Ichnology--the study of trace fossils such as tracks, burrows, and eggs--presents the scientist with "a jigsaw puzzle with a difference," writes Stephen Donovan. While body fossils of organisms are generally recognizable as belonging to a particular organic group, he explains, trace fossils are usually anonymous. Except in rare cases in which the animal died at the end of its trace, or the trace has an especially distinctive morphology--such as the dinosaur trackway--identifying trace fossils is almost always a matter of some speculation. Nonetheless, lessons learned from the study of trace fossils have proven invaluable in fields ranging from petroleum exploration to palaeoecology.

In this volume Donovan brings together a group of the world's leading experts to focus on the palaeoecological and evolutionary aspects of ichnology in both marine and nonmarine environments. In contrast to previous works on ichnology, which have emphasized the importance of trace fossil data to geologists in reconstructing the Earth's history, this book brings to light new information on the biology of the organisms that produced the trackways and the ancient environments in which they flourished.

About the Author:

Stephen K. Donovan is reader in geology at the University of the West Indies, Jamaica. He is the editor of Mass Extinctions: Processes and Evidence and The Processes of Fossilization.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Established in 2008, Acanthophyllum Books specialises in out-of-print and rare books in the natural sciences, especially botany. Its name is taken from a group of spiny plants inhabiting the highlands of south-west Asia. We are members of the Provincial Booksellers' Fairs Association, observe their professional standards, and exhibit regularly at PBFA book fairs.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Association Member

Members of these associations are committed to maintaining the highest standards. They vouch for the authenticity of all items offered for sale. They provide expert and detailed descriptions, disclose all significant defects and/or restorations, provide clear and accurate pricing, and operate with fairness and honesty during the purchase experience.

Seller's business information

Acanthophyllum Books
United Kingdom

Terms of Sale:

All items are offered subject to prior sale.
Any items held to be unsatisfactory may be returned, providing such
returns are notified to us in advance.
Any contract arising from an order is made under British law.
Title to any goods does not transfer from the seller until payment is
received in full.
All items are priced in Pounds Sterling.
Unless instructed otherwise all dispatches will be insured for all risks.

Shipping Terms:

Orders usually ship within 2 business days. Shipping costs are based on books weighing up to 0.9 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required. Payment is also accepted by PayPal.

Payment Methods
accepted by seller

Check PayPal

Add to Wants

Items related to The palaeobiology of trace fossils

The palaeobiology of trace fossils

Donovan, S.K. (ed.)

Used - Hardcover

Seller's business information