Palaeontology Books

Book SynopsisPresents an overview of dinosaur discoveries in Mexico that synthesizes information about the geography and environment of the region during the Mesozoic when it was the western margin of the ancient continent of Pangea. This book summarizes research on various groups, including turtles, lepidosauromorphs, pleisosaurs, crocodyliforms, pterosaurs.Trade ReviewDinosaurs and Other Reptiles from the Mesozoic of Mexico is an up-to-date, informative volume on an area that has not been comprehensively described until now. * Birdbooker Report *I would suggest Dinosaurs and Other Reptiles from the Mesozoic of Mexico to those who are interested in Mesozoic paleontology. The layout, content, and chapter lengths flow well making this book easy to read and the material easy to absorb. * Priscum *[This book] is richly illustrated with photographs and diagrams, and includes a color signature that attempts to re-create some of the animals discussed. . . . Recommended. * Choice *Table of ContentsContributorsAcknowledgmentsPreface1. History of the Discoveries of Dinosaurs and Mesozoic Reptiles in Mexico Jose Ruben Guzman-Gutierrez and Héctor E. Rivera-Sylva2. Paleogeography and Paleoenvironment of Mexico during the Mesozoic Wolfgang Stinnesbeck and Eberhard Frey 3. Turtles of the Mesozoic of México Donald Brinkman4. Mesozoic Lepidosauromorphs of Mexico: A Review and Discussion of Taxonomic Assignments Víctor Hugo Reynoso and J. Alberto Cruz5. Plesiosaurs, Reptiles between Grace and Awe Eberhard Frey and Wolfgang Stinnesbeck6. Mexican Ichthyosaurs Eberhard Frey and Wolfgang Stinnesbeck7. Overview of Mesozoic Crocodyliforms from Mexico Gerardo Carbot-Chanona8. Mexican Pterosaurs—Rare Jewels in the Fossil Record Eberhard Frey and Wolfgang Stinnesbeck 9. Mexican Saurischian Dinosaurs Héctor E. Rivera-Sylva and Kenneth Carpenter10. The Ornithischian Dinosaurs of Mexico Héctor E. Rivera-Sylva and Kenneth Carpenter11. A Summary of the Mesozoic Vertebrate Tracks of Mexico Victor Manuel Bravo Cuevas and Rubén Rodríguez de la Rosa 12. The Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) Boundary in Mexico Wolfgang Stinnesbeck and Eberhard FreyIndex

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Book SynopsisDuring the Early Cretaceous, lakes, meandering streams, and flood plains covered the region where the current foothills of Rioja now exist. This book provides a synthesis of that research in English. It offers descriptions of sites, footprints, and trackways, and explains what these prints and tracks can tell us about the animals who made them.Trade ReviewFelix Perez-Lorente has to be congratulated for sharing his career-long experience in a book that will be the reference for La Rioja and that will undoubtedly serve for the study of tracksites around the world. It is a worthy read for anyone interested in - or fascinated by - these exceptional inchological wonders and the animals that made them. * Geobios *Table of Contents1. La Rioja Footprints2. Ichnology3. The Tracksites 4. Conservation of the Tracksites5. SummaryReferencesIndex

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"There is a South American lost world waiting to be explored, one which allows at least indirect glimpses of living dinosaurs. It comprises the Rio do Peixe Basins of northeastern Brazil, which preserve one of the world's great assemblages of fossil footprints and trackways of dinosaurs and other Mesozoic land animals. Such trace fossils hold a special fascination for paleontologists like myself who so desperately want to know what living dinosaurs were like, because they record moments in the lives of the long-dead animals, revealing how they moved and interacted with each other. Leonardi and Carvalho will be our guides, leading us through the lost world of the Rio do Peixe Basins. We will see many wonders: the traces made by dinosaurs and other long-dead animals with our physical eye, and in our mind's eye the fearfully great reptiles themselves. Prepare yourself for a scientific adventure!"—James O. Farlow, author of Noah's Ravens: Interpreting the Makers of Tridactyl Dinosaur Footprints"This is an incredibly comprehensive, detailed, look at the dinosaur tracks discovered from Brazil. Leonardi and Carvalho draw on their decades of experience to methodically describe the tracks and tracksites from the country. Tracksites and specimens are systematically detailed with numerous photos, drawings, and reconstructions, and are placed in their wider geological and palaeobiological context. The authors are able to discuss dinosaur footprints that might have been first documented decades ago, while remaining cognizant of the most recent advances in dinosaur ichnology. The result is a volume that will form the basis of much future research, providing data and prompting new hypotheses."—Peter L. Falkingham, Liverpool John Moores University"When it comes to paleobiology, no fossil brings you closer to the organism than its tracks—those muddy marks of Cretaceous dinosaurs standing, striding, plodding, and even running amount to a rich record of ecosystems brought lovingly detailed by Leonardi and Carvalho. Dinosaur Tracks from Brazil lovingly combines all the detailed context that a specialist craves with beautiful artwork that brings the Brazilian dinosaurs to life."—Andrew B. Heckert, Appalachian State UniversityTable of ContentsForeword, by James O. FarlowAcknowledgments1. Introduction2. Methods3. Geological Context of the Footprints4. The Ichnofaunas of the Rio do Peixe Basins and Their Trackmakers5. Data Tables and Statistics6. The Trackmakers of the Ichnofaunas of the Rio do Peixe Basins7. Behavior of the Rio do Peixe Basins Dinosaurs8. The Dinosaur Community9. Invertebrate Trails and Traces10. Localities Visited Without Vertebrate Ichnological Results11. Protections ActsFarewellReferencesAppendix A: Glossary of Brazilian Geographical Names and TermsAppendix B: Dates of the Discovery of the Tracksites and Their DiscoverersAppendix C: Codes and LocalitiesIndex

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Book SynopsisDiscoveries of ancient vertebrates are eroding the traditionally recognized differences between the principal groups of vertebrates and radically changing our understanding of the evolutionary history of the major group of animals to which our species belongs. This book describes this changing scientific landscape.Trade ReviewMajor transitions present some of the most fascinating, and least understood, problems in the history of vertebrates. Indeed, some biologists have devoted their careers to understanding the origins of birds from theropod dinosaurs and the transition from aquatic vertebrates to tetrapods. This edited volume offers updates on several landmark transitions in the evolution of vertebrates by an outstanding lineup of authors. The editors' introduction to the volume hints at some evolutionary developmental biology ("evo-devo") content but, with the possible exception of one of the ten chapters, this book is decidedly aimed at paleontologists. The volume begins with a thorough and lavishly cited review of vertebrate skeletal tissue types, and subsequent chapters primarily address the origins of major lineages through phylogenetic systematics and comparative morphology. These chapters include treatments of: the earliest vertebrates; jawed vertebrates and the innovation of paired appendages; evolutionary relationships of modern amphibians; the origins of amniotes, snakes, and birds; evolutionary radiations of early mammals; and the aquatic transition of cetaceans. An additional chapter offers a new conceptual framework to analyze links between developmental and morphological transformations, and will be especially interesting to students of limb development. Notably, some of these chapters challenge previous assumptions about the concurrent appearance of suites of traits, such as large eyes, jaws, teeth, a stomach, and paired fins in gnathostomes (jawed vertebrates). In this and other cases, new fossil data contradict long-standing interpretations that such structures evolved in concert and were originally functionally integrated. A standout among the ten chapters is Michael Caldwell's contribution on the evolution of snakes. He includes an intriguing review of the history of snake paleontology and systematics, and seamlessly incorporates developmental data into his discussion of evolutionary morphology. In summary, Major Transitions in Vertebrate Evolution presents thorough and much-needed updates on several critical episodes in vertebrate history. Paleontologists and systematists will appreciate the depth of morphological and phylogenetic analyses, although the density of some chapters might challenge the stamina of even specialist readers. Biologists in other fields (for example, evolutionary developmental biology) will likely find many parts of the book less approachable. —The Quarterly Review of Biology, Vol 83 Michael D. Shapiro, Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UtahIn this day of virulent creationist assaults on science, especially paleontology and evolutionary biology, it is valuable to have an up-to-date summary and synthesis of the important transitions in vertebrate evolution whose very existence the creationists must deny. Major Transitions in Vertebrate Evolution, edited by Jason S. Anderson and Hans-Dieter Sues, has its origins in a symposium at the 2003 Society of Verte- brate Paleontology meeting in St. Paul, Minnesota. Thus, unsurprisingly, it is a fairly technical volume aimed at the specialist audience, and assumes a fairly strong background in vertebrate paleontology, anatomy, and embryology. However, for those who have the training to understand the chapters, it is one of the most complete and current summaries of the topics discussed in the volume. Major Transitions in Vertebrate Evolution is beautifully produced, with numerous color plates in the center, and typographical errors or problems in the reproduction of the halftones were very nearly absent. The volume is complete and up-to-date on the transitions within the vertebrates, although it does not give a complete picture because it focuses on the lower vertebrates. In particular, many more well-documented examples exist of transitional fossils in the synapsids, and especially within the placental mammals. These would have been nice to include in a complete volume, but at 422 pages of dense, technical text, it was probably too much to ask that this volume be comprehensive. However, any scientist who wants to get a quick update on the current thinking about the transitions mentioned above would do well to consult the chapters in this book. -- Donald R. Prothero * BioScience *[This] book is a fine snapshot of current research on vertebrate macroevolution. 2010 No. 31 * The Systematist *. . . This book is an outstanding contribution to evolutionary biology and paleontology. . . . Essential. * Choice *. . . this is a useful volume – the individual chapters offer a combination of reviews and important new data that will interest an audience that should extend beyond vertebrate palaeontology to zoologists and evolutionary biologists.2009 -- Paul M. Barrett * Geological Magazine *...the volume as a whole offers a good deal more than just overviews of new fossils, namely a window into the contemporary Zeitgeist of vertebrate palaeontology itself... Major Transitions in Vertebrate Evolution reviews the rapidly growing knowledge in several of the most pertinent cases, and it also epitomises much that is good about the present state of the art.157 2009 -- T.S. Kemp * Zoological Jrnl Linnean Society *Table of ContentsAcknowledgmentsIntroduction: Studying Evolutionary Transitions among Vertebrates Hans-Dieter Sues and Jason S. Anderson1. Plasticity of and Transitions between Skeletal Tissues in Vertebrate Evolution and Development Brian K. Hall and P. Eckard Witten2. Homologies and Evolutionary Transitions in Early Vertebrate History Philippe Janvier3. Paired Fins of Jawless Vertebrates and Their Homologies across the "Agnathan"-Gnathostome Transition Mark V. H. Wilson, Gavin F. Hanke, and Tiiu Märss4. MODEs of Developmental Evolution: An Example with the Origin and Definition of the Autopodium Hans C. E. Larsson5. Incorporating Ontogeny into the Matrix: A Phylogenetic Evaluation of Developmental Evidence for the Origin of Modern Amphibians Jason S. Anderson6. The Cranial Anatomy of Basal Diadectomorphs and the Origin of Amniotes Robert R. Reisz7. Snake Phylogeny, Origins, and Evolution: The Role, Impact, and Importance of Fossils (1869–2006) Michael W. Caldwell8. The Beginnings of Birds: Recent Discoveries, Ongoing Arguments, and New Directions Luis M. Chiappe and Gareth J. Dyke9. Successive Diversifications in Early Mammalian Evolution Zhe-Xi Luo10. The Terrestrial to Aquatic Transition in Cetacea Mark D. UhenContributorsIndex

