Dynamic paleontology : using quantification and other tools to decipher the history of life / Mark A.S. McMenamin.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

McMenamin, Mark A., author.

Series:

Springer geology

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Paleontology--Methodology.

Paleontology.

Physical Description:

xii, 251 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm.

Place of Publication:

Cham : Springer, 2016.

Summary:

Using a series of case studies, the book demonstrates the power of dynamic analysis as applied to the fossil record. Written in an engaging and informative style, Dynamic Paleontology outlines the best application of quantitative and other tools to critical problems in the paleontological sciences including such topics as analysis of the Cambrian Explosion and the question regarding the presence of life on Mars. The book considers how we think about certain types questions and shows how we can refine our approach to analysis right from the beginning of any particular research effort. The analytical tools presented here will have wide application to other fields of knowledge; as such the book represents a major contribution to our deployment of modern scientific method.

Contents:

Acknowledgments

Preface

Scleritome

Christmas Tree Stromatolite

Archaeocyath Mixotrophy

Environmental Convergence

Mat Farmers

Etch Stop

Sampling Bias

Shell Alignment

Deep Bones

Dung Stones

Cambrian Cannibals

Parenting Skills

First Fruits

Pandora's Pithos

Systematics

Index. .

Notes:

Includes bibliographic references.

ISBN:

3319227769

9783319227764

OCLC:

913767415