The Evolution of Vertebrate Design [Paperback]

Leonard B. Radinsky (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 1987 | ISBN-10: 0226702367 | ISBN-13: 978-0226702360 | Edition: 1

The Evolution of Vertebrate Design is a solid introduction to vertebrate evolution, paleontology, vertebrate biology, and functional, comparative anatomy. Its lucid style also makes it ideal for general readers intrigued by fossil history. Clearly drawn diagrams illustrate biomechanical explanations of the evolution of fins, jaws, joints, and body shapes among vertebrates. A glossary of terms is included.

"A luminous text is matched by lucid drawings rationally placed. . . . A great teaching monograph, the book will charm lay readers of fossil history. For virtually every college & public collection."—Scitech Book News

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

After reviewing vertebrate anatomy and evolutionary theory, Radinsky traces chordate development from primitive Devonian jawless fish to the diversified and specialized mammals of today. He stresses adaptations of form and function in response to environmental influences as the force of change. Line drawings, primarily skeletal, clarify textual references. Derived from lecture notes for non-major biology students at the University of Chicago, this book would serve well as a text. For the informed lay reader and high school or college biology student. Frank Reiser, Nassau Community Coll., Garden City, N.Y.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 195 pages
• Publisher: University Of Chicago Press; 1 edition (October 15, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0226702367
• ISBN-13: 978-0226702360
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #516,856 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Extremely fine exposition, September 15, 2001

By 

De Paoli Andrea (Rome Italy) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Evolution of Vertebrate Design (Paperback)

I found this to be one of the best written books on the subject, extremely clear explanation of many facets in the design of vertebrate structures. The illustrations are simple and clear. I wish there were more of this kind of texts.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Evolution <-> design of vertebrates, November 26, 2000

By 

Howard Schneider (Thornhill, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Evolution of Vertebrate Design (Paperback)

This clearly written, concise reference is suitable for the general reader interested in general functional principles in the evolution of vertebrates. The earliest vertebrates to the evolutionary radiation of mammals are covered. Leonard Radinsky was a professor at the University of Chicago, working on this reference as a textbook that would introduce students to vertebrate functional morphology combined with paleontology. Although he died in 1985, this reference was completed by Sharon B. Emerson in 1987.