Systematics And The Fossil Record

Author : Andrew B. Smith
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
Page : 233 pages
File Size : 48,5 Mb
Release : 2009-07-15
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781444313901

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Systematics and the Fossil Record by Andrew B. Smith Pdf

This new text sets out to establish the key role played by systematics in deciphering patterns of evolution from the fossil record. It begins by considering the nature of the species in the fossil record and then outlines recent advances in the methodology used to establish phylogenetics relationships, stressing why fossil evidence can be crucial. The way species are grouped into higher taxa, and how this affects their utility in evolutionary studies is also discussed. Because the fossil record abounds with sampling and preservational biases, the book emphasizes that observed patterns can rarely be taken at face value. It is argued that evolutionary trees, constructed from combining phylogenetic and biostratigraphic data, provide the best approach for investigating patterns of evolution through geologic time. The only integrated text covering the study of evolutionary patterns from a phylogenetic stance.

Author : Lawrence G. Abele
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 428 pages
File Size : 51,5 Mb
Release : 1982
Category : Animals
ISBN : UVA:X001458187

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Systematics, the Fossil Record, and Biogeography by Lawrence G. Abele Pdf

Author : Jonathan M. Adrain,Gregory D. Edgecombe,Bruce S. Lieberman
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 402 pages
File Size : 41,7 Mb
Release : 2012-12-06
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781461505716

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Fossils, Phylogeny, and Form by Jonathan M. Adrain,Gregory D. Edgecombe,Bruce S. Lieberman Pdf

Phylogenetic analysis and morphometrics have been developed by biologists into rigorous analytic tools for testing hypotheses about the relationships between groups of species. This book applies these tools to paleontological data. The fossil record is our one true chronicle of the history of life, preserving a set of macroevolutionary patterns; thus various hypotheses about evolutionary processes can be tested in the fossil record using phylogentic analysis and morphometrics. The first book of its type, Fossils, Phylogeny, and Form will be useful in evolutionary biology, paleontology, systematics, evolutionary development, theoretical biology, biogeography, and zoology. It will also provide a practical, researcher-friendly gateway into computer-based phylogenetics and morphometrics.

Author : Philip C J Donoghue,M. Paul Smith
Publisher : CRC Press
Page : 305 pages
File Size : 55,7 Mb
Release : 2003-12-16
Category : Nature
ISBN : 9780203642528

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Telling the Evolutionary Time by Philip C J Donoghue,M. Paul Smith Pdf

Determining the precise timing for the evolutionary origin of groups of organisms has become increasingly important as scientists from diverse disciplines attempt to examine rates of anatomical or molecular evolution and correlate intrinsic biological events to extrinsic environmental events. Molecular clock analyses indicate that many major groups

Author : Bruce J. MacFadden
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
Page : 388 pages
File Size : 48,7 Mb
Release : 1994-06-24
Category : Nature
ISBN : 0521477085

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Fossil Horses by Bruce J. MacFadden Pdf

The horse has frequently been used as a classic example of long-term evolution because it possesses an extensive fossil record. This book synthesizes the large body of data and research relevant to an understanding of fossil horses from perspectives such as biology, geology, paleontology.

Author : Warren D. Allmon,Margaret M. Yacobucci
Publisher : University of Chicago Press
Page : 434 pages
File Size : 46,8 Mb
Release : 2016-10-05
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780226377582

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Species and Speciation in the Fossil Record by Warren D. Allmon,Margaret M. Yacobucci Pdf

Although the species is one of the fundamental units of biological classification, there is remarkably little consensus among biologists about what defines a species, even within distinct sub-disciplines. The literature of paleobiology, in particular, is littered with qualifiers and cautions about applying the term to the fossil record or equating such species with those recognized among living organisms. In Species and Speciation in the Fossil Record, experts in the field examine how they conceive of species of fossil animals and consider the implications these different approaches have for thinking about species in the context of macroevolution. After outlining views of the Modern Synthesis of evolutionary disciplines and detailing the development within paleobiology of quantitative methods for documenting and analyzing variation within fossil assemblages, contributors explore the challenges of recognizing and defining species from fossil specimens—and offer potential solutions. Addressing both the tempo and mode of speciation over time, they show how with careful interpretation and a clear species concept, fossil species may be sufficiently robust for meaningful paleobiological analyses. Indeed, they demonstrate that the species concept, if more refined, could unearth a wealth of information about the interplay between species origins and extinctions, between local and global climate change, and greatly deepen our understanding of the evolution of life.

