Evolution of Fossil EcosystemsMajor advances in our understanding of the history of life on Earth have resulted from the study of exceptionally well-preserved fossil sites (Lagerstätten). Study of such sites from around the world and from different periods in geological time can provide a fairly complete picture of the evolution of ecosystems down the ages.With this aim in mind, the authors have brought together succinct summaries of 14 of the better-known fossil Lagerstatten, beautifully illustrated throughout by over 250 colour photographs and diagrams.Following a general introduction to fossil Lagerstätten, each chapter deals with a single fossil site and follows the same format: its evolutionary position and significance; its background sedimentology, stratigraphy and palaoenvironment; a description of the biota and palaeoecology, and a comparison with other similar Lagerstätten. There are appendices of further reading, relevant museums and suggestions for visiting the sites.This book will be of value to a wide range of students and professionals in palaeontology and related sciences, and to amateur enthusiasts. |
Contents
Acknowledgements | 4 |
Preface | 5 |
Abbreviations | 6 |
Introduction | 7 |
Chapter 1 Ediacara | 10 |
Chapter 2 The Burgess Shale | 19 |
Chapter 3 The Soom Shale | 29 |
Chapter 4 The Hunsrück Slate | 37 |
Chapter 8 The Holzmaden Shale | 79 |
Chapter 9 The Morrison Formation | 88 |
Chapter 10 The Solnhofen Limestone | 99 |
Chapter 11 The Santana and Crato Formations | 109 |
Chapter 12 Grube Messel | 121 |
Chapter 13 Baltic Amber | 131 |
Chapter 14 Rancho La Brea | 142 |
Museums and Site Visits | 151 |