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Book SynopsisA wide-ranging volume of analytic and methodological essays on microvertebrate fossilsTrade ReviewVertebrate microfossil assemblages are collections of small, often-fragmented fossil remains, which usually contain a variety of taxa. Prior to the acceptance of taphonomy as part of mainstream paleontological studies, little attention was paid to microvertebrate fossil assemblages. Complete skeletons were far more popular as objects of study. Because of significant limitations in the collection and interpretation of information obtained from vertebrate microfossil assemblages, many researchers have expressed doubt as to the overall utility of microfossil-derived data. In large measure, this has been due to the lack of a standardized methodology for studying such sites. With recognition of the importance of microvertebrate assemblages to the study of paleobiology and evolution, methodology for studying such sites gradually evolved. Editors Sankey (California State Univ.) and Baszio (Univ. of Bonn, Germany) have divided this detailed work into two sections: "Importance of Microvertebrate Sites, Sampling, Statistical Methods, and Taphonomy" and "Guild Analysis, Ecological and Faunal Analysis, Biodiversity, and Paleobiogeopgraphy." In 13 well-referenced chapters, 17 authors present methodological approaches to the study of microfossil assemblages, results of several recent studies, and recommendations for future research. This book is sure to stimulate significant discussion among paleontologists and evolutionary biologists. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduate through research collections. -- D. A. Brass * Choice *. . . Here, the editors have brought together a fine collection of papers primarily addressing [vertebrate microfossil assemblages]. . . . I would say that anyone working in the Late Cretaceous of North America would do well to purchase a copy, as would those who work on some of the taxa detailed within (small theropods, frogs, etc.). Kudos to the editors and authors on this interesting contribution!September 11, 2008 -- Andy Farke * The Open Source Paleontologist *In 13 well-referenced chapters, 17 authors present methodological approaches to the study of microfossil assemblages, results of several recent studies, and recommendations for future research. This book is sure to stimulate significant discussion among paleontologists and evolutionary biologists. . . . Recommended.November 2008 -- D. A. Brass * independent scholar *Table of ContentsContentsPreface. Sven BaszioPart 1. Importance of Microvertebrate Sites, Sampling, Statistical Methods, and Taphonomy1. Information from Microvertebrate Localities: Potentials and Limits Sven Baszio2. How Much Is Enough? A Repeatable, Efficient, and Controlled Sampling Protocol for Assessing Taxonomic Diversity and Abundance in Vertebrate Microfossil Assemblages Heather A. Jamniczky, Donald B. Brinkman, and Anthony P. Russell3. Taphonomic Issues Relating to Concentrations of Pedogenic Nodules and Vertebrates in the Paleocene and Miocene Gulf Coastal Plain: Examples from Texas and Louisiana, USA Judith A. Schiebout, Paul D. White, and Grant S. BoardmanPart 2. Guild Analysis, Ecological and Faunal Analyses, Biodiversity, and Paleobiogeography4. The Structure of Late Cretaceous (Late Campanian) Nonmarine Aquatic Communities: A Guild Analysis of Two Vertebrate Microfossil Localities in Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada Donald Brinkman5. Vertebrate Paleoecology from Microsites, Talley Mountain, Upper Aguja Formation (Late Cretaceous), Big Bend National Park, Texas, USA Julia T. Sankey6. Terrestrial and Aquatic Vertebrate Paleocommunities of the Mesaverde Formation (Upper Cretaceous, Campanian) of the Wind River and Bighorn Basins, Wyoming, USADavid G. DeMar Jr. and Brent H. Breithaupt7. Lack of Variability in Feeding Patterns of the Sauropod Dinosaurs Diplodocus and Camarasaurus (Late Jurassic, Western USA) with Respect to Climate as Indicated by Tooth Wear Features Anthony R. Fiorillo8. Diversity of Latest Cretaceous (Late Maastrichtian) Small Theropods and Birds: Teeth from the Lance and Hell Creek Formations, USA Julia T. Sankey9. Small Theropod Teeth from the Lance Formation of Wyoming, USA Nick Longrich10. The First Serrated Bird Tooth Philip J. Currie and Clive Coy11. First Dinosaur Eggshells from Texas, USA: Aguja Formation (Late Campanian), Big Bend National Park Ed Welsh and Julia T. Sankey12. Review of the Albanerpetontidae (Lissamphibia), with Comments on the Paleoecological Preferences of European Tertiary Albanerpetontids James D. Gardner and Madelaine Böhme13. New Information on Frogs (Lissamphibia: Anura) from the Lance Formation (Late Maastrichtian) and Bug Creek Anthills (Late Maastrichtian and Early Paleocene), Hell Creek Formation, USA James D. GardnerList of ContributorsIndex

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Book SynopsisA spectacular collectible volume, with masterful photographs and expert commentary on some of the world's most striking fossilsTrade Review"With this book we may take a kind of mental bathyscaphe down to the deeps of the Paleozoic Era, probing the sea floor like a marine biologist gifted with the chance to transcend time and space. It is a world well worth exploring."—from the Foreword by Richard Fortey -- Richard Fortey"The jewels in the crown of paleontology are those deposits that preserve soft-bodied animals. The beautiful fossils of the Hunsrück Slate, illustrated here, provide a remarkably complete picture of life in the Devonian seas 400 million years ago."—Derek J. Siveter, Oxford University -- Derek J. Siveter“This book, written in accessible language by the scientists actively working on the famous Devonian Hunsrück Slate of Germany, conveys the latest ideas on the fossils....the attractive color photographs jump right off the page."—Paul Selden, University of Kansas and author of Evolution of Fossil Ecosystems -- Paul Selden"Beautifully illustrated, this book brings to life the exquisite fossils of the Hunsrück Slate, and provides an engaging introduction to life in the oceans of the middle Paleozoic."—Douglas Erwin, co-author of The Cambrian Explosion: The Construction of Animal Biodiversity -- Douglas ErwinHonorable Mention, Photography/Art category at the 2013 New York Book Festival sponsored by JM Northern Media LLC. -- New York Book Festival * JM Northern Media LLC *"A richly detailed introduction to this vanished world . . . The exquisite fossils of the Hunsruck Slate are most beautifully illustrated in large full-color photographs . . . Highly recommended."—Choice * Choice *

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Book Synopsis“Lucy is a 3.2-million-year-old skeleton who has become the spokeswoman for human evolution. She is perhaps the best known and most studied fossil hominid of the twentieth century, the benchmark by which other discoveries of human ancestors are judged.”-From Lucy’s LegacyIn his New York Times bestseller, Lucy: The Beginnings of Humankind, renowned paleoanthropologist Donald Johanson told the incredible story of his discovery of a partial female skeleton that revolutionized the study of human origins. Lucy literally changed our understanding of our world and who we come from. Since that dramatic find in 1974, there has been heated debate and-most important-more groundbreaking discoveries that have further transformed our understanding of when and how humans evolved. In Lucy’s Legacy, Johanson takes readers on a fascinating tour of the last three decades of study-the most exciting period of paleoanthropologic inve

