Paleozoic and Mesozoic tectonic evolution of central and eastern Asia
Paleozoic and Mesozoic tectonic evolution of central and eastern Asia

Author: Gregory Arlen Davis

Publisher: Geological Society of America

Published: 2001

Total Pages: 612

ISBN-13: 9780813711942

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Hendrix (geology, U. of Montana) and Davis (earth sciences, U. of Southern California) present 19 articles detailing ground-based work on the history of assembly and intracontinental deformation of central and eastern Asia. Chapters look at the structural, thermochronologic, and sedimentary records of the history of Paleozoic assembly in Mongolia and central and western China. Further information is presented on Mesozoic deformation in orogenic belts of central and eastern Asia. Asia's sedimentary basins are examined and the intracontinental deformation they record is documented. Many of these contributions, particularly the papers examining Mongolian geology, are the first ground-based articles written in English. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

The Trace-Fossil Record of Major Evolutionary Events
The Trace-Fossil Record of Major Evolutionary Events

Author: M. Gabriela Mángano

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2016-11-17

Total Pages: 372

ISBN-13: 9401796009

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This volume addresses major evolutionary changes that took place during the Ediacaran and the Paleozoic. These include discussions on the nature of Ediacaran ecosystems, as well as the ichnologic signature of evolutionary radiations, such as the Cambrian explosion and the Great Ordovician biodiversification event, the invasion of the land, and the end-Permian mass extinction. This volume set provides innovative reviews of the major evolutionary events in the history of life from an ichnologic perspective. Because the long temporal range of trace fossils has been commonly emphasized, biogenic structures have been traditionally overlooked in macroevolution. However, comparisons of ichnofaunas through geologic time do reveal the changing ecology of organism-substrate interactions. The use of trace fossils in evolutionary paleoecology represents a new trend that is opening a window for our understanding of major evolutionary radiations and mass extinctions. Trace fossils provide crucial evidence for the recognition of spatial and temporal patterns and processes associated with paleoecologic breakthroughs.

Mammalian Evolution, Diversity and Systematics
Mammalian Evolution, Diversity and Systematics

Author: Frank Zachos

Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG

Published: 2018-10-22

Total Pages: 394

ISBN-13: 3110341557

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There are nearly 6,000 mammalian species, among them our own. Research on our evolutionary cousins has a long history, but the last 20 years have seen particularly rapid progress in disentangling the interrelationships and evolutionary history of mammals. The present volume combines up-to-date reviews on mammalian phylogenetics with paleontological, taxonomic and evolutionary chapters and also summarizes the historical development of our insights in mammalian relationships, and thus our own place in the Tree of Life. Our book places the present biodiversity crisis in context, with one in four mammal species threatened by extinction, and reviews the distribution and conservation of mammalian diversity across the globe. This volume is the introductory tome to the new Mammalia series of the Handbook of Zoology and will be essential reading for mammalogists, zoologists and conservationists alike.

The Vegetation of Antarctica through Geological Time
The Vegetation of Antarctica through Geological Time

Author: David J. Cantrill

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2012-11-22

Total Pages: 489

ISBN-13: 113956028X

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The fossil history of plant life in Antarctica is central to our understanding of the evolution of vegetation through geological time and also plays a key role in reconstructing past configurations of the continents and associated climatic conditions. This book provides the only detailed overview of the development of Antarctic vegetation from the Devonian period to the present day, presenting Earth scientists with valuable insights into the break up of the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana. Details of specific floras and ecosystems are provided within the context of changing geological, geographical and environmental conditions, alongside comparisons with contemporaneous and modern ecosystems. The authors demonstrate how palaeobotany contributes to our understanding of the paleoenvironmental changes in the southern hemisphere during this period of Earth history. The book is a complete and up-to-date reference for researchers and students in Antarctic paleobotany and terrestrial paleoecology.

Trace Fossils
Trace Fossils

Author: William Miller III

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2011-10-13

Total Pages: 637

ISBN-13: 0080475353

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This book serves as an up-to-date introduction, as well as overview to modern trace fossil research and covers nearly all of the essential aspects of modern ichnology. Divided into three section, Trace Fossils covers the historical background and concepts of ichnology, on-going research problems, and indications about the possible future growth of the discipline and potential connections to other fields. This work is intended for a broad audience of geological and biological scientists. Workers new to the field could get a sense of the main concepts of ichnology and a clear idea of how trace fossil research is conducted. Scientists in related disciplines could find potential uses for trace fossils in their fields. And, established workers could use the book to check on the progress of their particular brand of ichnology. By design, there is something here for novice and veteran, insider and outsider, and for the biologically-oriented workers and for the sedimentary geologists.* Presents a review of the state of ichnology at the beginning of the 21st Century* Summarizes the basic concepts and methods of modern trace fossil research* Discusses crucial background information about the history of trace fossil research, the main concepts of ichnology, examples of current problems and future directions, and the potential connections to other disciplines within both biology and geology