An Outline Of Phanerozoic Biogeography (Oxford Biogeography Series): 10 - Softcover

Hallam, Anthony

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0198540604 ISBN 13: 9780198540601

Publisher: Oxford University Press, U.S.A., 1995

Synopsis

The general acceptance of plate tectonics and continental drift by the early 1970s galvanized the study of biogeography and our understanding of the origin and evolution of life. However, until now the accumulated information has been widely scattered in the literature. This book is the first to synthesize the results of over two decades of prolific research in a clear, concise format accessible to students of geology, geography, and biology. It will also serve as a valuable resource for teachers of paleontology who are interested in paleobiogeography as well as for geologists needing to know more about the use of fossils in tectonic reconstructions. Introductory chapters deal with the historical background, the major factors influencing the distribution of organisms, methods of biogeographic analysis, and the major events of the Phanerozoic. These are followed by reviews of the changing terrestrial and marine biogeographic patterns, as indicated by the fossil record, and an attempt to explain the patterns observed. A comprehensive bibliography will allow interested readers to pursue material in greater depth.

About this title

Review:

I enjoyed reading it and found it a useful, low-cost guide to the subject. I am sure that there will be many people preparing Earth History courses who will find this book a valuable review. This is a great book for undergraduates to delve into and is well worth having on your shelf and should be a must for any university Library. (Peter A. Allison, University of Reading, Palaeontology Newsletter, No. 29, Winter 1996)

Synopsis:

Palaves biogeographic research over the last twenty years or so has been galvarized by the general acceptance of plate tectonics and, hence, of the orrurrence of continental drift. This study, written by an internationally respected author of palaeontological books from student to professional levels, is the first to synthesize this research. The introductory chapters deal with the historical background, the major factors influencing the distribution of organisms, methods of biogeographic analysis, and the major events of the Phanerozoic. These are followed by concise reviews of the changing terrestrial and marine biogeographic patterns, as indicated by the fossil record, over successive eras, and an attempt to explain the patterns observed. The comprehensive bibliography provided allows readers to follow up material in greater depth.

The book is a concise overview of a large body of material, presented in a manner that will be accessible to students and teachers of palaeontology who are interested in biogeography, to geologists who need to know more about the use of fossils in tectonic reconstructions, and to biologists requiring historical insights into the distributions of living organisms.

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press, U.S.A.
• Publication date: 1995
• ISBN 10: 0198540604
• ISBN 13: 9780198540601
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 258