Author Description
Mammals are the dominant large animals of today, occurring in virtually every environment. This book is an account of the remarkable 320 million year long fossil record that documents their origin, their long spell as no more than small, nocturnal creatures, and their explosive radiation since the extinction of the dinosaurs 65 million years ago. Tom Kemp also unveils the exciting molecular evidence, which, coupled with important new fossils, is presently challenging current thinking on the interrelationships and historical biogeography of mammals. The Origin and Evolution of Mammals will be of interest to advanced undergraduate and graduate students as well as researchers in vertebrate palaeontology, biogeography, mammalian systematics and molecular taxonomy. It will also be welcomed by vertebrate fossil enthusiasts and evolutionary biologists of all levels with an interest in macroevolutionary problems.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This book investigates the 320-million-year evolutionary trajectory of mammals, tracing their development from early synapsids to their current ecological dominance. T. S. Kemp, a specialist in vertebrate paleontology, synthesizes fossil evidence with contemporary molecular data to reconstruct the lineage of mammalian evolution. The text argues that the transition from small, nocturnal creatures to the diverse array of modern mammals is best understood through a combination of morphological analysis and phylogenetic research.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- A comprehensive analysis of the mammalian fossil record spanning 320 million years.
- Examination of the post-dinosaur extinction radiation period.
- Integration of molecular evidence with traditional paleontological findings.
- Discussion on mammalian systematics and historical biogeography.
Scope Limits
- The text focuses primarily on macroevolutionary patterns rather than detailed physiological descriptions of every extant species.
- It assumes a baseline knowledge of evolutionary biology and vertebrate anatomy.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Experts and academics frequently cite this work as a rigorous, high-level resource for students and researchers in vertebrate paleontology. Readers often note the technical density of the prose, which is tailored for those with a professional or advanced interest in evolutionary biology.
Page Count:
344
Publication Date:
2005-01-01
Publisher:
Oxford University Press, U.S.A.
ISBN-10:
0191545171
ISBN-13:
9780191545177
Science
Natural history
Zoology
Mammals
Paleontology
Evolution
Animals Fossil
Evolutionary Biology