CRC Press Evolution of Fossil Ecosystems

Evolution 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. Review Reviews of the first edition: Excellent book........ It's just the job for students and teachers, and the general fossil enthusiast will get a lot from this guide to some of the world's best fossil sites. --New ScientistThere is a good balance between illustrations and critical, informative text... highly recommended.--GeoscientistIt deserves to be a cornerstone text in undergraduate teaching... buy this book.--The Systematist... it is much more than a pictorial guide to fossils, yet really does have the 'wow look at that' factor.--Palaeontological Newsletter Reviews of the first edition: Excellent book........ It's just the job for students and teachers, and the general fossil enthusiast will get a lot from this guide to some of the world's best fossil sites. --New Scientist There is a good balance between illustrations and critical, informative text... highly recommended.--Geoscientist It deserves to be a cornerstone text in undergraduate teaching... buy this book.--The Systematist ... it is much more than a pictorial guide to fossils, yet really does have the 'wow look at that' factor.--Palaeontological Newsletter From the Back Cover The first edition of this book was widely praised for its coverage and approach in describing and illustrating 14 well known fossil sites from around the world. The authors have now updated the text and added 6 new chapters with many new colour illustrations. Following a general introduction to fossil Lagersttten, each chapter deals with a single fossil site and follows the same format: its evolutionary position and significance; its background sedimentology, stratigraphy and palaoenvironment; a description of the biota and palaeoecology, and a comparison with other similar Lagersttten. There is an appendix of further reading, relevant museums and suggestions for visiting the sites. This study of exceptionally well-preserved fossil sites from different periods in geological time provides a picture of the evolution of ecosystems down the ages. The book is beautifully illustrated throughout by over 450 colour photographs and diagrams, and is extensivel referenced. "Evolution of Fossil Ecosystems" is of value to a wide range of students and professionals in palaeontology and related sciences, and to amateur enthusiasts.