The first edition of Evolution of Fossil Ecosystems was widely praised for its coverage and approach in describing and illustrating 14 well known fossil sites from around the world. The authors have now updated the text and added 6 new chapters with many new colour illustrations. Following a general introduction to fossil Lagerstatten, 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 Lagerstatten. There is an appendix of further reading, relevant museums and suggestions for visiting the sites. This study of exceptionally well-preserved fossil sites from different periods in geological time provides a picture of the evolution of ecosystems down the ages. The book is beautifully illustrated throughout by over 380 colour photographs and diagrams. Evolution of Fossil Ecosystems is of value to a wide range of students and professionals in palaeontology and related sciences, and to amateur enthusiasts.
Introduction
1. Ediacara
2. Burgess Shale
3. Chengjiang
4. Soom Shale
5. Herefordshire Nodules
6. Hunsruck Slate
7. Rhynie Chert
8. Mazon Creek
9. Karoo
10. Gres a Voltzia
11. Holzmaden Shale
12. Morrison Formation
13. Solnhofen Limestone
14. Jehol Group
15. El Montsec and Las Hoyas
16. Santana and Crato Formations
17. Grube Messel
18. White River Group
19. Baltic Amber
20. Rancho La Brea
Appendix 1 - Further reading
Appendix 2 - Museums and site visits
Index
"This excellent book describes and illustrates 14 sites that range over about 560 million years [...] a Michelin-style guide to some of the world's best fossil sites."
– New Scientist
" [...] well laid out, superbly illustrated, easy to use, very readable, and attractively priced [...] .This is a book that every palaeontological curator should have [...] "
– The Geological Curator
"Well-written – engaging, easily read, with a very nice balance between general content and specific detail [...] this is an excellent book; it is much more than a pictoral guide to fossils, yet really does have that "wow-look at that" factor."
– Palaeontological Newsletter
"Provides a well illustrated up to date account of most of the key lagerstatten, giving interested students and ethusiasts a very good entry to the vast literature on exceptional preservation."
– Geological Magazine
"Highly recommended to professors and students as an innovative and effective way to approach palaeontology, as well as to any amateur enthusiasts wishing to take part on a very grand tour of fossil ecosystems in the history of our planet."
– Plant Systematics and Evolution