Bone Histology of Fossil Tetrapods

Download or read book Bone Histology of Fossil Tetrapods written by Kevin Padian and published by Univ of California Press. This book was released on 2013-03-19 with total page 298 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.