Amphibian Evolutio n introduces the latest research on the paleobiology and evolution of amphibians and the transition from water to land. This transition marks one of the most fundamental changes in evolution. Recent advances in a variety of fields – palaeontology, developmental biology and genetics, as well as cladistics and evolutionary biology – have accumulated a vast body of data and provided unprecedented insights into this subject. Many surprising fossil finds have changed the general picture: increasing numbers of transitional forms between fishes and land vertebrates have been discovered, larval forms of long–extinct amphibians preserve early phases of ontogeny not known from other extinct groups, and studies of sediments and deposits yield rich data on the palaeo–environments of early land vertebrates. In combination, these sources give a new and more differentiated picture. Emphasising the interdisciplinary aspects of the topic, this book is lead by the themes of evolution, development and ecology. In summary, this book provides: An up–to–date, accessible treatment of amphibian evolution, bridging the biology/paleontology divide The latest research on phylogeny and systematics A study of new research methods and results as well as areas of controversy and discussion on future research opportunities Summaries focusing on fossil deposits and their formation, important taxa, rich fossil lagerstaetten, and significant anatomical organs and their transition Intended for courses in evolution, palaeontology, zoology, and anatomy.
- ISBN: 978-0-470-67178-8
- Editorial: Wiley–Blackwell
- Encuadernacion: Rústica
- Páginas: 296
- Fecha Publicación: 21/03/2014
- Nº Volúmenes: 1
- Idioma: Inglés