Most species ever to have lived on Earth are now extinct. This book brings together key findings and current debates that are important not only for palaeontologists, but evolutionary biologists and even conservation workers. Easily accessible, this is a useful reference for students, researchers and the general reader.
Recognition of a biodiversity crisis, and the development of new analytical and geological techniques for studying extinction, have increased our appreciation of global change in recent years. Paul Taylor looks at the implications for plants, animals and microbes, and discusses the role of extinction in evolution. His useful reference brings together key findings from the current debate concerning extinction for students, researchers and the interested general reader.