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Book SynopsisWhy are humans so fond of water? Why is our skin colour so variable?Why arenât we hairy like our close ape relatives?A savannah scenario of human evolution has been widely accepted primarily due to fossil evidence; and fossils do not offer insight into these questions. Other alternative evolutionary scenarios might, but these models have been rejected. This book explores a controversial idea â that human evolution was intimately associated with watery habitats as much or more than typical savannahs. Written from a medical point of view, the author presents evidence supporting a credible alternative explanation for how humans diverged from our primate ancestors. Anatomical and physiological evidence offer insight into hairlessness, different coloured skin, subcutaneous fat, large brains, a marine-type kidney, a unique heat regulation system and speech. This evidence suggests that humans may well have evolved, not just as savannah mammals, as is generally believed, but with more affinity for aquatic habitats â rivers, streams, lakes and coasts.Key Features:Presents the evidence for a close association between riparian habitats and the origin of humansReviews the savannah ape hypothesis for human originsDescribes various anatomical adaptations that are associated with hypotheses of human evolution Explores characteristics from the head and neck such as skull and sinus structures, the larynx and ear structures and functions Trade Review"In my view, this is a totally incontrovertible demonstration that our view of the paleo history of humanity has been quite misguided. So, to me, this is a very, very important book. You will find at least two (arguments) which are, to my mind, conclusive. One is to do with exostoses which develop as bulging growths in the ear canal, which occur amongst people today who spend a lot of time diving – extraordinary – and they can be discovered in the skulls in the period that we are talking about – early human skulls. Another extraordinary revelation in Peter’s book, which is also new, is that human babies, when they are born, are covered in a membrane called the vernix. It is a very strange thing – nobody quite understands why. There is no other primate that we know has a vernix. Peter and his co-workers have discovered that there is another creature which has a vernix – seals. What is more, the chemistry, the biochemistry, the molecule which is responsible and the gene which is responsible for producing a vernix, is identical." Sir David Attenborough"Congratulations on your new book. The shoreline and riverbank are fertile sources of small animal life, as any exploratory schoolboy knows, and the creatures living there are comparatively simple to catch. It does look as if our species went through a temporary water-loving phase, and spent a great deal of its time fishing around beneath the surface. With this as an encouragement, the Aquatic Theory sees early man becoming more and more engrossed in his dabblings and divings, living in tribal groups close to the water’s edge and slowly adapting to this new pattern of living. So, I approve of your title The Waterside Ape. In 1977, Desmond Morris wrote: "Hopefully, future fossil-hunters will unearth some evidence to resolve this question. All we need now is some hard, tangible evidence to clinch the idea"."Desmond Morris, Author of The Naked Ape"I found this a fascinating book. We have a very thought provoking, if surprisingly controversial, theory, to which an ENT expert has obviously been able to make a major contribution It shows how much can be learnt from comparative anatomy and is of special interest to an ENT readership. I thought it presented very convincing evidence for a theory that the anthropologists should address with a better counterargument than presently offered".Liam M Flood FRCS, Editor, Journal of Laryngology and Otology"The waterside theory of homo evolution has been around for a long time and more and more fossil evidence is being unearthed constantly to support the already copious amounts of evidence from comparative biology. This book sheds light on both the existing evidence and new evidence that has come to light. Books like this should be taught in schools and colleges as it explains so much about our species. The author clearly knows his subject and writes in a way that is both comprehensible and interesting to the layman and full of scientific insight to academics. He picks up where Elaine Morgan left off and continues to challenge the head in the sand scientists who refuse to even consider this topic"Francesca Mansfield, Founder/Director, Odyssey Sailing"This book adds the latest information to the growing body of evidence that Homo sapiens had a period in its evolutionary history where water played an important part. This explains why modern humans have characteristics that do not align with other terrestrial mammals and in particular any other of the primate apes. This idea was first proposed by the eminent marine biologist Sir Alister Hardy in 1964. It was not well received by the biological establishment at that time. It was subsequently taken up by Elaine Morgan in her first book The Descent of Woman. She wrote several more books as updates on the theory. It addresses the questions of why we are bipedal, naked (nearly), can hold our breath for extended periods, have subcutaneous fat, a very large brain to bodyweight ratio, have speech as the consequence of a descended larynx, etc, etc.The zoological establishment have resisted this theory for nearly sixty years but there are signs of light dawning amongst the younger fraternity without the prejudice and bias of the conventional view that modern humans evolved on the African savannah. As a retired scientist, I can tell you that prejudice blights my discipline as it does the rest of humanity; but I would urge you all to remember the words of Max Planck - a nuclear physicist who had trouble with his establishment. He said: "Scientists never change their minds but eventually, they die!"Gray Mage, Retired Scientist"Well written and referenced, fairly balanced although always returning to the interesting underlying hypothesis that extended time in waterside environments near the Rift Valley of Africa selected for hominids with key adaptive features that helped the progression toward modern Homo sapiens. Artificial selection within populations, which also seems plausible, and similarly, the elimination of other tribe-equivalents, are not discussed. The book persuades me to read recent work by the master of human evolution, Desmond Morris." Gerald McLaughlin"Rhys-Evans provides an up-to-date account of all the paleontological, environmental and medical evidence for the aquatic ape hypothesis. The information is interesting, makes use of well-referenced scientific articles, and applies logic where gaps need to be filled in. A variety of human "attributes" are compared with similar attributes in terrestrial, semi-aquatic and aquatic animals. Any speculation on the author's part is noted as such. The information is presented in a straight-forward manner, with the use of the correct technical terms for anatomical organs/structures, which may require some effort on the part of non-medical readers. Illustrations are provided where relevant. The information contained in this book is fascinating and really should be read by anyone even vaguely interested in human evolution." Jill Schroeder"In my view, this is a totally incontrovertible demonstration that our view of the paleo history of humanity has been quite misguided. So, to me, this is a very, very important book. You will find at least two (arguments) which are, to my mind, conclusive. One is to do with exostoses which develop as bulging growths in the ear canal, which occur amongst people today who spend a lot of time diving – extraordinary – and they can be discovered in the skulls in the period that we are talking about – early human skulls. Another extraordinary revelation in Peter’s book, which is also new, is that human babies, when they are born, are covered in a membrane called the vernix. It is a very strange thing – nobody quite understands why. There is no other primate that we know has a vernix. Peter and his co-workers have discovered that there is another creature which has a vernix – seals. What is more, the chemistry, the biochemistry, the molecule which is responsible and the gene which is responsible for producing a vernix, is identical." Sir David Attenborough"Congratulations on your new book. The shoreline and riverbank are fertile sources of small animal life, as any exploratory schoolboy knows, and the creatures living there are comparatively simple to catch. It does look as if our species went through a temporary water-loving phase, and spent a great deal of its time fishing around beneath the surface. With this as an encouragement, the Aquatic Theory sees early man becoming more and more engrossed in his dabblings and divings, living in tribal groups close to the water’s edge and slowly adapting to this new pattern of living. So, I approve of your title The Waterside Ape. In 1977, Desmond Morris wrote: "Hopefully, future fossil-hunters will unearth some evidence to resolve this question. All we need now is some hard, tangible evidence to clinch the idea"."Desmond Morris, Author of The Naked Ape"I found this a fascinating book. We have a very thought provoking, if surprisingly controversial, theory, to which an ENT expert has obviously been able to make a major contribution It shows how much can be learnt from comparative anatomy and is of special interest to an ENT readership. I thought it presented very convincing evidence for a theory that the anthropologists should address with a better counterargument than presently offered".Liam M Flood FRCS, Editor, Journal of Laryngology and Otology"The waterside theory of homo evolution has been around for a long time and more and more fossil evidence is being unearthed constantly to support the already copious amounts of evidence from comparative biology. This book sheds light on both the existing evidence and new evidence that has come to light. Books like this should be taught in schools and colleges as it explains so much about our species. The author clearly knows his subject and writes in a way that is both comprehensible and interesting to the layman and full of scientific insight to academics. He picks up where Elaine Morgan left off and continues to challenge the head in the sand scientists who refuse to even consider this topic"Francesca Mansfield, Founder/Director, Odyssey Sailing"This book adds the latest information to the growing body of evidence that Homo sapiens had a period in its evolutionary history where water played an important part. This explains why modern humans have characteristics that do not align with other terrestrial mammals and in particular any other of the primate apes. This idea was first proposed by the eminent marine biologist Sir Alister Hardy in 1964. It was not well received by the biological establishment at that time. It was subsequently taken up by Elaine Morgan in her first book The Descent of Woman. She wrote several more books as updates on the theory. It addresses the questions of why we are bipedal, naked (nearly), can hold our breath for extended periods, have subcutaneous fat, a very large brain to bodyweight ratio, have speech as the consequence of a descended larynx, etc, etc.The zoological establishment have resisted this theory for nearly sixty years but there are signs of light dawning amongst the younger fraternity without the prejudice and bias of the conventional view that modern humans evolved on the African savannah. As a retired scientist, I can tell you that prejudice blights my discipline as it does the rest of humanity; but I would urge you all to remember the words of Max Planck - a nuclear physicist who had trouble with his establishment. He said: "Scientists never change their minds but eventually, they die!"Gray Mage, Retired Scientist, "Well written and referenced, fairly balanced although always returning to the interesting underlying hypothesis that extended time in waterside environments near the Rift Valley of Africa selected for hominids with key adaptive features that helped the progression toward modern Homo sapiens. Artificial selection within populations, which also seems plausible, and similarly, the elimination of other tribe-equivalents, are not discussed. The book persuades me to read recent work by the master of human evolution, Desmond Morris." Gerald McLaughlin"Rhys-Evans provides an up-to-date account of all the paleontological, environmental and medical evidence for the aquatic ape hypothesis. The information is interesting, makes use of well-referenced scientific articles, and applies logic where gaps need to be filled in. A variety of human "attributes" are compared with similar attributes in terrestrial, semi-aquatic and aquatic animals. Any speculation on the author's part is noted as such. The information is presented in a straight-forward manner, with the use of the correct technical terms for anatomical organs/structures, which may require some effort on the part of non-medical readers. Illustrations are provided where relevant. The information contained in this book is fascinating and really should be read by anyone even vaguely interested in human evolution." Jill SchroederTable of ContentsForeword by Gareth Morgan.Chapter 1 Theories of Human Evolution. Chapter 2 The Aquatic Debate.Chapter 3 Our Genetic Heritage. Chapter 4 Our Early Ancestors. Chapter 5 The Neanderthals and Their Demise. Chapter 6 The Waterside Ape – Why Are We So Different? Chapter 7 The Naked Ape. Chapter 8 Why We Lost Our Costs: The Early Hominin Tailors. Chapter 9 Evolutionary Adaptations in the Human Skull and Sinuses. Chapter 10 Human Skull Buoyancy and the Diving Reflex. Chapter 11 Surfer’s Ear. Chapter 12 Evolution of the Human Brain. Chapter 13 Food for Thought and the Cognitive Revolution. Chapter 14 The Human Larynx and Evolution of Voice. Chapter 15 Obstetric and Neonatal Considerations. Chapter 16 Marine Adaptations in the Human Kidney. Chapter 17 Scars of Evolution. Chapter 18 We Are What We Eat. Chapter 19 An Incredible Journey. Glossary

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Book SynopsisPalaeontologist Michael Novacek is an authority on patterns of evolution and on the relationships among extinct and extant organisms. This book is his account of how a boyhood passion for dinosaurs became a lifelong commitment to vanguard science.

