Systematics and the Fossil Record: Discovering Evolutionary Patterns by Andrew Smith

by Andrew B. Smith

This new text sets out to establish the key role played by systematics in deciphering patterns of evolution from the fossil record. It begins by considering the nature of the species in the fossil record and then outlines recent advances in the methodology used to establish phylogenetics relationships, stressing why fossil evidence can be crucial. The way species are grouped into higher taxa, and how this affects their utility in evolutionary studies is also discussed. Because the fossil record abounds with sampling and preservational biases, the book emphasizes that observed patterns can rarely be taken at face value. It is argued that evolutionary trees, constructed from combining phylogenetic and biostratigraphic data, provide the best approach for investigating patterns of evolution through geologic time. The only integrated text covering the study of evolutionary patterns from a phylogenetic stance.

Genres: Evolution, Science

Paperback

First published August 15, 1994

Reviews

[Rachel Welton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This provides a helpful overview of the theory behind methods and application in analysing phylogenetic relationships using the fossil record. It is relatively easy to read and follow, but would be improved with a glossary, as there are so many specialist words that it is easy to miss the subtleties of the arguments