Introduction to Plant Fossils

A comprehensive guide for non-specialists studying plant fossils

Christopher J Cleal author Barry A Thomas author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Cambridge University Press

Published:27th Jun '19

Should be back in stock very soon

This paperback is available in another edition too:

Introduction to Plant Fossils cover

This guide offers a practical approach to studying plant fossils, detailing techniques and insights for understanding the evolution of vegetation, as presented in Introduction to Plant Fossils.

The book Introduction to Plant Fossils serves as a comprehensive and visually engaging guide for those interested in the study of plant fossils, particularly for non-specialists. This newly revised edition delves into modern research techniques that unveil the intricate details of ancient plants, illuminating how vegetation has evolved over an impressive span of 500 million years. It is tailored for students and enthusiasts in palaeobotany, palaeontology, and plant evolution, making complex concepts accessible and engaging.

The preservation of plant remains is a vital aspect of understanding the history of life on Earth. Introduction to Plant Fossils not only narrates the captivating evolutionary journey of plants but also provides practical insights into studying, handling, and interpreting plant fossils. Readers will learn to employ various techniques to uncover the secrets held within these fossils, as well as how to identify common types, such as compressions and impressions.

This second edition includes updated information on major plant groups and introduces the latest methods for naming plant fossils through fossil-taxa. With a wealth of illustrations showcasing both plant fossils and their living counterparts, the book encourages readers to perceive fossils as remnants of once-living organisms. It is an essential resource for students in introductory or intermediate courses and for amateurs eager to explore the fascinating world of plant fossils.

'… affording quick access to the world of fossil plants to any interested reader. Their direct approach is refreshing, making the book eminently useful for the basic identification of fossil plants, in some cases down to species-level determinations … Undergraduate students willing to read this book will quickly gain a core understanding of an important subject that is rarely included in today's college curriculum.' P. K. Strother, Choice
'This edition is great for everyone interested in fossils, plants, and (specially) fossil plants, being especially useful for those starting to study plant evolution and paleobotany. It may also be of interest for everyone who ever found a piece of petrified wood and wanted to learn more about it, and about all of the wonderful and strange plants that inhabited the earth a long time ago.' Andrés Elgorriaga, Plant Science Bulletin

ISBN: 9781108705028

Dimensions: 246mm x 190mm x 14mm

Weight: 590g

262 pages

2nd Revised edition