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Book Synopsis"[An] extraordinary book. . . . Mr. Gould is an exceptional combination of scientist and science writer. . . . He is thus exceptionally well placed to tell these stories, and he tells them with fervor and intelligence."—James Gleick, New York Times Book ReviewTrade Review"There is no question about the historical importance of the Burgess Shale, and Gould is right when he says that it deserves a place in the public consciousness along with big bangs and black holes. . . . A compelling story, told with characteristic verve." -- Richard A. Fortey - Nature"Gould at his best. . . . The message of history is superbly conveyed. . . . Recommended reading for scientists and nonscientists of all persuasions." -- Walter C. Sweet - Science

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Book SynopsisThis is the first major book to present a comprehensive overview of the current state of extinction studies. At the end of the journey, Raup has put forward the best science of the day to answer the question posed by the title: Bad genes or bad luck?Trade Review"An eminently entertaining and informative read." -- Malcolm W. Browne - New York Times Book Review"A delightful little book about life on this planet and about extinctions, in particular. It is as much about the philosophy and methodology of science as about the downside of evolution." -- Clark R. Chapman, Planetary Science InstituteTable of ContentsPart 1 Almost all species are extinct: is extinction important? bad genes or bad luck? the nature of extinction; who studies extinction? a word about the word; species defined; the purpose of extinction, if any. Part 2 A brief history of life: origin of life; complex life; the quality of the fossil record; 600 million years of fussing; a stock market analogy; trilobite eyes; tropical reefs; flying reptiles; human evolution; living fossils. Part 3 Gambler's ruin and other problems: gambling; concepts of randomness; gambling for survival; differing extinction and speciation rates; skewed histograms; other models; a note on extinction of surnames. Part 4 Mass extinctions: the K-T mass extinction; measuring extinction; a note on killing; duration of mass extinctions; do mass extinctions differ from background; the kill curve. Part 5 Selectivity of extinction: Ice Age Blitzkrieg; selectivity of the Blitzkrieg; body size and the K-T extinction; other examples of bias; other examples of selectivity; the Trilobites' bad genes; some implications; summary. Part 6 The search for causes: the rarity of extinction; just so stories; beware of anthropomorphism!; the kill curve revisited. Part 7 Biological causes of extinction: are species and ecosystems fragile? the case of the heath hen; importance of the first strike; problems of small populations; competition; species-area effects; species-area and past extinctions; the great American interchange; the history of tropical rain forests. Part 8 Physical causes of extinction: traditional favourites; sea level and climate; species-area effects; testing sea level and climate; the Pleistocene experience; exotic physical causes; unheard-of volcanism; cosmic causes. Part 9 Rocks falling out of the sky: cratering rates; destructive power; Alvarez and the K-T extinction; periodicity of extinction and nemesis. Part 10 Could all the extinctions be caused by meteorite impact? plausibility arguments; arguments from observation; extinctions are linked to craters; extinctions are not linked to craters; assessment. Part 11 Perspectives on extinction: how to become extinct; wanton extinction; the role of extinction in evolution; bad genes or bad luck?; a note on extinctions today. Epilogue: did we choose a safe planet?.

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Book SynopsisAn up-to-date compilation written by authorities in particular aspects of ichnology. Considers the biological evidence that can be derived from trace fossils including both marine and terrestrial paleoenvironments. Features ancient and modern examples running the gamut from late Precambrian through fish coprolites to dinosaur eggs.Table of ContentsNomenclature and Taxonomy of Invertebrate Trace Fossils (R.Pickerill). Functional Morphology of Boring and Burrowing Invertebrates (E.Savazzi). The Paleobiology of Ichnocoenoses in Quaternary Bahamian-StyleCarbonate Environments: The Modern to Fossil Transition (H.Curran). The Period of Early Evolutionary Failure and the Dawn ofEvolutionary Success: The Record of Biotic Changes Across thePrecambrian-Cambrian Boundary (T. Crimes). The Paleoecology of Bioerosion (R. Bromley). The History of Phanerozoic Bioturbation (D. Bottjer & M.Droser). Plant Roots in Core (J. Bockelie). Insects and Other Arthropods as Trace-Makers in Non-MarineEnvironments and Paleoenvironments (S. Donovan). The Paleobiology of Vertebrate Coprolites (A. Hunt, et al.). Vertebrate Tracks and the Ichnofacies Concept: Implications forPaleoecology and Palichnostratigraphy (M. Lockley, et al.). The Fossil Record of Vertebrate Eggs (K. Hirsch). Index.

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Book SynopsisThis study of mesozoic birds covers a wide range of topics, including discussions of avian origins, the fossil record of feathers and footprints, bone histology, and locomotor evolution. Controversial taxa such as Protoavis, Caudipteryx, and Mononykus receive special treatment.Trade Review"Mesozoic Birds is the first book to bring together world-renowned specialists on fossil birds and their importance to avian origins and, more importantly, it stresses a unified approach (cladistics) and presents the most anatomically detailed analyses available to date. No other study or collection of studies has ever done so much. How could the project not be welcomed by its audience of paleontologists, ornithologists, and evolutionary biologists!"-David Weishampel, editor of The DinosauriaTable of ContentsPreface Part I: The Archosaurian Heritage of Birds 1. The Debate on Avian Ancestry: Phylogeny, Function, and Fossils LAWRENCE M. WITMER 2. Cladistic Approaches to the Relationships of Birds to Other Theropod Dinosaurs JAMES M. CLARK, MARK A. NORELL, AND PETER J. MAKOVICKY Part II: Taxa of Controversial Status 3. The Enigmatic Birdlike Dinosaur Avimimus portentosus: Comments and a Pictorial Atlas PATRICIA VICKERS-RICH, LUIS M. CHIAPPE, AND SERGEI KURZANOV 4. The Cretaceous, Short-Armed Alvarezsauridae: Mononykus and Its Kin LUIS M. CHIAPPE, MARK A. NORELL, AND JAMES M. CLARK 5. Alvarezsaurid Relationships Reconsidered FERNANDO E. NOVAS AND DIEGO POL Part III: The Mesozoic Aviary: Anatomy and Systematics 6. Archaeopterygidae (Upper Jurassic of Germany) ANDRZEJ ELZANOWSKI 7. The Discovery and Study of Mesozoic Birds in China ZHOU ZHONGHE AND HOU LIANHAI 8. Sinornis santensis (Aves: Enantiornithes) from the Early Cretaceous of Northeastern China PAUL C. SERENO, RAO CHENGGANG, AND LI JIANJUN 9. The Birds from the Lower Cretaceous of Las Hoyas (Province of Cuenca, Spain) JOSE L. SANZ, BERNARDINO P. PEREZ-MORENO, LUIS M. CHIAPPE, AND ANGELA D. BUSCALIONI 10. Noguerornis gonzalezi (Aves) from the Early Cretaceous of Spain LUIS M. CHIAPPE AND ANTONIO LACASA-RUIZ 11. Skeletal Morphology and Systematics of the Cretaceous Euenantiornithes (Ornithothoraces: Enantiornithes) LUIS M. CHIAPPE AND CYRIL A. WALKER 12. Vorona berivotrensis, a Primitive Bird from the Late Cretaceous of Madagascar CATHERINE A. FORSTER, LUIS M. CHIAPPE, DAVID W. KRAUSE, AND SCOTT D. SAMPSON 13. Osteology of the Flightless Patagopteryx deferrariisi from the Late Cretaceous of Patagonia (Argentina) LUIS M. CHIAPPE 14. Enaliornis, an Early Cretaceous Hesperornithiform Bird from England, with Comments on other Hesperornithiformes PETER M. GALTON AND LARRY D. MARTIN 15. The Mesozoic Radiation of Neornithes SYLVIA HOPE 16. A Review of Avian Mesozoic Fossil Feathers ALEXANDER W. A. KELLNER 17. The Track Record of Mesozoic Birds and Pterosaurs: An Ichnological and Paleoecological Perspective MARTIN G. LOCKLEY AND EMMA C. RAINFORTH Part IV: Functional Morphology and Evolution 18. Bone Microstructure of Early Birds ANUSUYA CHINSAMY 19. Locomotor Evolution on the Line to Modern Birds STEPHEN M. GATESY 20. Basal Bird Phylogeny: Problems and Solutions LUIS M. CHIAPPE Contributors Index

