Patterns and Processes of Vertebrate Evolution (Cambridge Paleobiology Series)
"It is in my view the most important book in vertebrate evolution since Simpson's Tempo and Mode in Evolution (1944), because of what it offers as a summary, an integration, and above all a prospectus for vertebrate biologists of a new synthesis that is showing all signs of a very healthy infancy.  Our next generation of scientists would do well to train themselves as Carroll has done in order to fulfill his vision of what integrative vertbrate biology can become."   Science"Every now and again, a brave paleontologist stands back and looks over the collection for anything that links all the tales together...Robert Carroll has broken new ground.  He views the fossil record with the eyes of a biologist and a geologist...Not since 1953, when George Gaylord Simpson published Major Features of Evolution has there been such a well-founded overview of vertebrate fossils, their distribution in time and space, relationships with other organisms and with the environment..."   New Scientist"Bob Carroll's latest book provides the first modern review of large scale patterns in the evolution of vertebrates viewed in the context of current evolutionary theory.  A veritable tour de force...Carroll's book is well written and effectively illustrated...Patterns and Processes of Vertebrate Evolution will form an essential resource for all students of the evolution of vertebrates, but it can also be read with profit by anyone concerned with general issues of contemporary evolutionary biology."   American Paleontologist"Patterns and Processes of Vertebrate Evolution is a masterful overview of evolution as it is understood by many vertebrate paleontologists and others today...Carroll writes clearly and rapidly-the whole is remarkably up to date, with meaningful incorporation of much current literature...this is a fine book."    The Society for the Study of Evolution"...excellent review of the vast recent literature on development, particularly rewarding reading." American Paleontologist"Carroll's overview is welcome, well organized...and will prove to be a very useful backdrop to undergraduate courses on general evolution, or vertabrate history."   Geological Magazine"The book covers a broad compass and the author provides accounts of the immense range of biological and geological topics.  It is a useful addition to the literature on fossils and evolution."   Historical Biology