Evolution of Fossil Ecosystems - Softcover

Selden, Paul A.; Nudds, John R.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0226746410 ISBN 13: 9780226746418

Publisher: University of Chicago Press, 2005

Synopsis

Major advances in our understanding of the history of life on Earth have been achieved through the study of exceptionally well-preserved fossil sites, known scientifically as fossil Lagerstätten. The examination of such sites provides a surprisingly complete picture of the evolution of ecosystems throughout the ages. In Evolution of Fossil Ecosystems, Paul A. Selden and John R. Nudds celebrate these unique and rare preserves of ancient ecosystems with succinct summaries of fourteen of the better-known fossil Lagerstätten—including the Ediacara in South Australia, the Hunsrück Slate in Germany, the Santana and Crato Formations in Brazil, and the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles.

Beginning with a general introduction to fossil Lagerstätten, Evolution of Fossil Ecosystems goes on, chapter by chapter, to consider each fossil site, detailing its evolutionary position and significance; a brief history of the locality; its background sedimentology, stratigraphy, and paleoenvironment; its biota and paleoecology; and its commonalities with similar Lagerstätten. Considering deposits both marine and terrestrial, the book covers one fossil site from the Precambrian era, five sites from the Paleozoic era, five sites from the Mesozoic era, and three sites from the Cenozoic era.

Illustrated with hundreds of color photographs and drawings, Evolution of Fossil Ecosystems is a sophisticated yet accessible guide to these critical sites. Containing useful appendixes listing important museums, instructions on how to visit the fossil sites, and additional suggested reading, this book will attract students, academics, and professionals in paleontology, evolution, and the earth and life sciences, as well as dedicated amateurs interested in fossils and geology.

About this title

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.

About the Author:

Paul A. Selden is reader in paleontology and John R. Nudds is senior lecturer in paleontology at the School of Earth, Atmospheric, and Environmental Sciences at the University of Manchester.

About this edition

• Publisher: University of Chicago Press
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0226746410
• ISBN 13: 9780226746418
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 192