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Book SynopsisBarnum Brown led a remarkable life (1873-1963), spending most of it searching for fossils - and sometimes oil - in every corner of the globe. This biography discloses the details about his life and travels - from his youth on the western frontier to his spying for the US government under cover of his expeditions.Trade Review"A rollicking recollection of Brown." -- Jen Barone Discover Magazine "It is about time someone wrote this book ... this book tells the story very well ... Highly recommended." -- M. A. Wilson Choice "Dingus and Norell do justice to the unconventional, many-faceted if somewhat mysterious Brown." Publishers Weekly "An authoritative biography of Barnum Brown has long been wanting, and the authors of the new volume have done an overall excellent job of summarizing the achievements of one of the most famous fossil hunters of all time." -- Brian Switek Smithsonian.com/Dinosaur Tracking Blog "The definitive account of the life and times of a singular man and a superlative fossil hunter." The Birdbooker Report "The definitive account of the life and times of a singular man and a superlative fossil hunter." Science Blogs "Well written." -- Donald M. Henderson Great Plains Research "Intriguing." College & Research Libraries News "Brown liked bonhomie, incurred woman trouble from time to time, and had a wife whose embellishments of life in the field enliven the biography ...her letter writing and published books about subsequent digs round out this biography and indicate the public interest in "Mr. Bones" during his lifetime. Dingus and Norell ably revive that in this gap-filling scientific biography." -- Gilbert Taylor Booklist "Comprehensive and enjoyable ... A monumental amount of careful research, consultation with colleagues and source checking clearly went into this volume and it will stand forever as the definitive work on this most important character." -- Darren Naish Historical Biology "Occasionally, a biography strikes the perfect note ... The exhaustive research pays off big for the reader, placing Barnum Brown in the upper ranks of well-written biographies." -- Claire Rudy Foster Foreword "An extremely good book." -- Jeffrey W. Martz Journal Vertebrate Paleontology "A scholarly but very readable book. Brown emerges as a character one might enjoy sitting beside on a long airplane flight." -- Jane Manaster Sacramento & San Francisco Book RevsTable of ContentsContents List of Illustrations Prologue: The Mindset of Barnum Brown 1. Child of the Frontier (1873--1889) 2. Student ... of Sorts (1889--1896) 3. Apprentice Extraordinaire (1896--1898) 4. To Land's End: Patagonia (1898--1900) 5. To the Depths of Hell Creek (1900--1903) 6. Love (1903--1906) 7. Loss (1906--1910) 8. The Canadian Dinosaur Bone Rush (1910--1916) 9. Cuba, Abyssinia, and Other Intrigues (1916--1921) 10. Jewels from the Orient: Raj India (1921--1923) 11. Perils and Pearls Up the Irrawaddy: Burma (1923) 12. Samos: Isle of Intrigue (1923--1925) 13. Ancient Americans Hunting Bison? Birds as Dinosaurs? (1925--1931) 14. Digging--and Flying--for Dinosaurs: Howe Quarry and the Aerial Survey of Western Fossil Beds (1931--1935) 15. Toward the Golden Years: The Mystery Track-Maker and the Glen Rose Trackway (1935--1942) 16. Brown as a Spy, Movie Consultant, and Showman at the World's Fair (1942--1963) Epilogue Appendix 1. List of Major Specimens Collected by Barnum Brown on Display in the AMNH Fossil Halls Appendix 2. Memoirs of Barnum Brown: Discovery, Excavation and Preparation of the Type Specimen Tyrannosaurus rex Appendix 3. Summary of Fossil Collections by Barnum Brown and His AMNH Crews Notes Bibliography Acknowledgments Index

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Book SynopsisA comprehensive review of the African mammalian fossil record over the past 65 million years. It includes taxonomic and systematic revisions of African mammal taxa, compilations of fossil site occurrences, and information regarding paleobiology, phylogeny, and biogeography. It covers primates, including hominins.Trade Review"This is a fabulous reference." Evolutionary Anthropology: Issues, News, Reviews "This is an amazing book!" -- Eric Delson Choice "An essential book." -- Brandon G. Wheeler Qtly Review Of Biology "This magnificent volume is a clear and comprehensive review of the African mammalian fossil record over the past 65 million years... A MUST have book for those with an interest in the fossil mammals of Africa!" Scienceblogs.com/The Guardian "This is an outstanding volume: authoritative, well-organized, and thorough." Reference & Research Book News / Scitech Book News "Overall, the volume is excellent, and I expect it will be a mainstay on the shelves of most mammalian paleontologists." -- Jessica M. Theodor Springer

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Book SynopsisGives an overview of dinosaurs and their world. This book places dinosaurs in an expansive web of relationships with other organisms and demonstrates how they provide a powerful lens through which to observe the entire natural world. It addresses topics such as extinction, global warming, and energy flow.Trade Review"A wonderful book, crammed with information that will surprise you." Truthdig "This thought-provoking book is a must read not only for dinosaur enthusiasts and science educators but anyone interested in the larger context of life." Magill's Literary Annual / Salem Press "Sampson is right on target... There is no better overview available than 'Dinosaur Odyssey.'" Earth Magazine "A great in-depth read for those seriously interested in the history of dinosaurs." Dig

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Book SynopsisFrom his stunning discovery of Tyrannosaurus rex one hundred years ago to the dozens of other important new dinosaur species he found, Barnum Brown led a remarkable life (1873-1963), spending most of it searching for fossils - and sometimes oil - in every corner of the globe. This book discloses the details about his life and travels.Trade Review"A rollicking recollection of Brown." -- Jen Barone Discover Magazine "It is about time someone wrote this book ... this book tells the story very well ... Highly recommended." -- M. A. Wilson Choice "Dingus and Norell do justice to the unconventional, many-faceted if somewhat mysterious Brown." Publishers Weekly "An authoritative biography of Barnum Brown has long been wanting, and the authors of the new volume have done an overall excellent job of summarizing the achievements of one of the most famous fossil hunters of all time." -- Brian Switek Smithsonian.com/Dinosaur Tracking Blog "The definitive account of the life and times of a singular man and a superlative fossil hunter." The Birdbooker Report "The definitive account of the life and times of a singular man and a superlative fossil hunter." Science Blogs "Well written." -- Donald M. Henderson Great Plains Research "Intriguing." College & Research Libraries News "Brown liked bonhomie, incurred woman trouble from time to time, and had a wife whose embellishments of life in the field enliven the biography ...her letter writing and published books about subsequent digs round out this biography and indicate the public interest in "Mr. Bones" during his lifetime. Dingus and Norell ably revive that in this gap-filling scientific biography." -- Gilbert Taylor Booklist "Comprehensive and enjoyable ... A monumental amount of careful research, consultation with colleagues and source checking clearly went into this volume and it will stand forever as the definitive work on this most important character." -- Darren Naish Historical Biology "Occasionally, a biography strikes the perfect note ... The exhaustive research pays off big for the reader, placing Barnum Brown in the upper ranks of well-written biographies." -- Claire Rudy Foster Foreword "An extremely good book." -- Jeffrey W. Martz Journal Vertebrate Paleontology "A scholarly but very readable book. Brown emerges as a character one might enjoy sitting beside on a long airplane flight." -- Jane Manaster Sacramento & San Francisco Book RevsTable of ContentsContents List of Illustrations Prologue: The Mindset of Barnum Brown 1. Child of the Frontier (1873--1889) 2. Student ... of Sorts (1889--1896) 3. Apprentice Extraordinaire (1896--1898) 4. To Land's End: Patagonia (1898--1900) 5. To the Depths of Hell Creek (1900--1903) 6. Love (1903--1906) 7. Loss (1906--1910) 8. The Canadian Dinosaur Bone Rush (1910--1916) 9. Cuba, Abyssinia, and Other Intrigues (1916--1921) 10. Jewels from the Orient: Raj India (1921--1923) 11. Perils and Pearls Up the Irrawaddy: Burma (1923) 12. Samos: Isle of Intrigue (1923--1925) 13. Ancient Americans Hunting Bison? Birds as Dinosaurs? (1925--1931) 14. Digging--and Flying--for Dinosaurs: Howe Quarry and the Aerial Survey of Western Fossil Beds (1931--1935) 15. Toward the Golden Years: The Mystery Track-Maker and the Glen Rose Trackway (1935--1942) 16. Brown as a Spy, Movie Consultant, and Showman at the World's Fair (1942--1963) Epilogue Appendix 1. List of Major Specimens Collected by Barnum Brown on Display in the AMNH Fossil Halls Appendix 2. Memoirs of Barnum Brown: Discovery, Excavation and Preparation of the Type Specimen Tyrannosaurus rex Appendix 3. Summary of Fossil Collections by Barnum Brown and His AMNH Crews Notes Bibliography Acknowledgments Index

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Book SynopsisBenthic foraminifera from the classic southern Caribbean region are presented in this book, to provide valuable information on ranges for biostratigraphers working in the region and beyond. Around 1000 of the more important species are assembled - from the Barremian (early Cretaceous) to the middle Miocene, approximately 120 to 10 million years before the present. The deeper water benthic species are tied in to the zonal scheme used in Plankton Stratigraphy, published by Cambridge University Press in 1985. The taxa have been brought up to date generically, and in many cases new comparisons between species have been made - the late Cretaceous and early Paleogene are particularly detailed. This information, together with detailed illustrations, will enable the taxa to be used stratigraphically.Trade Review' … beautifully produced, scholarly work … This handsome volume has been a pleasure to review. No institution with interests in benthic foraminifera can afford to be without this book and specialists in the group will feel deprived without it.' Geological Magazine' … an excellent piece of work and will most definitely deserve a place on the shelf of any micropaleontologist …' Earth Science ReviewsTable of ContentsPublications in which the distribution of Cenozoic benthic foraminifera is correlated with planktic foraminiferal zonal schemes; Correlation of zones and formation in the areas under discussion; Part I. Trinidad: Barremian to Early Albian; Late Albian to Early Eocene; Late Early Eocene to Middle Miocene; Part II. Venezuela: Early Cretaceous of eastern Venezuela; Oligocene and Miocene of eastern Venezuela; The Falcon basin; The Maracaibo basin; Part III. Barbados; Annotated taxonomic list of late Early Eocene to Middle Miocene benthic foraminifera of Trinidad, Venezuela (Falcon), and Barbados; References; Index.

