Evolution of Fossil Ecosystems, Paul Selden and John Nudds, 9781840760415

Evolution of Fossil Ecosystems

Paul Selden		Manchester University, UK
John Nudds		Manchester University, UK

258 Colour illustrations, Illustrations
192 pages
Publisher: Manson Publishing, UK

Paperback - 2004
ISBN: 9781840760415 - AU $ 54.95

Major advances in our understanding of the history of life on Earth have resulted from the study of exceptionally well-preserved fossil sites (Lagerstätten). Study of such sites from around the world and from different periods in geological time can provide a fairly complete picture of the evolution of ecosystems down the ages.

With this aim in mind, the authors have brought together succinct summaries of 14 of the better-known fossil Lagerstätten, beautifully illustrated throughout by over 250 colour photographs and diagrams.

Following a general introduction to fossil Lagerstätten, 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 Lagerstätten.

There are appendices of further reading, relevant museums and suggestions for visiting the sites.

Unique coverage: contains succinct summaries of most of the better known fossil Lagerstätten, primarily for student use.
Worldwide examples and applicability.
Useful appendices listing museums to visit, how to visit the sites and additional reading.
Superb colour photographs and drawings.

Introduction
1. Ediacara
2. Burgess Shale
3. Soom Shale
4. Hunsrück Slate
5. Rhynie Chert
6. Mazon Creek
7. Grès à Voltzia
8. Holzmaden Shale
9. Morrison Formation
10. Solnhofen Limestone
11. Santana and Crato Formations
12. Grube Messel
13. Baltic Amber
14. Rancho La Brea
Appendix 1 – Further reading
Appendix 2 – Museums and site visits
Index

This book will be of value to a wide range of students and professionals in palaeontology and related sciences, and to amateur enthusiasts.

"This excellent book describes and illustrates 14 sites that range over 560 million years..... It's just the job for students and teachers, and the general fossil enthusiast will get a lot from this guide to some of the world's best fossil sites."
New Scientist
(pre-publication review)

Related Titles

Proceedings of the Third National Rock-wallaby Symposium, Canberra, July 2010