A Synopsis Of The Fossil Rallidae

In the present book the Paleogene fossil record of birds is detailed for the first time on a worldwide scale. I have developed the idea for such a project for several years, and think that it is an appropriate moment to present a summary of our c- rent knowledge of the early evolution of modern birds. Meanwhile not only is there a confusing diversity of fossil taxa, but also significant progress has been made concerning an understanding of the higher-level phylogeny of extant birds. Hypotheses which were not considered even a decade ago are now well supported by independent analyses of different data. In several cases these group together morphologically very different avian groups and allow a better understanding of the mosaic character distribution found in Paleogene fossil birds. The book aims at bringing some of this information together, and many of the following data are based on first-hand examination of fossil specimens.

Just as the fuss over Darwin's Origin of Species was getting really heated, an extraordinary fossil was found. It was apparently half bird and half reptile, and was hailed by Darwin's supporters as the missing link which proved that species could change. Opinion was furiously divided and still is, and this fossil, christened Archaeopteryx, has caused more trouble than any other scientific icon.

Every fossil tells a story. Prothero recounts the adventures behind the discovery of twenty-five famous, beautifully preserved fossils and explains their significance within the larger fossil record, creating a riveting history of life on our planet.

This up-to-date report on the field of fossil paleontology provides a summary of what is known about the origins of life

An investigation of the rich and unusual fauna of prehistoric New Zealand, telling of one of the most dramatic extinctions of modern times. The moa, a giant flightless bird, was among the animals lost, the authors summarize what is known about the bird, reconstructing its life and ecology.

Avian Biology,Volume VIII assesses selected aspects of avian biology. It is generally the conceptual descendant of Marshall's earlier treatise,“Biology and Comparative Physiology of Birds, but is more than simply a revision of it. This volume consists of two relatively lengthy, diverse chapters that focus on adaptive significance of coloniality in birds and fossil records of birds. In particular, this volume looks into group phenomena related to central place systems, that is, systems in which one or more individuals move to and from a centrally located place in the course of daily activities. It also addresses selective factors that have been suggested to explain why individuals should form colonies rather than disperse within the available foraging space. This book will be useful as a reference material for advanced students and instructors in this field of interest.