Beschreibung:
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.
PrefaceChapter 1. Why study the bone microstructure of fossil tetrapods?Kevin PadianChapter 2. Biology of BoneAdam K. Huttenlocker, Holly Woodward, and Brian K. HallChapter 3. Selection of SpecimensKevin Padian, Ellen-Thérèse Lamm, and Sarah WerningChapter 4. Preparation and Sectioning of SpecimensEllen-Thérèse LammChapter 5. Image Standardization in PaleohistologyTimothy Bromage and Sarah WerningChapter 6. Database StandardizationLaura Wilson and Maria de Boef MiaraChapter 7. SkeletochronologyHolly N. Woodward, Kevin Padian, and Andrew H. LeeChapter 8. Analysis of Growth RatesAndrew H. Lee, Adam K. Huttenlocker, Kevin Padian, and Holly N. WoodwardChapter 9. Evolution of Growth Rates and their ImplicationsKevin Padian and Koen SteinChapter 10. Research Applications and IntegrationKevin Padian , Maria de Boef Miara, Hans C.E. Larsson, Laura Wilson, and Timothy Bromage