Echinoderm Paleobiology

"Echinoderms have a rich fossil record that provides detailed information about evolutionary processes and the early development of marine ecosystems. This fine volume brings together fruitful new research approaches to the study of echinoderms, especially crinoids. It includes the work of editors/paleobiologists Ausich (Ohio State) and Webster (emer., Washington State), along with that of 42 other top contributors in the echinoderm field. Topics include taphonomy, functional morphology, paleoecology, morphology for refined phylogenetic studies, echinoderm-related evidence for impacts during the Mississippian period, crinoid biomarkers, and various faunal studies. These subjects are covered in 16 original research papers that present new data. In other words, this work is not a comprehensive overview of the biology and evolutionary history of echinoderms. Rather, it is a compilation of recent studies that apply the most current analytic techniques and interpretations to the scientific evidence provided by one very important phylum of organisms. The production values of the volume match the top quality of the research. The numerous black-and-white figures, maps, diagrams, and tables are printed at high resolution. This volume is useful for university libraries and essential for institutions with invertebrate paleobiology programs. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduate through professional collections. —Choice"— W. L. Cressler III, West Chester University of Pennsylvania, August 2009 "[An] excellent book . . . . The advances being made in understanding echinoderm paleobiology are impressive in their diversity and extent, and are well showcased in this book.Vol. 84 Sept. 2009"—Andrew B. Smith, Natural History Museum, London "Timely and necessary . . . the echinoderm fossil record provides the ideal data with which to ask important paleobiologic and evolutionary questions and to expect high—resolution answers."—Roy Plotnick, University of Illinois, Chicago Circle