„The shear scope of the book is a marvel. The easily accessibleEnglish which has been employed by the authors makes this book asure-fire hit for anyone with a basic grasp of palaeontology andwho needs to acquire an authoritative overview of the seeminglydisparate parts of the subject. Introduction to Paleobiology andthe Fossil Records is therefore perfect for undergraduate andpostgraduate students of palaeontology; however, it will alsoendear it to anybody with a palaeontological background orinterest. It is an outstanding contribution and in my opinion amust for all.“ (Geological Journal, August 2010)
„This book provides an excellent introduction to the study ofpaleobiology for advanced students in paleontology, evolutionarybiology, and related fields.“ (CHOICE, February 2009)
„.. any serious student of geology who does not pick thisbook off the shelf will be putting themselves at a hugedisadvantage. The material may be complex, but the text isextremely accessible and well organized, and the book ought to beessential reading for palaeontologists at undergraduate, postgraduate and more advanced levels-both in Britain as wellas in North America.“ (Proceedings of the Geologists'Association, 2010)
„... this is an excellent introduction to palaeontology ingeneral. It is well structured, accessibly written and pleasantlyinformative ..... I would recommend this as a standard referencetext to all my students without hesitation.“ (GeologicalMagazine, 2010)
"This is the best paleontology textbook on the market today. Itis a sure bet to set young students on the right path, and providesthe 'long' answer to the question 'What should I study?'„ (TheQuarterly Review of Biology, March 2010)
“This undergraduate level college textbook presents acomprehensive overview into the science of paleobiology, and themany analytical tools and latest techniques used to interpret thefossil record.„ (The Birdbooker Report, February 2009)
“This book gives a competent, comprehensive and easy readableoverview of all aspects of palaeontology and palaeobiology, whichcan be highly recommend to all, who are interested in the record oflife from the beginning." (Geological Survey of Austria, December 2008)
All the well-known fossil groups are included, includingmicrofossils and invertebrates, but an important feature is thethorough coverage of plants, vertebrates and trace fossils togetherwith discussion of the origins of both life and the metazoans. Allkey related subjects are introduced, such as systematics, ecology, evolution and development, stratigraphy and their roles inunderstanding where life came from and how it evolved anddiversified.
Unique features of the book are the numerous case studies fromcurrent research that lead students to the primary literature, analytical and mathematical explanations and tools, together withassociated problem sets and practical schedules for instructors andstudents.
„.. any serious student of geology who does not pick thisbook off the shelf will be putting themselves at a hugedisadvantage. The material may be complex, but the text isextremely accessible and well organized, and the book ought to beessential reading for palaeontologists at undergraduate, postgraduate and more advanced levels--both in Britain as wellas in North America.“ Falcon-Lang, H., Proc. Geol. Assoc. 2010
„... this is an excellent introduction to palaeontologyin general. It is well structured, accessibly written andpleasantly informative ..... I would recommend this as astandard reference text to all my students withouthesitation.“ David Norman Geol Mag 2010
Companion website
This book includes a companion website at:
www. blackwellpublishing. com/paleobiology
The website includes:
· Anongoing database of additional Practical's prepared bythe authors
· Figuresfrom the text for downloading
· Usefullinks for each chapter
· Updatesfrom the authors
