Vertebrate palaeontology is a lively field, with new discoveries reported every week... and not only dinosaurs! This new edition reflects the international scope of vertebrate palaeontology, with a special focus on exciting new finds from China.

A key aim is to explain the science. Gone are the days of guesswork. Young researchers use impressive new numerical and imaging methods to explore the tree of life, macroevolution, global change, and functional morphology.

The fourth edition is completely revised. The cladistic framework is strengthened, and new functional and developmental spreads are added. Study aids include: key questions, research to be done, and recommendations of further reading and web sites.

The book is designed for palaeontology courses in biology and geology departments. It is also aimed at enthusiasts who want to experience the flavour of how the research is done. The book is strongly phylogenetic, and this makes it a source of current data on vertebrate evolution.

About the Author
Michael J. Benton FRS is Professor of Vertebrate Palaeontology at the University of Bristol. He is particularly interested in early reptiles, Triassic dinosaurs, and macroevolution, and has published over 50 books and 300 scientific articles. He leads one of the most successful palaeontology research groups at the University of Bristol, and has supervised over 60 PhD students.

Reviews

"A book that has gone through four editions over a period of 25 years is definitely on its way to becoming a classic. Because of its clarity and wealth of information, Mike Benton's textbook, which currently has no equivalent, definitely deserves that enviable destiny." (Palaeovertebrata, 2016)

"The book is a main textbook for vertebrate palaeontology and aimed at students and anyone with an interest in the evolution of vertebrates. It meets its five aims and is excellent value." (Proceedings of the Open University Geological Society, 1 April 2015)

Book Information
ISBN 9781118406847
Author Michael J. Benton
Format Paperback
Page Count 480
Imprint Wiley-Blackwell
Publisher John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Weight(grams) 1361g
Dimensions(mm) 272mm * 211mm * 31mm