Bringing Fossils to Life: An Introduction to Paleobiology

by Donald R. Prothero

One of the leading textbooks in its field, Bringing Fossils to Life applies paleobiological principles to the fossil record while detailing the evolutionary history of major plant and animal phyla. It incorporates current research from biology, ecology, and population genetics, bridging the gap between purely theoretical paleobiological textbooks and those that describe only invertebrate paleobiology and that emphasize cataloguing live organisms instead of dead objects. For this third edition Donald R. Prothero has revised the art and research throughout, expanding the coverage of invertebrates and adding a discussion of new methodologies and a chapter on the origin and early evolution of life.

Genres: Science, Palaeontology, Geology, Evolution, Nonfiction, Biology, Reference

1647 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Donald R. Prothero is a Professor of Geology at Occidental College and Lecturer in Geobiology at the California Institute of Technology. He teaches Physical and Historical Geology, Sedimentary Geology, and Paleontology. His specialties are mammalian paleontology and magnetic stratigraphy of the Cenozoic. His current research focuses on the dating of the climatic changes that occurred between 30 and 40 million years ago, using the technique of magnetic stratigraphy. Dr. Prothero has been a Guggenheim and NSF Fellow, a Fellow of the Linnean Society, and in 1991 received the Schuchert Award of the Paleontological Society for outstanding paleontologist under the age of 40, the same award won by the renowned paleontologist Stephen Jay Gould. He has authored or co-edited numerous books, including Horns, Tusks, Hooves and Flippers: The Evolution of Hoofed Mammals, the best-selling textbook from McGraw-Hill, Evolution of the Earth, Evolution: What the Fossils Say & Why it Matters, Bringing Fossils to Life, After the Dinosaurs, and the textbook Sedimentary Geology. He is also a Technical Editor of the Journal of Paleontology.

Reviews

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty technical but a good introductory text book. NOT an "Our Friends the Dinosaurs" sort of book.

[Anca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never knew paleontology could be so fascinating!
I love broad overview science books - since I study aging, a systemic phenomenon as well - and this book has already given me many insights for my research.
I'll write a more detailed review when I'll finish the book. Hopefully soon!

[MNGooner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good introduction to the world of Paleobiology.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome textbook. It was readable, interesting, and informative. If you're just interested in learning about the topic, it would be a great resource to have.