Fossils: The Key to the Past
by Richard Fortey
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"In his accessible introduction to the study and meaning of fossils, the world-renowned paleontologist Richard Fortey provides a comprehensive guide to all aspects of fossils and their use in reconstructing the history of life on Earth. Extensively illustrated in full color throughout, this fifth edition of Fossils includes the most recent advances in our understanding of the fossil record and the significance of new fossil finds. Fortey clearly explains what fossils are, how they form, how show more to identify them, and how they help us to understand Earth's geological past and the emergence of life. Drawing on all the latest research, including recent developments in molecular paleontology, he discusses evolution and extinction, the economic uses of fossil-derived products such as oil and coal, and offers practical advice for making a fossil collection. Fossils will appeal to everyone who shares an interest in the history of life on our planet."--Publisher's description. show lessTags
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Buried in the rocks; Setting the stage: time and change; Rocks and fossils; Bringing fossils back to life; Origin of life and its early history; Evolution and extinction; Fossils in the service of humans; Making a collection.
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Author Information
19+ Works 5,425 Members
Richard Fortey is a senior paleontologist at the Natural History Museum in London. (Bowker Author Biography)
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Common Knowledge
- Disambiguation notice
- The first three editions of this work were entitled "Fossils: The Key to the Past". The 4th edition (2009) carries the title "Fossils: The History of Life".
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- Languages
- English, Spanish
- Media
- Paper
- ISBNs
- 15
