Read more
This second, completely revised edition of "Paleogene fossil birds" gives a comprehensive, updated overview of the avian fossil record from a geological period that lasted from the end-Cretaceous mass extinction event (66 million years ago) to the end of the Oligocene epoch (23 mya). Paleogene avifaunas are highly diversified and not only feature unusual archaic groups without close living relatives but also offer unique insights into the evolution and biogeographic history of extant birds.
The main body of the book constitutes an in-depth survey of the known diversity of Paleogene avifaunas. The reader is introduced into basic skeletal features of extinct avian taxa, with these fossil forms being placed into a phylogenetic context in the light of current hypotheses on the interrelationships of extant birds. The geographical and temporal occurrences of the various fossil groups are outlined and their evolutionary significance is discussed. Concluding sections inform more general aspects of Paleogene avifaunas, such as possible causes of major faunal changes.
In addition to being a reference work for the early evolution of modern birds from a paleornithological perspective, the present work also enables researchers in other fields of vertebrate paleontology to gain an improved understanding of Paleogene ecosystems. Numerous color photos of representative specimens furthermore make the new edition attractive to a wider audience interested in the avian fossil record.
List of contents
Chapter 1. Introduction.- Chapter 2. Basic Terminology and the Broader Phylogenetic and Geological Framework.- Chapter 3. Palaeognathous Birds.- Chapter 4. Pelagornithidae, Gastornithidae, and Crown Group Galloanseres.- Chapter 5. Mirandornithes (Grebes and Flamingos), Charadriiformes (Shorebirds and Allies), and Gruiformes (Rails, Cranes, and Allies).- Chapter 6. Opisthocomiformes (Hoatzins), "Columbaves" (Doves, Cuckoos, Bustards, and Allies), and Strisores (Nightjars, Swifts, Hummingbirds, and Allies).- Chapter 7. Phaethontiformes and Aequornithes: The Aquatic and Semi-Aquatic Neaovian Taxa.- Chapter 8. Accipitriformes (New World Vultures, Hawks, and Allies), Falconiformes (Falcons), and Cariamiformes (Seriemas and Allies).- Chapter 9. Psittacopasseres - Psittaciformes (Parrots) and Passeriformes (Passerines).- Chapter 10. Strigiformes (Owls), Coliiformes (Mousebirds), and Cavitaves (Trogons, Rollers, Woodpeckers, and Allies).- Chapter 11. Paleogene Avifaunas: A Synopsis of General Biogeographic and Paleoecological Aspects.
About the author
Gerald Mayr is a German zoologist, who is head of the Ornithological Section of the Senckenberg Research Institute in Frankfurt am Main, Hesse. He published widely on fossil avifaunas, particularly from the Paleogene of Europe, North America, and New Zealand. His research interests also comprise the phylogenetic relationships, skeletal morphology, and evolutionary history of extant birds.
