New Approaches to Speciation in the Fossil Record - Hardcover

Erwin, Douglas

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0231082487 ISBN 13: 9780231082488

Publisher: Columbia University Press, 1995

Synopsis

This collection of case studies seeks to re-examine the understanding of the speciation patterns that appear in the fossil record through analysis of the patterns and their presumed processes. The contributions address the questions surrounding speciation in the fossil record by conducting very specific studies of particular lineages. In each case, the rigorous techniques of morphological analysis, quantitative genetic analysis, phylogenetic analysis, and sedimentary completeness have been employed. The new perspectives revealed in this volume should make it a useful resource for students, teachers, and professionals in the fields of paleontology and evolutionary biology. Rich with data and cogent examples of the speciation processes, this book should stand as a guide to greater understanding of the issues surrounding these processes.

About this title

From the Back Cover

New Approaches to Speciation in the Fossil Record provides the most up-to-date and comprehensive examination of recent advances in the analysis of speciation since then. This collection of case studies seeks to reexamine the understanding of the speciation patterns that appear in the fossil record through stringent analysis of the patterns and their presumed processes. The contributions address the questions of speciation by conducting specific, detailed studies of particular lineages. The rigorous techniques of morphological analysis, quantitative genetic analysis, phylogenetic analysis, and sedimentary completeness are employed to offer a fresh look at speciation. New Approaches to Speciation in the Fossil Record is divided into three sections. The first part gives a historical perspective on the issues under consideration, and explores the current debates and future directions for research. In Part II, five case studies describe speciation patterns, while raising significant methodological issues for further inquiry. The third section looks at the large-scale macroevolutionary issues that affect patterns in the fossil record. The new perspectives revealed here make this a unique resource for students, teachers, and professionals in the fields of paleontology and evolutionary biology.

Edition details

• Publisher: Columbia University Press
• Publication date: 1995
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0231082487
• ISBN 13: 9780231082488
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 288