The Microstructure of Dinosaur Bone: Deciphering Biology with Fine-Scale Techniques
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Overview
For millions of years, clues to the biology of dinosaurs lie locked within the microscopic structure of their bones. Here one of the world's leading experts on fossil bone microstructure synthesizes more than 150 years of research to expose the meaning of dinosaur bone microstructure.
In this first book dedicated to dinosaur bone microstructure, Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan begins with a general overview of living bone structure and composition and then explains how bone structure changes upon death and during fossilization. She meticulously unravels why the microscopic structure of fossil bone remains intact after millions of years of fossilization. She also provides a photographic atlas of the kinds of bone tissue found in dinosaurs and expounds on their biological significance. The final chapters offer insight into growth patterns of dinosaurs and the biology of Mesozoic birds. The book concludes with a reflective discussion on what bone microstructure can and cannot disclose about dinosaur physiology. Drawing from sources across the field of bone histology, Chinsamy-Turan paints a holistic view of the current state of the science and presents a fresh perspective on the relevance of the field to understanding the Dinosauria.
The Johns Hopkins University Press
Synopsis
"An amazing achievement, this book will stand as a landmark, not only in the field of paleontology, but in the field of modern ecology as well. A fantastic read. I couldn't put it down until I finished it." -- James R. Spotila, author of Sea Turtles
"Chinsamy-Turan has provided an immense service to the field with the publication of this book." -- Trends in Ecology and Evolution
Editorials
Trends in Ecology and Evolution -
Chinsamy-Turan has provided an immense service to the field with the publication of this book.
Quarterly Review of Biology -
Of interest to a wide audience of biologists, the core readership [is] vertebrate paleontologists, each of whom should have a copy.
Nature -
A must-read for anybody interested in the biology of one of the most fascinating animals in the history of our planet.
Acta Palaeontologica Polonica -
An irreplaceable manual for all students working in this field.
Bioscience -
Chinsamy-Turan's accessible, engaging book contains enough personal reflections and professional opinions to keep readers enthralled.
Fossil News: Journal of Avocational Paleontology -
A valuable addition to the library of anyone who thirsts for every bit of knowledge available about these Mesozoic saurians.
Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology -
Provides a compelling, if not universal, view of dinosaur physiology that is certain to attract serious consideration and attention.
Progressive Palaeontology -
Particularly strong on describing what bone is, how it is studied microscopically, and what it is capable to telling us.
Fossil News: Journal of Avocational Paleontology
A valuable addition to the library of anyone who thirsts for every bit of knowledge available about these Mesozoic saurians.
— Lynne M. Clos
Bioscience
Chinsamy-Turan's accessible, engaging book contains enough personal reflections and professional opinions to keep readers enthralled.— James R. Spotila
Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology
Provides a compelling, if not universal, view of dinosaur physiology that is certain to attract serious consideration and attention.— Matthew F. Bonnan
Progressive Palaeontology
Particularly strong on describing what bone is, how it is studied microscopically, and what it is capable to telling us.— Kevin Padian
Trends in Ecology and Evolution
Chinsamy-Turan has provided an immense service to the field with the publication of this book.— Kristina Curry Rogers
Quarterly Review of Biology
Of interest to a wide audience of biologists, the core readership [is] vertebrate paleontologists, each of whom should have a copy.— Tim J. Fedak and Brian K. Hall
Acta Palaeontologica Polonica
An irreplaceable manual for all students working in this field.— Magdalena Borsuk-Bialynicka
Nature
A must-read for anybody interested in the biology of one of the most fascinating animals in the history of our planet.— Luis M. Chiappe
Fossil News: Journal of Avocational Paleontology
A valuable addition to the library of anyone who thirsts for every bit of knowledge available about these Mesozoic saurians.— Lynne M. Clos