This second volume completes the unique survey of North American Tertiary mammals, and covers all the remaining taxa not contained in Volume 1. It provides a complete listing of mammalian diversity over time and space, and evaluates the effect of biogeography and climatic change on evolutionary patterns and faunal transitions, with the distribution in time and space of each taxon laid out in a standardized format. It contains six summary chapters that integrate systematic and biogeographic information for higher taxa, and provides a detailed account of the patterns of occurrence for different species at hundreds of different fossil localities, with the inclusion of many more localities than were contained in the first volume. With over thirty chapters, each written by leading authorities, and an addendum that updates the occurrence and systematics of all of the groups covered in Volume 1, this will be a valuable reference for paleontologists and zoologists.
Praise for Volume 1: 'This book is amazing, and an absolute must for anyone with a serious interest in fossil mammals. It will prove invaluable to those who study fossil mammals, trends and events in Tertiary biogeography and extinction, or are simply fascinated by mammalian diversity and ecology. Volume 2 will make coverage complete by bringing together the marine mammals and all those small-bodied taxa that are not ungulates or carnivores, or superficially reminiscent of them.' The Palaeontological Association Newsletter 'The breadth and depth of knowledge in Volume 1 of a planned two-volume set is truly impressive. Anyone [similarly] fascinated with fossils, evolution, and the history of continent-scale ecosystems should find this volume an inspiring and valuable resource.' Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 'The book is richly illustrated, both with classic restorations and skeletal and dental renderings that unite the work of early and present authors. Also, numerous new restorations, often in whimsical poses, of taxa not previously depicted populate pages of the book making it a visual as well as a scientific treat. I look forward to later volumes in the series and anticipate that these books will elevate the standards of our understanding of Tertiary mammals.' Journal of Mammalogy 'Janis' editorial capacities are to be commended for achieving a large degree of organisational consistency. The editors deserve credit for forcing taxonomic studies to this degree of standardization and these tables will provide prime input data for the study of patterns of faunal evolution.' Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology '… very useful …' National d'Histoire Naturelle '… a truly masterful compilation of North America's non-Pleistocene Cenozoic mammals. … an essential research tool … The book is well illustrated throughout with cladograms, diagrams of bones and teeth, and life restorations.' Geological Magazine
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