Species and Speciation in the Fossil Record

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Earth Sciences, Palaeontology, Biological Sciences
Cover of the book Species and Speciation in the Fossil Record by , University of Chicago Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: ISBN: 9780226377582
Publisher: University of Chicago Press Publication: October 5, 2016
Imprint: University of Chicago Press Language: English
Author:
ISBN: 9780226377582
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Publication: October 5, 2016
Imprint: University of Chicago Press
Language: English

Although the species is one of the fundamental units of biological classification, there is remarkably little consensus among biologists about what defines a species, even within distinct sub-disciplines. The literature of paleobiology, in particular, is littered with qualifiers and cautions about applying the term to the fossil record or equating such species with those recognized among living organisms. In Species and Speciation in the Fossil Record, experts in the field examine how they conceive of species of fossil animals and consider the implications these different approaches have for thinking about species in the context of macroevolution.

After outlining views of the Modern Synthesis of evolutionary disciplines and detailing the development within paleobiology of quantitative methods for documenting and analyzing variation within fossil assemblages, contributors explore the challenges of recognizing and defining species from fossil specimens—and offer potential solutions. Addressing both the tempo and mode of speciation over time, they show how with careful interpretation and a clear species concept, fossil species may be sufficiently robust for meaningful paleobiological analyses. Indeed, they demonstrate that the species concept, if more refined, could unearth a wealth of information about the interplay between species origins and extinctions, between local and global climate change, and greatly deepen our understanding of the evolution of life.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Although the species is one of the fundamental units of biological classification, there is remarkably little consensus among biologists about what defines a species, even within distinct sub-disciplines. The literature of paleobiology, in particular, is littered with qualifiers and cautions about applying the term to the fossil record or equating such species with those recognized among living organisms. In Species and Speciation in the Fossil Record, experts in the field examine how they conceive of species of fossil animals and consider the implications these different approaches have for thinking about species in the context of macroevolution.

After outlining views of the Modern Synthesis of evolutionary disciplines and detailing the development within paleobiology of quantitative methods for documenting and analyzing variation within fossil assemblages, contributors explore the challenges of recognizing and defining species from fossil specimens—and offer potential solutions. Addressing both the tempo and mode of speciation over time, they show how with careful interpretation and a clear species concept, fossil species may be sufficiently robust for meaningful paleobiological analyses. Indeed, they demonstrate that the species concept, if more refined, could unearth a wealth of information about the interplay between species origins and extinctions, between local and global climate change, and greatly deepen our understanding of the evolution of life.

More books from University of Chicago Press

Cover of the book Rethinking Therapeutic Culture by
Cover of the book The Romantic Machine by
Cover of the book American Girls in Red Russia by
Cover of the book Future Remains by
Cover of the book Technology and the Character of Contemporary Life by
Cover of the book Housing and the Financial Crisis by
Cover of the book Is Administrative Law Unlawful? by
Cover of the book Montesquieu and the Despotic Ideas of Europe by
Cover of the book Erring by
Cover of the book Two Arabs, a Berber, and a Jew by
Cover of the book Golf Science by
Cover of the book Mobile Orientations by
Cover of the book The Score by
Cover of the book The Valley of Bones by
Cover of the book Therapeutic Revolutions by
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy