A wide-ranging volume of analytic and methodological essays on microvertebrate fossils "In 13 well-referenced chapters, 17 authors present methodological approaches to the study of microfossil assemblages, results of several recent studies, and recommendations for future research. This book is sure to stimulate significant discussion among paleontologists and evolutionary biologists. . . . Recommended." —D. A. Brass, independent scholar, Choice , November 2008
". . . Here, the editors have brought together a fine collection of papers primarily addressing [vertebrate microfossil assemblages]. . . . I would say that anyone working in the Late Cretaceous of North America would do well to purchase a copy, as would those who work on some of the taxa detailed within (small theropods, frogs, etc.). Kudos to the editors and authors on this interesting contribution!" —Andy Farke, The Open Source Paleontologist , September 11, 2008
"For several decades the study of vertebrate microfaunas has contributed greatly to our understanding of the evolution and paleobiology of fossil vertebrates. Despite the importance of such studies, the discipline has perhaps been viewed as slightly out of the mainstream. This is the first time that microfaunal studies have coalesced into a single volume. Hopefully it is a harbinger of an intellectual maturation, the coming-of-age of a discipline." —Peter Dodson, University of Pennsylvania This volume presents state-of-the-art papers on important topics and methods in the analysis of vertebrate microfossil assemblages. The minute remains of animals and plants have proven very useful to paleontologists as tools for dating large fossils, describing the environments which existed at the time the fossils were deposited, and identifying and mapping the extent of local floras and faunas, among other things. Due to the large sample sizes that can be obtained, the chance to recover rare taxa is much higher than it is during a search for skeletal remains. Analysis of the data produced from microvertebrate localities can address a wide range of questions as these papers clearly demonstrate.
Julia T. Sankey is Associate Professor of Geology in the Department of Physics and Geology at California State University in Stanislaus.
Sven Baszio is a paleontologist at the University of Bonn, Germany.
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Distribution: World Publication date: 3/24/2008 |
