CRC Press Fossil Ecosystems of North America: A Guide to the Sites and their Extraordinary Biotas

Most major recent advances in understanding the history of life on Earth have been through the study of exceptionally well preserved biotas (Fossil-Lagerstätten). These are windows on the history of life on Earth and can provide a fairly complete picture of the evolution of ecosystems through time. This book follows the success of Evolution of Fossil Ecosystems by the same authors which covered Fossil-Lagerstätten around the world. The success of the first book prompted this new book which draws on four localities from the original book and adds another ten, all located in North America.Following an introduction to Fossil-Lagerstätten, each chapter deals with a single fossil locality. Each chapter contains a brief introduction placing the Lagerst e in an evolutionary context; there then follows a history of study of the locality; the background sedimentology, stratigraphy and palaeoenvironment; a description of the biota; discussion of the palaeoecology, and a comparison with other Lagerstätten of a similar age and/or environment. At the end of the book is an Appendix listing museums in which to see exhibitions of fossils from each locality and suggestions for visiting the sites. Review Recommended to all palaeontologists as a very enjoyable and well illustrated guide to sites. The Geological Magazine An outstanding publication. Deposits An excellent introduction for undergraduates astonishingly good value for money delightful. The Palaeontological Association Newsletter" Recommended to all palaeontologists as a very enjoyable and well illustrated guide to sites. "The Geological Magazine" An outstanding publication. "Deposits" An excellent introduction for undergraduates astonishingly good value for money delightful. "The Palaeontological Association Newsletter"" From the Back Cover Fossil-Lagerstatten provide us with windows on the history of life on earth and this book focuses on 14 outstanding Fossil-Lagerstatten located in North America. Following an introduction each chapter deals with a single fossil locality; there then follows a history of study of the locality; the background sedimentology, stratigraphy and palaeoenvironment; a description of the biota; discussion of the palaeoecology, and a comparison with other Lagerstatten of a similar age and/or environment. The book is illustrated throughout with superb colour photographs and drawings. It also includes an Appendix listing museums in which to see exhibitions of fossils from each locality and suggestions for visiting the sites.