Vertebrate Evolution and Palaeontology from an African Perspective

Vertebrate Evolution and Palaeontology from an African Perspective provides an up-to-date account of the 4.4-billion-year history of life on Earth, focusing on local contributions and the evolution of all major vertebrate groups. It explores anatomy, physiology, ecology, and the tree of life, revealing surprising relationships between animals.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 01 July 2022
Publisher: Wits University Press

Vertebrate Evolution and Palaeontology from an African Perspective presents an in-depth exploration of the Earth's 4.4-billion-year history of life, focusing on the African context and fossil record. The authors highlight local contributions, both scientific and cultural, while presenting a comprehensive account of the origin and evolution of all major vertebrate groups, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds. The book delves into the anatomy, physiology, and ecology of these creatures, discussing their distinctive features and the changes they undergo over time. Through a detailed mapping of the tree of life, the authors reveal the surprising interconnectedness of different animal groups, showcasing the evolutionary order from the origin of fish to the emergence of jaws, the conquest of land, the evolution of reptiles, birds, and mammals, and culminating in the dawn of humankind. This captivating book is designed to appeal to students of biology, zoology, anatomy, and palaeontology, as well as the general public, introducing them to diverse African and South African fossils and their scientific significance in understanding the remarkable transitions in vertebrate evolution.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781776147557