Author : George Gaylord Simpson
Publisher : Elsevier
Page : 272 pages
File Size : 46,6 Mb
Release : 2015-12-04
Category : Nature
ISBN : 9781483189611

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Why and How by George Gaylord Simpson Pdf

Why and How: Some Problems and Methods in Historical Biology discusses an overall approach to the study of fossils combined with paleontology. This book is divided into six chapters. Chapter 1 consists of a few examples of studies of the fossil record, focusing on its adequacy, and ways of looking at and representing some of its aspects. The most basic aspects of study of the fossil record such as the examination, description, and illustration of the morphology of fossils are described in Chapter 2. Chapter 3 focuses on paleoecology and faunal analysis, while Chapter 4 emphasizes some of the aspects of phylogenetic principles and eclectic taxonomic theory. The essential apparatus for zoological studies that include biometrical statistics both in concepts and in measures are deliberated in Chapter 5. The last chapter deliberates the geographic distribution of organisms. This publication is a good source for paleontologists and biologists interested in historical biology.

Author : Michael J. Benton,David A. T. Harper
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
Page : 1001 pages
File Size : 42,9 Mb
Release : 2013-04-25
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781118685402

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Introduction to Paleobiology and the Fossil Record by Michael J. Benton,David A. T. Harper Pdf

This book presents a comprehensive overview of the science of the history of life. Paleobiologists bring many analytical tools to bear in interpreting the fossil record and the book introduces the latest techniques, from multivariate investigations of biogeography and biostratigraphy to engineering analysis of dinosaur skulls, and from homeobox genes to cladistics. All the well-known fossil groups are included, including microfossils and invertebrates, but an important feature is the thorough coverage of plants, vertebrates and trace fossils together with discussion of the origins of both life and the metazoans. All key related subjects are introduced, such as systematics, ecology, evolution and development, stratigraphy and their roles in understanding where life came from and how it evolved and diversified. Unique features of the book are the numerous case studies from current research that lead students to the primary literature, analytical and mathematical explanations and tools, together with associated problem sets and practical schedules for instructors and students. “..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 levels—both in Britain as well as in North America.” Falcon-Lang, H., Proc. Geol. Assoc. 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.” David Norman Geol Mag 2010 Companion website This book includes a companion website at: www.blackwellpublishing.com/paleobiology The website includes: · An ongoing database of additional Practical’s prepared by the authors · Figures from the text for downloading · Useful links for each chapter · Updates from the authors

Author : Stephen K. Donovan,Christopher R. C. Paul
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 336 pages
File Size : 49,9 Mb
Release : 1998-08-24
Category : Nature
ISBN : UCSD:31822028387876

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The Adequacy of the Fossil Record by Stephen K. Donovan,Christopher R. C. Paul Pdf

The 'incompleteness of the fossil record' is an excuse used by some scientists to reject any fossil evidence that runs counter to current preconceptions. Adequacy and completeness are difficult concepts that should not be confused. The fossil record may be incomplete, but it is entirely adequate for many and most requirements of palaeontology, as well as answering wider questions in geology and biology. The Adequacy of the Fossil Record is intended to be an up-to-date review that seeks to debunk these and other objections.

Author : Gilbert Powell Larwood
Publisher : Clarendon Press
Page : 365 pages
File Size : 45,8 Mb
Release : 1988
Category : Extinction (Biology)
ISBN : 0198577087

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Extinction and Survival in the Fossil Record by Gilbert Powell Larwood Pdf

Mass extinctions of animals and plants in the geological past are a topic of continuing interest and debate. This volume reviews some of the major changes that are seen in important groups of organisms in the fossil record. Our present understanding of the nature and causes of these changes is examined, together with the problems of defining such changes. The available data on a variety of fossil plants and animals are considered in relation to major extinction events that have been recognized in the geological record for Phanerozoic time (i.e. approximately the past 600 million years). The question of whether there is a regular periodicity in extinction events is considered, as are the problems posed by the incompleteness of the paleontological and stratigraphical evidence.

