Synopses & Reviews
and#147;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 youand#8217;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
Review
"This book stands out as the best single source for practical guidance on fossil bone histology, as well as the best current review of where the field stands. . . . Highly recommended."
Synopsis
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.
About the Author
Kevin Padian is Professor of Integrative Biology at the University of California, Berkeley and Curator at the UC Museum of Paleontology. Ellen-Thand#233;rand#232;se Lamm is Histology Laboratory Manager at the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, Montana.
Table of Contents
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-Thand#233;rand#232;se Lamm, and Sarah Werning
Chapter 4. Preparation and Sectioning of Specimens
Ellen-Thand#233;rand#232;se 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