Bone Histology of Fossil Tetrapods: Advancing Methods, Analysis, and Interpretation

"In recent years, a veritable avalanche of studies has demonstrated the enormous value of the study of bone microstructure for assessing growth and other aspects of the biology of extinct vertebrates. This volume is not only an excellent, well-illustrated review of this subject, but also a how-to manual of methods for study and analysis. As such, it is an indispensable reference for researchers who use bone histology to test paleobiological hypotheses."--Hans-Dieter Sues, National Museum of Natural History

"This is a must-have book if you're interested in the bone histology of dinosaurs and other archosaurs. From the acquisition of bone specimens, to what to do with them, to understanding their significance from metabolism to growth, this volume has it all."--David B. Weishampel, senior editor of The Dinosauria

The microscopic examination of fossilized bone tissue is a sophisticated and increasingly important analytical tool for understanding the life history of ancient organisms. This book provides an essential primer and manual for using fossil bone histology to investigate the biology of extinct tetrapods. Twelve experts summarize advances in the field over the past three decades, reviewing fundamental basics of bone microanatomy and physiology. Research specimen selection, thin-section preparation, and data analysis are addressed in detail. The authors also outline methods and issues in bone growth rate calculation and chronological age determination, as well as how to examine broader questions of behavior, ecology, and evolution by studying the microstructure of bone.

Kevin Padian is Professor of Integrative Biology at the University of California, Berkeley and Curator at the UC Museum of Paleontology. Ellen-Thérèse Lamm is Histology Laboratory Manager at the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, Montana.

Preface

Chapter 1. Why study the bone microstructure of fossil tetrapods?

Kevin Padian

Chapter 2. Biology of Bone

Adam K. Huttenlocker, Holly Woodward, and Brian K. Hall

Chapter 3. Selection of Specimens

Kevin Padian, Ellen-Thérèse Lamm, and Sarah Werning

Chapter 4. Preparation and Sectioning of Specimens

Ellen-Thérèse Lamm

Chapter 5. Image Standardization in Paleohistology

Timothy Bromage and Sarah Werning

Chapter 6. Database Standardization

Laura Wilson and Maria de Boef Miara

Chapter 7. Skeletochronology

Holly N. Woodward, Kevin Padian, and Andrew H. Lee

Chapter 8. Analysis of Growth Rates

Andrew H. Lee, Adam K. Huttenlocker, Kevin Padian, and Holly N. Woodward

Chapter 9. Evolution of Growth Rates and their Implications

Kevin Padian and Koen Stein

Chapter 10. Research Applications and Integration

Kevin Padian , Maria de Boef Miara, Hans C.E. Larsson, Laura Wilson, and Timothy Bromage