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Book SynopsisOlduvai Groge is a valley in the Serengeti Plains at the western margin of the Eastern Rift Valley in northern Tanzania. The formations discussed in this volume, Beds I and II, were deposited in the Lower and Middle Pleistocene and have yielded large quantities of the remains of early man, in the form of bones and stone tools and evidence of the environment in which they lived. Bed I, in which remains of Australopithecus boisei and Homo habilis have been found, is firmly dated between 1.9 million years for the lowest level and 1.65 million years for a level below the top. This third volume describes the excavations. In Part I, starting with the lowest levels and devoting a chapter to each main level, Dr Leakey describes the actual process of excavation and the finding of the principal remains. In Part II, Dr Leakey describes the circumstances of the discovery of the hominid skeletal remains. These range from purposive excavation to accidental discovery while collecting small stones forTable of ContentsList of figures; List of tables; List of plates; Introductory note; Foreword Professor J. D. Clark; Acknowledgements; Map; Introduction; Geologic background of Beds I and II: Stratigraphic summary Professor R. L. Hay; Part I: 1. Lower bed I. Site DK and site FLK NN: Level 4; 2. Middle bed I. Site FLK NN: Levels 1–3. Site FLK: the 'zinjanthropus' level and the upper levels; 3. Upper bed I and lower bed II. Site FLK north: Levels 1–6, the clay with root casts and the Deinotherium level. Site HWK east: Levels 1 and 2; 4. The lower part of middle bed II. Site HWK east: the sandy conglomerate: Levels 3–5; 5. The upper part of middle bed II. Site EF–HR. The main occupation site at MNK. Sites FC west and FC. Site SHK; 6. Upper bed II. Sites TK and BK; Part II. 7. The discoveries of hominid remains; 8. Mammalian bones from Beds I and II with evidence of hominid modification; 9. The faunal remains from the living sites in Beds I and II; 10. Summary and discussion; Appendices; References; Index.

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Book SynopsisThe first comprehensive volume on crinoids for palaeontologists, geologists, evolutionary and marine biologists, ecologists and amateur fossil collectors.Trade Review'… a veritable feast that will satisfy starving crinoid lovers the world over. The book is stunning in appearance and authoritative in its treatment. Fossil Crinoids is certain to be popular and useful to a wide variety of readers. There is no comparable work on crinoids that so concisely introduces crinoid paleontology and the rich fossil record of the group … an excellent sourcebook for both professional paleontologists conducting research, as well as for collectors.' American Paleontologist'What an attractive book! … fossils are a pleasure to look at and when they are as well photographed or drawn as these are they are irresistible.' Geology Today' … a handsome and well written volume, which should serve as a thorough introduction to those unfamiliar with these fascinating animals and as a satisfying, up-to-date synthesis for those wishing to renew their acquaintance.' Trends in Ecology and Evolution'Six years in the making, Fossil Crinoids is a masterful work. I congratulate the authors on writing a book that is a pleasure to read and a valuable source of information for both professionals and amateur collectors.' Ronald D. Lewis, Society for Sedimentary Geology'This book has an excellent introduction to crinoid morphology and occurrence'. R. E. Widdison, Geoscientist'… a gem of a book that is beautifully illustrated. It succeeds in bringing the fascination of this ancient group of organisms alive for the reader - professional, student and amateur. Stephen K. Donovan, The Times Higher Education Supplement'A whole book devoted to Crinoids? the things called 'sea-lilies' by normal people? An obscure fossil group looking more like plants than animals, long since extinct, and of interest only to specialist palaeontologists? Wrong on all counts, as this splendid book shows! … this well illustrated, authoritative book … is good value for money.' David Williams, OUGS Journal'… a very informative, beautifully illustrated, if rather specialized book, which is good value for money.' C. R. C. Paul, Geological MagazineTable of ContentsPrelude; Introduction; 1. Crinoid form and function; 2. Systematics, phylogeny and evolutionary history; 3. Fossil occurrence; 4. Taphonomy; 5. Ecology and ecological interactions; 6. Middle Ordovician Trenton Group of New York, USA; 7. Middle Ordovician of the Lake Simcoe area of Ontario, Canada; 8. Upper Ordovician of the Cincinnati, Ohio area, USA; 9. Silurian of Gotland, Sweden; 10. Middle Silurian Rochester Shale of western New York, USA, and southern Ontario, Canada; 11. Scyphocrinitids from the Silurian-Devonian boundary of Morocco; 12. Lower Devonian Manlius/Coeymans Formation of central New York, USA; 13. Lower Devonian Hunsrück Slates of Germany; 14. Middle Devonian Windom Shale of Vincent, New York, USA; 15. Middle Devonian Arkona Shale of Ontario and Silica Shale of Ohio, USA; 16. Lower Mississippian Hampton Formation at LeGrand, Iowa, USA; 17. Lower Mississippian Burlington Limestone along the Mississippi Valley in Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri, USA; 18. Lower Mississippian Edwardsville Formation at Crawfordsville, Indiana, USA; 19. Upper Pennsylvania LaSalle Member, Bond Formation of central Illinois, USA; 20. Permian; 21. Triassic Muschelkalk of central Europe; 22. Pentacrinites from the Lower Jurassic of the Dorset coast of southern England; 23. Lower Jurassic Posidonia Shales of southern Germany; 24. Middle Jurassic of southern England; 25. Middle Jurassic of northern Switzerland; 26. Upper Jurassic Solnhofen Plattenkalk of Bavaria, Germany; 27. Uintacrinus beds of the Upper Cretaceous Niobrara formation, Kansas, USA; 28. Tertiary; 29. Recent; Appendices; Bibliography; Index.

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Book SynopsisThe recent discovery of diverse fossil flowers and floral organs in Cretaceous strata has revealed astonishing details about the structural and systematic diversity of early angiosperms. Exploring the rich fossil record that has accumulated over the last three decades, this is a unique study of the evolutionary history of flowering plants from their earliest phases in obscurity to their dominance in modern vegetation. The discussion provides comprehensive biological and geological background information, before moving on to summarise the fossil record in detail. Including previously unpublished results based on research into Early and Late Cretaceous fossil floras from Europe and North America, the authors draw on direct palaeontological evidence of the pattern of angiosperm evolution through time. Synthesising palaeobotanical data with information from living plants, this unique book explores the latest research in the field, highlighting connections with phylogenetic systematics, strTrade Review'… this book provides not only facts but also many potential questions and can thus serve as both an inspirational textbook [and] as a recipe for future research investigations. … an important book for those wishing a fuller understanding of floral evolution. Buy it, read it, discuss it, and you will achieve sexual enlightenment of the floral kind.' Plant Science Bulletin'… copiously illustrated throughout with colour photographs, graphs, diagrams and drawings. … This long-awaited book represents not only a remarkable tour de force of palaeobotanical literature, but also a potentially enduring biological textbook. Part of its appeal lies in the excellence of its production.' Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society' … how do you write a definitive book for the 21st Century? Early Flowers and Angiosperm Evolution provides a blueprint … It stands as a superbly annotated index of the data behind our current understanding of early angiosperm evolution... This is among the most beautiful scholarly books I've seen in a long time. Outcrop pictures are clearly rendered in color, and maps and some diagrams include a touch of hue to enhance interpretation … It is detailed, accessible and offers a synthetic perspective from a team that has been thinking deeply about this topic for decades. And I hope this isn't the last word. But the thing I love best about paleontology is that one fossil can rewrite everything we thought that we knew. Then we'll be ready for the next definitive book.' Evolution – This View of Life: Paleontology MagazineTable of ContentsPreface; 1. Introduction to angiosperms; 2. The nature of the angiosperm fossil record; 3. The environmental context of early angiosperm evolution; 4. Stratigraphic framework and key areas for Cretaceous angiosperms; 5. Angiosperms in context: extant and fossil seed plants; 6. Origin and age of angiosperms; 7. Phylogenetic framework and the assignment of fossils to extant groups; 8. Fossils near the base of the angiosperm tree; 9. Early fossil angiosperms of uncertain relationships; 10. Early fossils of eumagnoliids; 11. Fossils of monocots; 12. Fossils of eudicots: early diverging groups; 13. Fossils of core eudicots: basal lineages; 14. Fossils of core eudicots: rosids; 15. Early fossils of eudicots: asterids; 16. Patterns of structural diversification in angiosperm reproductive organs; 17. History and evolution of pollination in angiosperms; 18. History and evolution of dispersal in angiosperms; 19. Vegetational context of early angiosperm diversification; 20. The accumulation of angiosperm diversity; References; Index.

