This beginning-level, comprehensive introduction to the history of life on Earth explores the basic principles
and processes, the ecologic and paleoecologic organization, the rich history of past life forms � marine and terrestrial
� and the major events that shaped this history.
NEW TO THIS EDITION:
NEW � Places a greater emphasis on:
The paleoecologic progression of floras and faunas through time.
Identifying critical events that shaped life on Earth.
The processes responsible for major changes in life.
NEW � Provides a new series of diagrams outlining changes in floras and faunas � making sure that the
overall patterns of change are not lost among the details.
NEW � Rearranges chapters slightly to:
Provide a clearer separation between the principles of Earth history and paleontology and the specific details
(the history) of oceanic life and terrestrial life.
Covers plankton and nekton after ocean-floor invertebrates to provide continuity in the discussion between the
Cambrian and the remainder of the Phanerozic.
NEW � Incorporates recent paleontologic research, both factual information and alternative interpretations
of data.
NEW � Lists pertinent worldwide web sites.
FEATURES:
Emphasizes the complexity and diversity of life through time..
Takes a total biosphere treatment of life � Precambrian through Holocene, marine and terrestrial, with an emphasis
on critical evolutionary and extinction events.
Offers a Paleoecologic framework � a large-scale faunal organization that forms a framework for understanding
changes in life during history.
Uses figures to display the major faunal histories.
Discusses both pattern and process.
Considers the causes for major events in Earth history � and weighs various interpretations.
Minimizes the use of technical terms, provides short chapter-end lists of important key words, and defines
each term in a glossary.
Table of Contents
1. Time and Fossils.
2. The Organization of Life.
3. Rocks and Fossils.
4. Origins of the Earth, Oceans, Atmosphere, and Life.
5. Organic Evolution and Extinction.
6. Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics.
7. Paleobiogeography.
8. The Precambrian Fossil Record.
9. Introduction to Marine Communities and the Cambrian.
10. Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic Ocean-Bottom Faunas.
11. The Fossil Record of Plankton and Nekton.
12. Marine Predators.
13. Origin and Early Evolution of Terrestrial Communities.
14. Terrestrial Primary Producers: The Land Plants.
