Michael J. Benton

David A. T. Harper

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. New to this edition The text and figures have been updated throughout to reflect current opinion on all aspects New case studies illustrate the chapters, drawn from a broad distribution internationally Chapters on Macroevolution, Form and Function, Mass extinctions, Origin of Life, and Origin of Metazoans have been entirely rewritten to reflect substantial advances in these topics There is a new focus on careers in paleobiology

Introduction to Paleobiology and the Fossil Record

Maria Liljeroth

Hilary Carlisle

Arne T. Nielsen

Palaeobiogeography of the Leinster Terrane

Ordovician rhynchonelliformean brachiopods from Co. Waterford, SE Ireland

Michael Benton

This book presents a comprehensive overview of the science of thehistory of life. Paleobiologists bring many analytical tools tobear in interpreting the fossil record and the book introduces thelatest techniques, from multivariate investigations of biogeographyand biostratigraphy to engineering analysis of dinosaur skulls, andfrom homeobox genes to cladistics. 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: ahref="http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/paleobiology"www.blackwellpublishing.com/paleobiology/a The website includes: · Anongoing database of additional Practical’s prepared bythe authors · Figuresfrom the text for downloading · Usefullinks for each chapter · Updatesfrom the authors

David A. T. Harper

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