Mammals from the Age of Dinosaurs – Origins, Evolution and Structure
Author(s): Zofia Kielan–jaworows (Author), Richard L Cifelli (Author), Zhe–xi Luo (Author), Richard Cifelli (Author)
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Publication Date: 7 Dec. 2004
Edition: Illustrated
Language: English
Print length: 648 pages
ISBN-10: 0231119186
ISBN-13: 9780231119184
Book Description
The fossil record on Mesozoic mammals has expanded by orders of magnitude over the past quarter century. New specimens, some of them breathtakingly complete, have been found in nearly all parts of the globe at a rapid pace. Coupled with the application of new scientific approaches and techniques, these exciting discoveries have led to profound changes in our interpretation of early mammal history. Mesozoic mammals have come into their own as a rich source of information for evolutionary biology. Their record of episodic, successive radiations speaks to the pace and mode of evolution. Early mammals were small, but they provide key information on the morphological transformations that led to modern mammals, including our own lineage of Placentalia. Significant and fast-evolving elements of the terrestrial biota for much of the Mesozoic, early mammals have played an increasingly important role in studies of paleoecology, faunal turnover, and historical biogeography. The record of early mammals occupies center stage for testing molecular evolutionary hypotheses on the timing and sequence of mammalian radiations. Organized according to phylogeny, this book covers all aspects of the anatomy, paleobiology, and systematics of all early mammalian groups, in addition to the extant mammalian lineages extending back into the Mesozoic.
Editorial Reviews
Review
Mammals from the Age of Dinosaurs provides a solid foundation for the continuing quest to shed light on the extensive Mesozoic history of mammals.–Hans Sues “Science”
A fantastic book on the new collections of Mesozoic mammals.– “Journal of the American Association of Forensic Dentists”
A valuable synthesis of what is known about early mammals… It will undoubtedly become the classic reference on the subject.– “Southeastern Naturalist”
I am glad to own two copies… I expect to wear out both copies long before a comparable work emerges.–Timothy Rowe “Nature”
Only once in a decade, if then, is a milestone book such as this one published…Essential.– “Choice”
Quite interesting… every species of Mesozoic mammal currently known can be found between these covers.–Lynne M. Clos “Fossil News”
This book is a triumph… An essential reference–Pam Gill “Paleontology Newsletter”
This is a volume that any self-respecting zoological or paleontological library should have on its shelves.–Douglas Palmer “Mammalian Biology”
A greatly needed summary and updating of new knowledge about early mammalian history…. both a milestone marking current progress in our understanding of these wonderful beasts and a starting line of challenges for future research.–Jason A. Lillegraven & William A. Clemens (foreword)
About the Author
Zofia Kielan-Jaworowska is professor emeritus at the Institute of Paleobiology, Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw and the University of Oslo. She was the leader of the Polish-Mongolian expedition to the Gobi Desert (1963-1971) that discovered spectacular dinosaurs and mammals. She has devoted most of her scientific life to the studies of the Mesozoic mammals. Richard L. Cifelli is curator of vertebrate paleontology at the Oklahoma Museum of Natural History and professor of zoology at the University of Oklahoma. He has led extensive field explorations of fossil vertebrates in the Mesozoic and Cenozoic of North and South Americas and studied the biogeographical and faunal evolution of early mammals. Zhe-Xi Luo is curator of vertebrate paleontology at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh. He has actively explored fossil mammals and dinosaurs in China and in the United States and studied evolutionary morphology and phylogenetic relationships of early mammals and fossil whales.
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