Author : Thomas N Taylor,Michael Krings,Edith L. Taylor
Publisher : Academic Press
Page : 398 pages
File Size : 50,9 Mb
Release : 2014-08-14
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780123877543

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Fossil Fungi by Thomas N Taylor,Michael Krings,Edith L. Taylor Pdf

Fungi are ubiquitous in the world and responsible for driving the evolution and governing the sustainability of ecosystems now and in the past. Fossil Fungi is the first encyclopedic book devoted exclusively to fossil fungi and their activities through geologic time. The book begins with the historical context of research on fossil fungi (paleomycology), followed by how fungi are formed and studied as fossils, and their age. The next six chapters focus on the major lineages of fungi, arranging them in phylogenetic order and placing the fossils within a systematic framework. For each fossil the age and provenance are provided. Each chapter provides a detailed introduction to the living members of the group and a discussion of the fossils that are believed to belong in this group. The extensive bibliography (~ 2700 entries) includes papers on both extant and fossil fungi. Additional chapters include lichens, fungal spores, and the interactions of fungi with plants, animals, and the geosphere. The final chapter includes a discussion of fossil bacteria and other organisms that are fungal-like in appearance, and known from the fossil record. The book includes more than 475 illustrations, almost all in color, of fossil fungi, line drawings, and portraits of people, as well as a glossary of more than 700 mycological and paleontological terms that will be useful to both biologists and geoscientists. First book devoted to the whole spectrum of the fossil record of fungi, ranging from Proterozoic fossils to the role of fungi in rock weathering Detailed discussion of how fossil fungi are preserved and studied Extensive bibliography with more than 2000 entries Where possible, fungal fossils are placed in a modern systematic context Each chapter within the systematic treatment of fungal lineages introduced with an easy-to-understand presentation of the main characters that define extant members Extensive glossary of more than 700 entries that define both biological, geological, and mycological terminology

Author : Robert A. Spicer,Barry A. Thomas,Systematics Association
Publisher : Oxford University Press, USA
Page : 360 pages
File Size : 46,6 Mb
Release : 1986
Category : Classification
ISBN : UCSD:31822002419547

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Systematic and Taxonomic Approaches in Palaeobotany by Robert A. Spicer,Barry A. Thomas,Systematics Association Pdf

Plant fossils, which provide valuable data for many fields, are usually only poorly preserved and fragmentary remains of the original organism. Their identification is difficult, and their study bedevilled by problems of taxomony and classification never encountered with living plants. This volume contains the papers presented at an international paleobotanical meeting designed to present a complete catalog and description of the varied techniques used in fossil identification and classification. The wide variety of approaches presented here will stimulate further research and provide the necessary information for the application of paleobotanical studies to the more general fields of botany and geology.

Author : Elisabeth S. Vrba,George B. Schaller,Yale Institute for Biospheric Studies,Wildlife Conservation Society (New York, N.Y.)
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 341 pages
File Size : 51,6 Mb
Release : 2000
Category : Science
ISBN : 0300081421

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Antelopes, Deer, and Relatives by Elisabeth S. Vrba,George B. Schaller,Yale Institute for Biospheric Studies,Wildlife Conservation Society (New York, N.Y.) Pdf

From the era of early cave paintings to the present time, ruminants - deer, antelopes, cattle, buffalo, goats, giraffes and their relatives - have captured the human imagination. Present on every continent except Australia and Antarctica, they have also been more important to human subsistence than any other mammalian group. This book is a discussion of the evolution, biology, relationships, and conservation of this fascinating and ecologically important group of mammals. Eminent authorities from around the world have contributed to this book on ruminants, integrating information from palaeontology, molecular and population genetics, anatomy, morphology, and field studies of behaviour, ecology, and the effects of climate change. Also covered are the genetics, morphology, and behaviour of the saola (one of several new species recently found in the Annamite Mountains between Laos and Vietnam) and other survivors from isolated and ancient branches on the ruminant family tree. Many of the living species are endangered, say the authors, and knowledge of their history, evolution, and basic biology is critical to their conservation.

Author : Otto H. Schindewolf
Publisher : University of Chicago Press
Page : 528 pages
File Size : 55,6 Mb
Release : 1993
Category : Science
ISBN : 0226738353

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Basic Questions in Paleontology by Otto H. Schindewolf Pdf

Now available in English for the first time, Basic Questions in Paleontology is a landmark work in twentieth-century evolution and paleontology. Originally published in German in 1950, Schindewolf's book was highly controversial for its thoroughgoing anti-Darwinism, but today his ideas are remarkably relevant to current research in evolutionary biology. "[This book] would rank number one on my list of items awaiting translation from the history of twentieth-century evolutionary theory."—Stephen Jay Gould

Author : Dorothy E. Bliss,Lawrence G. Abele
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 319 pages
File Size : 55,9 Mb
Release : 1982
Category : Electronic
ISBN : 0121064018

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The Biology of Crustacea by Dorothy E. Bliss,Lawrence G. Abele Pdf