Description
Book SynopsisA wide-ranging volume of analytic and methodological essays on microvertebrate fossils
Trade 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 ContentsContents
Preface. Sven Baszio
Part 1. Importance of Microvertebrate Sites, Sampling, Statistical Methods, and Taphonomy
1. Information from Microvertebrate Localities: Potentials and Limits Sven Baszio
2. 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. Russell
3. 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. Boardman
Part 2. Guild Analysis, Ecological and Faunal Analyses, Biodiversity, and Paleobiogeography
4. 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 Brinkman
5. Vertebrate Paleoecology from Microsites, Talley Mountain, Upper Aguja Formation (Late Cretaceous), Big Bend National Park, Texas, USA Julia T. Sankey
6. Terrestrial and Aquatic Vertebrate Paleocommunities of the Mesaverde Formation (Upper Cretaceous, Campanian) of the Wind River and Bighorn Basins, Wyoming, USA
David G. DeMar Jr. and Brent H. Breithaupt
7. 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. Fiorillo
8. Diversity of Latest Cretaceous (Late Maastrichtian) Small Theropods and Birds: Teeth from the Lance and Hell Creek Formations, USA Julia T. Sankey
9. Small Theropod Teeth from the Lance Formation of Wyoming, USA Nick Longrich
10. The First Serrated Bird Tooth Philip J. Currie and Clive Coy
11. First Dinosaur Eggshells from Texas, USA: Aguja Formation (Late Campanian), Big Bend National Park Ed Welsh and Julia T. Sankey
12. Review of the Albanerpetontidae (Lissamphibia), with Comments on the Paleoecological Preferences of European Tertiary Albanerpetontids James D. Gardner and Madelaine Böhme
13. 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. Gardner
List of Contributors
Index
