| Description |
xii, 592 pages : illustrations ; 28 cm |
| Contents |
Paleontology as a science[m3] -- Fossils in time and space -- Taphonomy and 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 -- Spiralians I -- Spiralians 2 -- Ecdysozoa -- Deuterostomes echinoderms and hemichordates -- Fishes and basal tetrapods -- Dinosaurs and mammals -- Fossil plants -- Trace fossils -- Diversification of life |
| Summary |
"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 covered, 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, and stratigraphy, and their roles in understanding where life came from and how it evolved and diversified." "This book will be essential reading for undergraduates studying paleontology or paleobiology in earth or biological science degree courses worldwide."--BOOK JACKET |
| Notes |
Formerly CIP. Uk |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references and index |
| Subject |
Evolutionary paleobiology.
|
|
Paleobiology.
|
|
Paleontology.
|
| Author |
Harper, D. A. T.
|
| LC no. |
2008015534 |
| ISBN |
9781405186469 hardback alkaline paper |
|
9781405141574 paperback alkaline paper |
|
