Fossil Ecosystems of North America: A Guide to the Sites and Their Extraordinary Biotas
Books / Paperback
Books › Science › Paleontology
ISBN: 0226607224 / Publisher: University Of Chicago Press, April 2008
Most major recent advances in understanding the history of life on Earth have been made through the study of exceptionally well preserved biotas (Fossil-Lagerstatten). John R. Nudds and Paul A. Selden concentrate in this new volume on fourteen Lagerstatten in North America.Chapters place each biota in its evolutionary context and provide a history of study of the locality, its sedimentology, stratigraphy, and paleoenvironment; a description of the biota; and a comparison with other similar Lagerstatten. A useful appendix lists relevant museums and gives suggestions for visiting the sites.Fossil Ecosystems of North America contains a wealth of information and beautiful and fascinating illustrations, all presented in a user-friendly style, whether for study or for the pleasure of witnessing glimpses of the development of life on our planet.
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The fossil record affords a fascinating glimpse at past environments and the kinds of plants and animals that inhabited them. Some sites, for instance, contain nearly complete preserved records of ancient life. Fourteen of these remarkable fossil depositories are found in North America, including Mistaken Point in Newfoundland, Mazon Creek in Illinois, and Rancho La Brea in Los Angeles. Fossil Ecosystems of North America describes these and eleven other sites that range across the continent. John R. Nudds and Paul A. Selden introduce each site and place the fossil findings in geologic and evolutionary context. They go on to describe the history of research at each site—the sedimentology, stratigraphy, biota, paleoecology—and offer comparisons to other localities of similar age or environment. Fossil Ecosystems of North America also includes an appendix of museums at which readers can see specimens from the sites and suggestions for visiting the sites in person. In some cases, new specimens can still be collected from these sites by professionals and amateurs alike. Accessible and informative, this guide to Fossil-Lagerstätten will appeal to expert scientists and adventuresome lay paleontologists alike.
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