Introduction to Paleobiology and the Fossil Record

Preface.
1. Paleontology as a science.
2. Fossils in time and space.
3. Taphonomy and the quality of the fossil record.
4. Paleoecology and paleoclimates.
5. Macroevolution and the tree of life.
6. Fossil form and function.
7. Mass extinctions and biodiversity loss.
8. The origin of life.
9. Protists.
10. Origin of the metazoans.
11. The basal metazoans: sponges and corals.
12. Spiralians 1: lophophorates.
13. Spiralians 2: mollusks.
14. Ecdysozoa: arthropods.
15. Deuterostomes: echinoderms and hemichordates.
16. Fishes and basal tetrapods.
17. Dinosaurs and mammals.
18. Fossil plants.
19. Trace fossils.
20. Diversification of life.
References.
Further reading.
Glossary.
Appendix 1: Stratigraphic chart.
Appendix 2: Paleogeographic maps.
Index

Michael J. Benton is Professor of Vertebrate Palaeontology at the University of Bristol. He is interested particularly in early reptiles, Triassic dinosaurs and macroevolution, and has published 50 books and 160 scientific articles.

David Harper is a leading expert on fossil brachiopods and numerical methods in palaeontology. He is Professor of Palaeontology in the University of Copenhagen, where he is currently Head of Geology in the Natural History Museum of Denmark. He has published over 10 books and monographs, including a couple of influential textbooks, as well as over 250 scientific articles and, together with Øyvind Hammer, the widely-used software package PAST. His time is divided between collection management, exhibition work, research and some teaching.

"This undergraduate level college textbook presents a comprehensive overview into the science of paleobiology, and the many analytical tools and latest techniques used to interpret the fossil record." (The Birdbooker Report (Blog), February 2009)

"The shear scope of the book is a marvel. The easily accessible English which has been employed by the authors makes this book a sure-fire hit for anyone with a basic grasp of palaeontology and who needs to acquire an authoritative overview of the seemingly disparate parts of the subject. Introduction to Paleobiology and the Fossil Records is therefore perfect for undergraduate and postgraduate students of palaeontology; however, it will also endear it to anybody with a palaeontological background or interest. It is an outstanding contribution and in my opinion a must for all." (Geological Journal, August 2010)"This book provides an excellent introduction to the study of paleobiology for advanced students in paleontology, evolutionary biology, and related fields." (CHOICE, February 2009)"..any serious student of geology who does not pick this book off the shelf will be putting themselves at a huge disadvantage. The material may be complex, but the text is extremely accessible and well organized, and the book ought to be essential reading for palaeontologists at undergraduate, postgraduate and more advanced levelsboth in Britain as well as in North America." (Proceedings of the Geologists' Association, 2010)"...this is an excellent introduction to palaeontology in general. It is well structured, accessibly written and pleasantly informative .....I would recommend this as a standard reference text to all my students without hesitation." (Geological Magazine, 2010)"This is the best paleontology textbook on the market today. It is a sure bet to set young students on the right path, and provides the 'long' answer to the question 'What should I study?'" (The Quarterly Review of Biology, March 2010)"This undergraduate level college textbook presents a comprehensive overview into the science of paleobiology, and the many analytical tools and latest techniques used to interpret the fossil record." (The Birdbooker Report, February 2009)"This book gives a competent,