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Book SynopsisBirds is the first book to examine bird remains in archaeology and anthropology. Providing a thorough review of the literature on this topic, it also serves as a guide to the methods of study of bird remains from the past and covers a wide range of topics, including anatomy and osteology, taphonomy, eggs, feathers, and bone tools. It examines the myriad ways in which people have interacted with birds in the past. The volume also includes discussion on the consumption of wild birds, the domestication of birds, cockfighting and falconry, birds in ritual and religion, and the role of birds in ecological reconstruction, providing an up-to-date survey of current knowledge on these topics. Birds will be an invaluable resource for undergraduate and graduate students interested in zooarchaeology and human-animal relations, as well as professional zooarchaeologists, archaeologists, and anthropologists interested in birds and people of the past.Trade Review"...a thorough review of the literature on this topic, it also serves as a guide to the methods of study of bird remains from the past and covers a wide range of topics, including anatomy and osteology, taphonomy, eggs, feathers, and bone tools." The Birdbooker Report"... interesting and well-researched book... Birds will be a valuable resource for interested advanced students studying ornithology, anthropology, paleontology, and archaeology/zooarchaeology." D.A. Brass, Choice Magazine"Overall, Birds is an excellent book and it could easily serve as a key reference source for looking into the various roles and remains of birds in the archaeological past." -Robert J. Stark, Canadian Journal of ArchaeologyTable of Contents1. Introduction; 2. Biology, behaviour and anatomy; 3. Ageing, sexing and pathology with Tony Waldron; 4. Identification, recording and quantification; 5. Taphonomy: natural changes and recovery; 6. Taphonomy: human modifications and element survival; 7. Eggs and eggshell; 8. Feathers, skins and other products; 9. Tools and ornaments; 10. Wild birds as food; 11. The domestic chicken; 12. Other domestic birds; 13. Sport and pleasure; 14. Birds in symbol and ritual; 15. Birds in the environment; 16. Conclusions and outstanding questions.

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Book SynopsisArchaeologist Debbie Argue takes readers on a journey of thrilling scientific discovery, recounting the unearthing of H. floresiensis, the archaeological expeditions that have followed, other finds - including that of a small Philippines hominin - and new paths of research and discussion.

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Book SynopsisThe biography of a groundbreaking explorer who blazed a trail for women in science.Trade Review'Shindler's wonderment at Dorothea is contagious ... She distils the driven energy, resilience and good-natured charm of this instinctive scientist' Daily Telegraph

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Book SynopsisInvertebrate Palaeontology and Evolution is well established as the foremost palaeontology text at the undergraduate level. This fully revised fourth edition includes a complete update of the sections on evolution and the fossil record, and the evolution of the early metazoans. New work on the classification of the major phyla (in particular brachiopods and molluscs) has been incorporated. The section on trace fossils is extensively rewritten. The author has taken care to involve specialists in the major groups, to ensure the taxonomy is as up-to-date and accurate as possible. Trade Review"Clarkson is unbeatable...if you are a genuine palaeontology student then you can currently do no better than this." Geological Magazine - December 1999Table of ContentsPreface. Macrofossils on CD-Rom. Part One: General Palaeontological Concepts. 1 Principles Of Palaeontology. 2 Evolution And The Fossil Record. 3 Major Events In The History Of Life. Part Two: Invertebrate Phyla. Sponges. 5 Cnidarians. 6 Bryozoans. 7 Brachiopods. 8 Molluscs. 9 Echinoderms. 10 Graptolites. 11 Arthropods. 12 Exceptional Faunas: Ichnology. Systematic Index. General Index

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisShows how insects dominated life on the planet and played a significant role in the life and death of the dinosaurs. Analyzing exotic insects fossilized in Cretaceous amber at three major deposits in Lebanon, Burma, and Canada, this work reconstructs the complex ecology of a hostile prehistoric world inhabited by voracious swarms of insects.Trade Review"[An] ambitious foray... The excellent colour pictures of fossil insects in Cretaceous amber are spectacular and evocative. This book shows that bloodsucking insects were well-established in the age of dinosaurs ... it is in the area of parasites and pathogens that this book startles. This book ... opens doors and invites questions ... and the accounts of the scientific endeavours cannot fail to impress."--Gaden Robinson, Times Literary Supplement "[A] detailed study of insects' role in the life and extinction of Cretaceous plants and animals. In scientific but straightforward language, the Poinars advance convincingly the thesis that insects acted as vectors for pathogens, spreading bacteria, fungi and viruses to plants as well as dinosaurs, who then passed it on to others. Using current examples like Dutch elm disease, speculative scenarios of Cretaceous life and plenty of research data, the authors add an intriguing new dimension to the dinosaur apocalypse narrative: periods of temperature change, marine regression, volcanic eruptions, and one or more meteor impacts... A perfect setting for the spread of diseases."--Publishers Weekly "Dinosaurs are usually portrayed as the pristine masters of the Cretaceous. George and Roberta Poinar's new book presents a different view--dinosaurs besieged by swarms of insects; dinosaurs with oozing, infected bites; dinosaurs weakened by parasite-induced illnesses. What Bugged the Dinosaurs? draws on the Poinars' many studies of fossils in amber to show how dinosaurs interacted with their more abundant invertebrate contemporaries. Reconstructing ancient ecosystems is an ambitious undertaking. Integrative approaches such as those in What Bugged the Dinosaurs? help us build up more sophisticated visions of the past."--Karen Chin, Nature "Whether or not you accept the authors' conclusion, they make a strong case that the true rulers of the Cretaceous were not the big lizards that towered over the landscape, but the tiny buggers that pervaded it."--Laurence A. Marschall, Natural History "What Bugged the Dinosaurs tells the story of insects' tremendous impact on Cretaceous ecosystems...There are fascinating chapters on the evolution of pathogens, what makes insects 'the ultimate survivors,' and the nature of extinctions...The scientific and, at times, technical, subject of this book is complemented by an often colorful narrative style...worthwhile for lay readers as well as experts."--Aaron Brooks, ForeWord Magazine "The Poinars graphically detail the probably diseases, debilitations, and deaths of dinosaurs from the life-cycle perspective of insects that infested them. The Poinars directly encourage younger readers by emphasizing how wide open paleoentomology is to future researchers. They impart enthusiasm in recounting their own discoveries...a mood supported by this book's several dozen photographs and drawings. Showing dinosaurs beleaguered, the Poinars temper the popular image of their dominance."--Gilbert Taylor, Booklist "Thanks to the astonishingly detailed evidence provided by insects trapped in amber, we know that insects competed with dinosaurs for food preyed on them, scavenged their corpses and cleared away their droppings. Most importantly perhaps, they infected them with thousands of different diseases and parasites. The authors...even go so far as to argue that these diseases may have been the killing blow that finally pushed the dinosaurs into extinction. [What Bugged the Dinosaurs?] does an excellent job of bringing to life the mini-beasts of the Mesozoic."--Luis Villazon, BBC Focus Magazine "The book deftly guides readers through the science essential to understanding...that it is impossible to describe life in the Cretaceous Period without paying particular attention to insects. Chapter by chapter, the authors introduce a wide range of insect species that bite, swarm, irritate, and even take up residence within and on the dinosaurs. They draw their stories from the fossil record, especially the amber of their expertise, comparing Cretaceous insects with their present-day descendents. Readers follow the authors into the laboratory where they analyze delicate evidence in the form of magnificent color images. Readers who love paleontology will feel the same way about this remarkable book, savoring its fascinating trove of questions and knowledge."--Fred Bortz, Philadelphia Inquirer "The Poinars bring the age of the dinosaurs incredibly to life. Analyzing exotic insects fossilized in Cretaceous amber ... they reconstruct the complex ecology of a hostile prehistoric world inhabited by voracious swarms of insects. The Poinars draw upon tantalizing new evidence ... to provide a unique view of how insects infected with malaria, leishmania, and other pathogens ... could have devastated dinosaur populations. This is a scientific adventure story from the authors whose research inspired Jurassic Park... A fine book full of information found nowhere else."--Prehistoric Times "The reader...will come away from this volume fully accepting of its premise. We will certainly add this thesis to our own compendium because of the evidence presented by the Poinars. What Bugged the Dinosaurs? is positioned to be a definitive treatise that should be a part of any serious paleontologist's library."--Greg Sweatt, Fossil News "There are many theories about what factors ultimately caused the mass extinction of non-avian dinosaurs at the close of the Cretaceous period 65.5 million years ago... Using amber-preserved fossils from the Cretaceous period, George Poinar and Roberta Poinar focus on insects and other invertebrates. The brief, well-written chapters each discuss certain arthopods (or parasitic worms)... Some accounts are not for the squeamish, but they all fascinate... Valuable for all ecology students."--J. C. Kricher, Wheaton College, for CHOICE "This is an assiduously written book for entomologists and parasitologists who would like to learn more on the time-encapsulated data from the Cretaceous, and perhaps stimulate the search for more 'paleoparasites.'"--Raymond L. Jacobson, Parasites and Vectors "This is an enlightening read."--Wildlife Activist "This volume is not simply a dry exposition of an interesting theory. Good descriptive writing makes the ancient landscape the authors explore come alive. The book is highly recommended for undergraduate and graduate collections and public libraries."--Bruce E. Fleury, Science Books & Film "I would certainly recommend this book to anyone interested in dinosaurs and prehistoric life in general. It has changed the way I imagine the Cretaceous and the extinction of the dinosaurs and I am sure it will open up new avenues of thought in this area."--Lucy Goodchild, Microbiology TodayTable of ContentsPreface ix Acknowledgments xi Introduction 1 Chapter 1: Fossils: A Time Capsule 7 Chapter 2: The Cretaceous: A Time of Change 17 Chapter 3: Herbivory 37 Chapter 4: Dinosaurs Competing with Insects 50 Chapter 5: Did Dinosaurs or Insects "Invent" Flowering Plants? 55 Chapter 6: Pollination 57 Chapter 7: Blights and Diseases of Cretaceous Plants 63 Chapter 8: The Cretaceous: Age of Chimeras and Other Oddities 72 Chapter 9: Sanitary Engineers of the Cretaceous 79 Chapter 10: The Case for Entomophagy among Dinosaurs 91 Chapter 11: Gorging on Dinosaurs 102 Chapter 12: Biting Midges 110 Chapter 13: Sand Flies 116 Chapter 14: Mosquitoes 122 Chapter 15: Blackflies 127 Chapter 16: Horseflies and Deerflies 131 Chapter 17: Fleas and Lice 135 Chapter 18: Ticks and Mites 141 Chapter 19: Parasitic Worms 147 Chapter 20: The Discovery of Cretaceous Diseases 157 Chapter 21: Diseases and the Evolution of Pathogens 171 Chapter 22: Insects: The Ultimate Survivors 185 Chapter 23: Extinctions and the K/T Boundary 192 APPENDIX A: Cretaceous Hexapoda 203 APPENDIX B: Key Factors Contributing to the Survival of Terrestrial Animals 219 APPENDIX C: Problems with Evaluating the Fossil Record and Extinctions 221 References 225 Index 253

