Bonebeds: Genesis, Analysis, and Paleobiological Significance - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0226723712 ISBN 13: 9780226723716

Publisher: University of Chicago Press, 2008

Synopsis

The vertebrate fossil record extends back more than 500 million years, and bonebeds—localized concentrations of the skeletal remains of vertebrate animals—help unlock the secrets of this long history. Often spectacularly preserved, bonebeds—both modern and ancient—can reveal more about life histories, ecological associations, and preservation patterns than any single skeleton or bone. For this reason, bonebeds are frequently studied by paleobiologists, geologists, and archeologists seeking to piece together the vertebrate record.

Thirteen respected researchers combine their experiences in Bonebeds, providing readers with workable definitions, theoretical frameworks, and a compendium of modern techniques in bonebed data collection and analysis. By addressing the historical, theoretical, and practical aspects of bonebed research, this edited volume—the first of its kind—provides the background and methods that students and professionals need to explore and understand these fantastic records of ancient life and death.

About this title

About the Author:

Raymond R. Rogers is a professor and chair of the geology department at Macalester College, St. Paul, Minnesota. David A. Eberth is a senior research scientist at the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller, Alberta, Canada. Tony R.  Fiorillois a faculty member in the Department of Geological Sciences at Southern Methodist University and Curator of Paleontology at the Dallas Museum of Natural History, Dallas, Texas.

Review:

"Overall, this text conveys a wealth of interesting information about fossil assemblages, offering readers a broad perspective on the invaluable and unique insights that bonebeds can provide about environments and vertebrate life in the distant past. Accordingly, Bonebeds presents an intriguing glimpse into one of the most fascinating aspects of paleontology. This volume will appeal to any reader with a serious interest in evolutionary history, paleontology, geology, and fossil collecting."

(Danny Brass PRS)

"This is a thorough analysis of the taphonomic phenomenon known as the 'bonebed' in the stratigraphic record.. . . The emphasis of this volume is practical, making it most useful for vertebrate paleontologists, stratigraphers, and sedimentologists."—Choice (Choice)

About this edition

• Publisher: University of Chicago Press
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0226723712
• ISBN 13: 9780226723716
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 499
• Editor: Rogers Raymond R., Eberth David A., Fiorillo Anthony R.