to Bazaarvoice, Inc. in accordance with  Privacy Policy


    All content that you submit may be used at Bookswagon's sole discretion. Bookswagon reserves the right to change, condense, withhold publication, remove or delete any content on Bookswagon's website that Bookswagon deems, in its sole discretion, to violate the content guidelines or any other provision of these Terms of Use.  Bookswagon does not guarantee that you will have any recourse through Bookswagon to edit or delete any content you have submitted. Ratings and written comments are generally posted within two to four business days. However, Bookswagon reserves the right to remove or to refuse to post any submission to the extent authorized by law. You acknowledge that you, not Bookswagon, are responsible for the contents of your submission. None of the content that you submit shall be subject to any obligation of confidence on the part of Bookswagon, its agents, subsidiaries, affiliates, partners or third party service providers (including but not limited to Bazaarvoice, Inc.)and their respective directors, officers and employees.

    Accept

    New Arrivals


    Inspired by your browsing history


    Your review has been submitted!

    You've already reviewed this product!