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Did you know that paleontologists study fossils left behind by ancient plants and animals. Some paleontologists work in the field, searching for new fossils. Discover more fascinating facts in Paleontologist, a STEM Careers book
Without paleontologists, we'd know very little about dinosaurs and other prehistoric forms of life. These scientists painstakingly locate fossils, remove them from the earth, and study them to find out what they can reveal about life long ago. This fascinating book examines different specialties some paleontologists choose to pursue as well as the skills and interests those interested in this science career should have. Readers will also enjoy learning about some of the most important discoveries paleontologists have unearthed.
Dinosaur Impressions is the engaging account of thirty years of travel and paleontological exploration by Philippe Taquet, one of the world's most noted paleontologists. In this 1998 book, Dr Taquet takes the reader on a surprisingly far-flung tour ranging from the Provence countryside to the Niger desert, from the Brazilian bush to the Mongolian Steppes, and from the Laos jungle to the Moroccan mountains in search of dinosaur bones and what they have to tell us about a vanished world. With wry humor and lively anecdotes, Dr Taquet retraces the history of paleontological research along the way discussing the latest theories of dinosaur existence and extinction. Dinosaur Impressions provides a unique, thoughtful perspective not often encountered in English-speaking works. This insightful, first-hand account of an exceptional career is also a travelogue par excellence that will enthrall enthusiasts and general readers alike.
The Earth buries its past. Living things that die and then slowly become part of the Earth are called fossils. This is where the skills of a paleontologist come into play. Their job is to find fossils and study them in order to make sense of what was going on here on Earth for billions of years before there were ever human beings. Learn all about the fossil record, the amazing discoveries and where they were found, and what it takes to become one of these amazing scientists. Put on your gloves and get ready to dig into the world of paleontology! This title will allow students to identify evidence from patterns in rock formations and fossils in rock layers to identify past life of animals or human existence. • Text based questions • Content sidebars • Diagrams • Bold keywords with phonetic glossary
In the wake of the paleobiological revolution of the 1970s and 1980s, paleontologists continue to investigate far-reaching questions about how evolution works. Many of those questions have a philosophical dimension. How is macroevolution related to evolutionary changes within populations? Is evolutionary history contingent? How much can we know about the causes of evolutionary trends? How do paleontologists read the patterns in the fossil record to learn about the underlying evolutionary processes? Derek Turner explores these and other questions, introducing the reader to exciting recent work in the philosophy of paleontology and to theoretical issues including punctuated equilibria and species selection. He also critically examines some of the major accomplishments and arguments of paleontologists of the last 40 years.
The study of dinosaurs has been experiencing a remarkable renaissance over the past few decades. Scientific understanding of dinosaur anatomy, biology, and evolution has advanced to such a degree that paleontologists often know more about 100-million-year-old dinosaurs than many species of living organisms. This book provides a contemporary review of dinosaur science intended for students, researchers, and dinosaur enthusiasts. It reviews the latest knowledge on dinosaur anatomy and phylogeny, how dinosaurs functioned as living animals, and the grand narrative of dinosaur evolution across the Mesozoic. A particular focus is on the fossil evidence and explicit methods that allow paleontologis...
What do dinosaurs look like from the inside out? Take a journey with renowned paleontologist Chris McGowan as he examines species from Allosaurus to T. rex! Along with descriptions and depictions of each creature are experiments that readers can do on their own to make sedimentary rock, replicate a fossil, dissect bone structure, and discover how we know about dinosaurs even though they’ve been extinct for millions of years. With Dinosaur Discovery’s accessible and entertaining information and more than twenty-five engaging experiments, aspiring young scientists will be paleontologists in no time!
Originally published in 2000 with the subtitle: Paleontology in Greek and Roman times.
Paleontology is one of the most visible yet most misunderstood fields of science. Children dream of becoming paleontologists when they grow up. Museum visitors flock to exhibits on dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals. The media reports on fossil discoveries and new clues to mass extinctions. Nonetheless, misconceptions abound: paleontologists are assumed only to be interested in dinosaurs, and they are all too often imagined as bearded white men in battered cowboy hats. Roy Plotnick provides a behind-the-scenes look at paleontology as it exists today in all its complexity. He explores the field’s aims, methods, and possibilities, with an emphasis on the compelling personal stories of t...
Describes what paleontologists do, discussing how fossils are created and what they show about the past, how paleontologists find fossils, the steps and tools used to study them, and the training that they need.