Customer Reviews

Paleontology: The Record of Life

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I had this as the textbook to the general paleontology course I took as an undergrad at the University of Florida back in the late 1990s. I found it to be quite thorough and useful as a general intro, though as the field had already progressed significantly in many ways by that time (and moreso by now), I found it wanting for methodological or conceptual uses. I would certainly still recommend it as an intro to many of the key issues in paleontology - I still refer to it for reminders of some apsects of paleo that I do not encounter frequently in my work - but I would not consider it ultimately as useful as some other texts out there that are more recent if you are planning to start a career in paleontology.

This book is terrific as it explains the ins and outs of Palaeontology rather than gives a very basic dictionary of the most popular dinosaurs in the Mesozoic. It is a good book for anybody who is interested in evolution and how Palaeontology is used to discover the history of the earth. If you want explanations as to what Palaeontology, Palaeoichnology and Palaeobotany is then pick up this book and be amazed! The wording is a little complicated however and if you're not familar with Palaeontologists' jargon you may find yourself a little lost but have a go anyway, you'll find yourself intrigued.--Nikki Duncan Australia