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Book SynopsisEarth's climate has undergone dramatic changes over the geologic timescale. At one extreme, Earth has been glaciated from the poles to the equator for periods that may have lasted millions of years. This title presents the study of such changes and their causes.Trade Review"The work is well-written, with just enough mathematics to add to the reader's understanding, without causing confusion."--Choice "The author has succeeded admirably in producing a clear, concise, yet detailed summary of a very important topic. The text is supplemented by an excellent selection of diagrams and data displays ... and more than 300 references to the primary research literature. I found it easy to read yet thought provoking, consistently interesting and, perhaps best of all, not at all intimidating in bulk or style. Highly recommended!"--William R. Green, Leading Edge "Paleoclimate gives the reader a concise, clear view of how Earth's climate has changed over geologic time and the major drivers for this change. I heartily recommend the book for those interested in understanding Earth's rich climate complexity."--Jeffrey T Kiehl, Reports of the National Center for Science EducationTable of ContentsList of Boxes vi Preface vii Acknowledgments xiii 1 Earth's Climate System 1 2 The Faint Young Sun 24 3 Precambrian Glaciations 38 4 Regulation of the Earth System and Global Temperature 54 5 The Late Paleozoic Ice Ages 73 6 Equable Climates of the Mesozoic and Paleogene 97 7 The Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum 125 8 The Long Cooling of the Cenozoic 144 9 The Origin of Northern Hemisphere Glaciation and the Pleistocene Ice Ages 172 10 Rapid Climate Change during the Last Glacial Period 235 11 The Holocene 264 12 Anthropogenic Global Warming in the Context of Paleoclimate 287 Glossary 295 Index 303

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Book SynopsisEarth's climate has undergone dramatic changes over the geologic timescale. At one extreme, Earth has been glaciated from the poles to the equator for periods that may have lasted millions of years. This title presents the study of such changes and their causes.Trade Review"The work is well-written, with just enough mathematics to add to the reader's understanding, without causing confusion."--Choice "The author has succeeded admirably in producing a clear, concise, yet detailed summary of a very important topic. The text is supplemented by an excellent selection of diagrams and data displays ... and more than 300 references to the primary research literature. I found it easy to read yet thought provoking, consistently interesting and, perhaps best of all, not at all intimidating in bulk or style. Highly recommended!"--William R. Green, Leading Edge "Paleoclimate gives the reader a concise, clear view of how Earth's climate has changed over geologic time and the major drivers for this change. I heartily recommend the book for those interested in understanding Earth's rich climate complexity."--Jeffrey T Kiehl, Reports of the National Center for Science EducationTable of ContentsList of Boxes vi Preface vii Acknowledgments xiii 1 Earth's Climate System 1 2 The Faint Young Sun 24 3 Precambrian Glaciations 38 4 Regulation of the Earth System and Global Temperature 54 5 The Late Paleozoic Ice Ages 73 6 Equable Climates of the Mesozoic and Paleogene 97 7 The Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum 125 8 The Long Cooling of the Cenozoic 144 9 The Origin of Northern Hemisphere Glaciation and the Pleistocene Ice Ages 172 10 Rapid Climate Change during the Last Glacial Period 235 11 The Holocene 264 12 Anthropogenic Global Warming in the Context of Paleoclimate 287 Glossary 295 Index 303

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Book SynopsisKnoll explores the deep history of life from its origins on a young planet to the incredible Cambrian explosion, with the very latest discoveries in paleontology integrated with emerging insights from molecular biology and earth system science. 100 illustrations.Trade ReviewWinner of the 2003 Book Award in Science, Phi Beta Kappa "A fascinating book... The catastrophic surface narrative of this impressive and intriguing book would surely have pleased Stephen Jay Gould; but I think its deterministic subtext would have pleased Charles Darwin still more."--Matt Cartmill, Times Literary Supplement "In a book so well written that nonspecialists and specialists alike will find much to savor, [Knoll] captures both the excitement of scientific discovery and the intricacies of scientific interpretation... Readers interested in substance will certainly not be disappointed."--Publishers Weekly "Andrew Knoll is an ideal guide through this early phase of life's history on the Earth... [O]ne of the strengths of Knoll's book is that it presents science as the open-ended endeavor that it is... Life on a Young Planet . .. expresses better than most the bumptious vitality and sheer fun of open-minded research."--Stefan Bengtson, Nature "Life on a Young Planet stands apart from it predecessors in two fundamental respects. First, Knoll is perhaps the most qualified person to write such an epic: a renaissance man whose text is filled with insightful quotes from authors ranging from Darwin to Dickins to Dyson... Second ... this book describes the coevolution of life on Earth as an integrated biochemical system that has profoundly and irrevocably changed over time."--Guy M. Narbonne, Science "A balanced, excellent account of current theories and discussions of the origin and early evolution of life... Knoll is able to convey difficult scientific issues with a minimum of jargon, using a brisk and witty prose... He is a gifted storyteller with a knack for choosing the right anecdote... A browse through Knoll's book will enlighten both the cognoscenti and those unfamiliar with the complexities of reading a fossil record... Knoll manages to present a multidisciplinary field in an interdisciplinary volume."--Antonio Lazcano, American Scientist "Knoll is well placed to tell this amazing story, and he does so with verve."--Douglas Palmer, New Scientist "A detective story to match the best crime fiction. It is told with verve."--Paul Nettleton, The Guardian "The author weaves a beautifully written, fascinating story of life's origin and development based on his extensive field studies and research in the most remote corners of the globe... This volume ... is a most valuable asset that should be read by scientists active in the field, by teachers and students who are interested in the most recent thoughts on the subject, and, in fact, by anyone who is interested in how life might have originated and evolved on this planet or on other similar planets in our Universe."--Nathan Dubowsky, Science Books & Films "This is not a textbook but rather a story, giving one person's view of how the jigsaw pieces fit together. It is written in flowing prose with many asides, personal anecdotes and explanations of what evidence there is and how it is used... [F]or ecologists the book has much to offer in putting the early evolution of life into perspective."--Bulletin of the British Ecological Society "[Knoll's] words have a poetic flavor and his deep interest in the study of life on earth flows out of them, carrying readers along whole maintaining a rigorous discourse. Knoll's book will appeal to anyone interested in the evolution of life on Earth."--Choice "In this wonderful book ... Knoll's extensive field experience and eagerness to share data and ideas with colleagues enable him to reconstruct responsibly the broad evolutionary scenario yet to remain close to the evidence."--Lynn Margulis, Times Higher Education SupplementTable of ContentsAcknowledgments ix Preface to the New Paperback Edition xi Prologue 1 Chapter 1. In the Beginning? 6 Chapter 2. The Tree of Life 16 Chapter 3. Life's Signature in Ancient Rocks 32 Chapter 4. The Earliest Glimmers of Life 50 Chapter 5. The Emergence of Life 72 Chapter 6. The Oxygen Revolution 89 Chapter 7. The Cyanobacteria, Life's Microbial Heroes 108 Chapter 8. The Origins of Eukaryotic Cells 122 Chapter 9. Fossils of Early Eukaryotes 139 Chapter 10. Animals Take the Stage 161 Chapter 11. Cambrian Redux 179 Chapter 12. Dynamic Earth, Permissive Ecology 206 Chapter 13. Paleontology ad Astra 225 Epilogue 243 Further Reading 247 Index 269

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Winner of the PROSE Award in Earth Science, Association of American Publishers""[A] vivid, gripping book. . . . Dale Greenwalt . . . has written a riveting account of a field achieving revolutionary insights."---Simon Ings, New Scientist"[An] eye-opening guide to this new world of understanding, one that encompasses chemistry along with biology."---David P. Barash, Wall Street Journal"An accessible book on ancient life that focuses as much on chemistry as on biology."---Wade Lee-Smith, Library Journal"[Fascinating] . . . an unabashedly excited report from the front lines"---Steve Donoghue, Open Letters Review"The book provides a fascinating journey through the very latest in research into the origins of life on Earth. . . . No one should be intimidated by this highly readable work."---David Gascoigne, Travels with Birds"If you think you cannot stomach yet another popular book on palaeontology, think again. Remnants of Ancient Life is as fascinating as the inviting cover and subtitle suggest, managing to put a completely fresh gloss on the topic of palaeontology."---Leon Vlieger, The Inquisitive Biologist

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