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Systematics and the Fossil Record Andrew B. Smith

Systematics and the Fossil Record By Andrew B. Smith

Systematics and the Fossil Record by Andrew B. Smith


$55.99
Condition - Very Good
Out of stock

Summary

This text sets out to establish the role played by systematics in deciphering patterns of evolution from the fossil record. It begins by considering the nature of species in the fossil record and then outlines recent advances in the methodology used to establish phylogenetics relationships.

Systematics and the Fossil Record Summary

Systematics and the Fossil Record: Documenting Evolutionary Patterns 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 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 in which species are grouped into higher taxa, and how this affects their utility in evolutionary studies is discussed. Since the fossil record abounds with sampling and preservational biases it is emphasised 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.

Systematics and the Fossil Record Reviews

From a review of the manuscript: [The book] has the potential to become the standard reference on the subject - required reading for all palaentologists. Indeed I can envisage a state of affairs where no-one will dare use taxonomic data from the fossil record to address evolutionary questions without first checking Smith to ensure that their methods are legal. D E G Briggs, University of Bristol

About Andrew B. Smith

Andrew B. Smith is associate professor in the Archaeology Department, University of Cape Town, South Africa. He received his Ph.D. in 1974 from the University of California, Berkeley, and has taught and worked in the United States, and many countries in north, west and southern Africa.

Table of Contents

Introduction Species in the fossil record Parsimony, phylogenetic analysis and fossils Higher taxa The nature of biostratigraphical data Phylogenetic trees Patterns from the fossil record

Additional information

GOR004145516
9780632036424
0632036427
Systematics and the Fossil Record: Documenting Evolutionary Patterns by Andrew B. Smith
Used - Very Good
Paperback
John Wiley and Sons Ltd
19940503
232
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

Customer Reviews - Systematics and the Fossil Record