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Evolution of Fossil Ecosystems

By
  • Paul Selden, Distinguished Professor of Invertebrate Palaeontology and Director, Palaeontological Institute, University of Kansas, USA
  • John Nudds, Senior Lecturer in Palaeontology, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Environmental Studies, University of Manchester, UK

The first edition of Evolution of Fossil Ecosystems was widely praised for its coverage and approach in describing and illustrating 14 well-known fossil sites from around the world. The authors have now updated the text and added 6 new chapters with many new color illustrations. Following a general introduction to fossil Lagerstätten, each chapter deals with a single site and follows the same format: its evolutionary position and significance; its background sedimentology, stratigraphy and palaeoenvironment; a description of the biota and palaeoecology; a comparison with other similar Lagerstätten; and a list of relevant museums and suggestions for visiting the sites. This study of exceptionally well-preserved fossil sites from different periods in geological time provides a picture of the evolution of ecosystems through the ages.

Audience
Highly cross-disciplinary and has appeal for UG/grad students and professionals in palaeontology / palaeobiology, evolution, sedimentology, stratigraphy, earth sciences, biological sciences and environmental sciences.

Paperback, 288 Pages

Published: September 2012

Imprint: Academic Press

ISBN: 978-0-12-404629-0

Reviews

  • Praise for the first edition:

    "Excellent book... It’s just the job for students and teachers, and the general fossil enthusiast will get a lot from this guide to some of the world’s best fossil sites."
    New Scientist

    "There is a good balance between illustrations and critical, informative text... highly recommended."
    Geoscientist

    "It deserves to be a cornerstone text in undergraduate teaching... buy this book."
    The Systematist

    "... it is much more than a pictorial guide to fossils, yet really does have the ‘wow look at that’ factor."
    Palaeontological Newsletter


Contents

  • Introduction

    1. Ediacara
    2. Burgess Shale
    3. Chengjiang
    4. Soom Shale
    5. Herefordshire Nodules
    6. Hunsruck Slate
    7. Rhynie Chert
    8. Mazon Creek
    9. Karoo
    10. Grès à Voltzia
    11. Holzmaden Shale
    12. Morrison Formation
    13. Solnhofen Limestone
    14. Jehol Group
    15. El Montsec and Las Hoyas
    16. Santana and Crato Formations
    17. Grube Messel
    18. White River Group
    19. Baltic Amber
    20. Rancho La Brea

    Appendix 1 - Further reading
    Appendix 2 - Museums and site visits
    Index

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