Distributed for The University of Chicago
Evolution of Vertebrate Design
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
"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
195 pages | 51 line drawings | 6.62 x 9.25 | © 1987
Biological Sciences: Evolutionary Biology, Paleobiology, Geology, and Paleontology, Physiology, Biomechanics, and Morphology
Earth Sciences: Paleontology
Table of Contents
Publisher’s Note
Acknowledgements
1. Introduction: Fossils and Phylogeny
Sources of Information
Methods of Analysis
Classification
Vertebrates in Geological Time
2. Evolution: Patterns and Process
The Process of Evolution
Evolutionary Phenomena
3. The Basic Vertebrate Body Plan
4. The Earliest Fossil Vertebrates: The Ostracoderms
5. The First Jawed Fishes
Acanthodians
Placoderms
6. Early Bony and Cartilaginous Fishes
Osteichthyans
Chondrichthyans
7. Later Cartilaginous Fishes
8. Later Bony Fishes
9. Designs for Land Life
10. The Amphibians
11. Early Reptiles
12. The Great Reptile Land Radiations
Rhynchosaurs
Turtles
Lizards
Snakes
Amphisbaenians
Sphenodon
14. Reptile Designs for Marine Life
Ichthyosaurs
Plesiosaurs
Mosassaurs
Other Aquatic Reptiles
15. Reptile Designs for Flight
Pterosaurs
Birds
16. The Origin of Mammals
17. Diversity of Mammalian Design
Skulls
Jaws
Teeth
Limbs
18. The Evolutionary Radiations of the Mammals
Glossary
Additional Readings
Figure Credits
Index
Acknowledgements
1. Introduction: Fossils and Phylogeny
Sources of Information
Methods of Analysis
Classification
Vertebrates in Geological Time
2. Evolution: Patterns and Process
The Process of Evolution
Evolutionary Phenomena
3. The Basic Vertebrate Body Plan
4. The Earliest Fossil Vertebrates: The Ostracoderms
5. The First Jawed Fishes
Acanthodians
Placoderms
6. Early Bony and Cartilaginous Fishes
Osteichthyans
Chondrichthyans
7. Later Cartilaginous Fishes
8. Later Bony Fishes
9. Designs for Land Life
10. The Amphibians
11. Early Reptiles
12. The Great Reptile Land Radiations
Rhynchosaurs
Turtles
Lizards
Snakes
Amphisbaenians
Sphenodon
14. Reptile Designs for Marine Life
Ichthyosaurs
Plesiosaurs
Mosassaurs
Other Aquatic Reptiles
15. Reptile Designs for Flight
Pterosaurs
Birds
16. The Origin of Mammals
17. Diversity of Mammalian Design
Skulls
Jaws
Teeth
Limbs
18. The Evolutionary Radiations of the Mammals
Glossary
Additional Readings
Figure Credits
Index