Description
Book SynopsisEvolution of Fossil Ecosystems describes all of the main Fossil Lagerstätten (sites of exceptional fossil preservation) from around the world in a chronological order. It covers the history of research, stratigraphy and taphonomy, main faunal and floral elements, and the palaeoecology of each site and gives a comparison with coeval sites around the world. It includes all of the well-known fossil sites, such as the Burgess Shale, the Solnhofen Limestone, Mazon Creek, Rancho La Brea etc., and includes an appendix giving information on how to visit the sites and where to see the fossils in museum displays.
Available now in its second edition, Lagerstätten included for the first time include Chengjiang, the Herefordshire Nodules and the Jehol Group. A welcome addition to the list of important localities of Cenozoic age is the White River Group, which preserves the finest examples of mammals around the Eocene-Oligocene boundary, including many now-extinct groups.
The book is beautifully illustrated throughout with over 450 colour photographs and diagrams, and it is extensively referenced. Evolution of Fossil Ecosystems is essential reading to a wide range of students and professionals in palaeontology and related sciences, and to amateur enthusiasts.
Trade Review...the authors have retained the same high standard [as the first edition]... excellent colour reproduction... Absolutely enthralling - I couldn't put it down! Down To Earth 20121201 ...very well written and beautifully illustrated with stunning colour photographs and informative diagrams... excellent coverage of sites worldwide and through geological time. The text is jargon-free and light on technical terms, therefore appealing to a wide range of people including amateur enthusiasts, students and professionals. Museums with collections or displays from any of the sites listed in this book would benefit from having a copy of "Evolution of Fossil Ecosystems" and it would be an excellent choice to stock in the gift shop allowing visitors to learn more about these exceptional fossil sites. -- James E. Jepson The Geological Curator 20121201
Table of ContentsContents Introduction 1. Ediacara 2. Burgess Shale 3. Chengjiang 4. Soom Shale 5. Herefordshire Nodules 6. Hunsruck Slate 7. Rhynie Chert 8. Mazon Creek 9. Karoo 10. Gres a Voltzia 11. Holzmaden Shale 12. Morrison Formation 13. Solnhofen Limestone 14. Jehol Group 15. El Montsec and Las Hoyas 16. Santana and Crato Formations 17. Grube Messel 18. White River Group 19. Baltic Amber 20. Rancho La Brea Appendix 1 - Further reading Appendix 2 - Museums and site visits Index
