Fossils
Subtitle: the key to the past
By: Richard Fortey
Edition: Fifth edition.
Publisher: Comstock Publishing Associates, a division of Cornell University Press
Published: 2015
Language: eng
Number of pages: 256
ISBN-13: 9781501700538
Subjects: Fossils
Description: "In his accessible introduction to the study and meaning of fossils, the world-renowned paleontologist Richard Fortey provides a comprehensive guide to all aspects of fossils and their use in reconstructing the history of life on Earth. Extensively illustrated in full color throughout, this fifth edition of Fossils includes the most recent advances in our understanding of the fossil record and the significance of new fossil finds. Fortey clearly explains what fossils are, how they form, how to identify them, and how they help us to understand Earth's geological past and the emergence of life. Drawing on all the latest research, including recent developments in molecular paleontology, he discusses evolution and extinction, the economic uses of fossil-derived products such as oil and coal, and offers practical advice for making a fossil collection. Fossils will appeal to everyone who shares an interest in the history of life on our planet."--Publisher's description.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.
Table of contents: title: Buried in the rocks; title: Time and change; title: Rocks and fossils; title: Recognizing fossils; title: Reviving fossils; title: Origin of life; title: Extinction & evolution; title: Human evolution; title: Fossil DNA; title: Uses of fossils; title: Making a collection.