Introducing Palaeontology: A Guide to Ancient Life - Brossura

Jackson, Patrick N. Wyse

Brossura

ISBN 10: 1906716153 ISBN 13: 9781906716158

Casa editrice: Dunedin Academic Pr Ltd, 2010

Riassunto

Life on Earth can be traced back over three thousand million years into the past. Many examples of the Earth's past inhabitants are to be found in rocks, preserved as beautiful and fascinating fossils. The earliest life forms were bacteria and algae; these produced the oxygen that enabled more complex life forms to develop. About 600 million years ago multi-cellular organisms appeared on Earth, some of which could protect themselves with hard parts such as shells. Many of these life forms were readily fossilized and are used to subdivide geological time. Numerous species have evolved and most are now extinct. Lineages can be traced and extinctions explained as a consequence of terrestrial and extra-terrestrial events. Lavishly illustrated with photographs and explanatory diagrams Introducing Palaeontology provides a concise and accessible introduction to the science of palaeontology. The book is divided into two parts. The first explains what a fossil is; how fossils came to be preserved; how they are classified; and what information they can tell scientists about the rocks in which they are found. The second part introduces the major fossil groups taking a systematic view from algae and plants, through the numerous examples of invertebrate animals, to the vertebrates and finally to man's ancestors. Technical terms are kept to a minimum and a glossary is provided.

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Recensione:

Introducing Palaeontology is an excellent book, full of attractive diagrams and photographs, coupled with short, waffle-free sections. The combination of short, snappy chapters and interesting scientific concepts create a book that is perfect for anyone new to the science of palaeontology, whether they be an enthusiastic amateur, a prospective student or an undergraduate just starting out in the field. --Geological Magazine

There has been a gap in the market for a long time, for a book that provides a simple introduction to fossils, this title fills that gap admirably! In 150 pages it takes the reader on a whistle stop tour through many aspects of palaeontology. The book rounds off with an excellent glossary. What can I say? This book is perfect for its purpose! --Down to Earth

I would recommend this as one of the best introductory texts on the subject around at present and no doubt its fine illustrations will soon begin to punctuate many introductory courses in our science. --European Geologist

In conclusion, this book never underestimates the reader s geological and palaeontological experience or intelligence, but is accessible and written in clear, understandable English. I have no doubt that this book will soon become a recommended read for first and second year geology /palaeontology students around the world. For anyone interested in studying fossils, it is well worth the very reasonable price tag, and I whole-heartedly recommend it. --The Palaeontology Newsletter

I would recommend this as one of the best introductory texts on the subject around at present and no doubt its fine illustrations will soon begin to punctuate many introductory courses in our science. --European Geologist

If you had room for only one book on palaeontology in your museum shop, this is the one I would suggest you stock. It is attractive, well written and illustrated and reasonably priced. It meets most of the needs of those with an interest in fossils, from very first encounters, through to university level. --Geological Curator

I would recommend this as one of the best introductory texts on the subject around at present and no doubt its fine illustrations will soon begin to punctuate many introductory courses in our science. --European Geologist

L'autore:

Patrick Wyse Jackson is a Senior Lecturer in Geology and Curator of the Geological Museum at Trinity College, Dublin.

Su questa edizione

• Editore: Dunedin Academic Pr Ltd
• Data di pubblicazione: 2010
• ISBN 10: 1906716153
• ISBN 13: 9781906716158
• Rilegatura: Copertina flessibile
• Numero di pagine: 152
• Disegnatore: Murray John