The Evolution and Extinction of the Dinosaurs

A comprehensive student text book on dinosaurs that non-specialists will find fascinating. The dinosaurs are discussed within an explicitly phylogenetic framework but they are also presented in the context of their geology, contemporary plate tectonic and climatic settings. The discussion is lively and accessible, and the book is lavishly illustrated by many line drawings and colour plates.

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This is a comprehensive treatment of dinosaurs designed to be used mainly as a textbook for students in first or second year undergraduate courses, although non-specialists are also sure to find the book of great interest. Nonetheless, it is unique in that it truly portrays dinosaurs from a specialist viewpoint. It is the only comprehensive text that takes an explicitly phylogenetic approach to this group. The geological context of dinosaurs is also stressed, and dinosaurs are presented in the context of contemporary plate tectonic and climatic settings. The authors also cover topics of interest in dinosaur palaeobiology, 'hot-blooded' dinosaurs, aspects of dinosaur functional morphology and the relationships of dinosaurs to birds. All of the discussion is couched in lively and accessible language, and the book is lavishly illustrated by specially commissioned line drawings and colour plates that show dinosaurs in a variety of natural settings.