Edited by
Pei-ji Chen, Nanjing Institute of Geology and Paleontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Yuan Wang, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology,
Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing
Yuan-qing Wang
Editor-in-Chief:
Mee-Mann Chang, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology,
Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing
Description
No other single volume reference to the Jehol site and its fossils exists and nowhere is there such a collection of fine photos of the
fossils concerned. This book has pieced together the most up-to-date information on the Jehol Biota, a place that has shown the world
some of the most astonishing fossil finds including the first complete skeleton of Archaeopteryx in 1861, four-winged dinosaurs- many
feathered ones, the first beaked bird, the first plants with flowers and fruits, and thousands of species of invertebrates. Authors shed
new light on a number of interesting theoretical issues in evolutionary biology today, such as the origin and early evolution of some
major taxonomic groups.
The first two chapters give an inviting introduction to the Jehol Biota in terms of its history of study,
its main components, its scientific importance, its geographical, geological and biostratigraphic framework, and its renowned fossil
discoveries. Each of the remaining chapters deals with a particular organismal group of the Biota written by leading experts. The book
is lavishly illustrated with nearly 280 illustrations, which include 200 photographs that show the diversity of the taxa and beauty of
their preservation. The colored life restorations, elegantly done by some of China's most celebrated scientific illustrators, give a
kiss of life to the dead bones. Although targeted primarily at an educated public, the book is also an invaluable source of information
for students and professionals in paleontology, geology, evolutionary biology and science education in general.
Audience:
Palaeontologists and Evolutionary Biologists at Research, Advanced Student and enthusiast layman levelsUniversity, college
and the better high school and public libraries
