Vertebrate evolution is studied through comparative anatomy and functional morphology of existing vertebrates as well as fossil records. Since the publication of the previous edition of Colbert's Evolution of the Vertebrates: A History of the Backboned Animals Through Time, there have been significant advances in the knowledge surrounding backboned animals. This latest edition of the classic text is completely revised to offer the most recent discoveries in this continually evolving field of science. Covering the various aspects of vertebrate life, from skeletal system to ecology, behavior, and physiology, the Fifth Edition includes new sections on conodonts, dinosaurs, primates, and the origin of birds, and discusses:
* Analysis of morphological and molecular data
* Early diversification of vertebrates
* The evolution of dinosaurs
* The origin of mammals
* Early ruling reptiles
* Basic adaptation of ungulates
Colbert's Evolution of the Vertebrates, Fifth Edition carries on its legacy as an invaluable reference for professionals in evolutionary biology and paleontology, as well as an ideal textbook for students in those fields.
About the Author, Edwin H. Colbert,Michael Morales,Eli C. Minkoff
EDWIN H. COLBERT is Honorary Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology at the Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff. In addition, he is Curator Emeritus for the American Museum of Natural History in New York and Professor Emeritus at Columbia University in New York.
MICHAEL MORALES is Curator of Geology at The Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, Arizona.
ELI C. MINKOFF is Professor of Biology and Chair of the Department of Biology at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine.
A textbook for general students and lay readers on vertebrate paleontology, providing an account of the evolution of backboned animals as based on the fossil record. It offers no discussion of the principles or mechanisms of evolution, but primarily surveys the fossil record over the past 500 million years or so. From the first (1955) through the fourth (1991) editions, the title was . The CiP data cites Eli C. Minkoff as the lead editor. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
