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Trace fossils, geologically recorded indicators of the behavior of organisms, have become the subject of the field ichnology.The field s growing impact derives from the intimate connections between ichnology and sedimentology, and their combined relevance for paleoenvironmental and basin analysis and petroleum exploration. Moreover, an organism s reaction to changing conditions is the most important tool for the reconstruction of ancient environments. This definitive textbook by a seminal practitioner and theorist concentrates on the more distinctive and representative ichogenera while focuses primarily on structures left invertebrates in soft sediments. Seilacher's Trace Fossils is crafted to impart and develop interpretive skills via 75-core figures drawn by the author, around which the descriptive text and annotated bibliographies append. The plates represent trace fossils from various facies from the deep sea to shorelines. Fossil records of trace fossils are described, interpreted and their paleoecological meaning highlighted, while a glossary concludes the book.
List of contents
Vertebrate Tracks.- Arthropod Trackways.- Trilobite Burrows.- Arthropod Tunnel Systems.- Resting Traces.- Burrows of Short Bulldozers.- Burrows of Wormlike Bulldozers.- Burrows of Stripminers.- Arthrophycid Burrows.- Probers.- Deepsea Farmers.- Pseudo-Traces.- Earliest Trace Fossils.- Cruziana Stratigraphy.- Ichnofacies.
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From the reviews: "This book is arranged in 15 chapters, covering topics in ichnology (the study of trace fossils). It is designed as a course book . The text is essentially a set of extended captions for the plates, along with 43 unnumbered photographs. is an excellent resource for teachers of paleontology and sedimentology. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Graduate students through professionals." (M. A. Wilson, CHOICE, Vol. 45 (2), 2007) "Many books on trace fossils have been published in this decade. But Adolf Seilacher s book is like none of them. It is intense and detailed and clearly written. this book is made for serious students of ichnology of all ages and stages. It is superbly organized, superbly illustrated, a treasure trove of knowledge and understanding understanding of how trace fossils work and what they can tell us. Photographs of outstanding specimens are scattered at key positions through the book." (Richard G. Bromley and Jesper Milan, Geological Magazine, Vol. 145, 2008) "Trace Fossil Analysis, which grew out of courses gave at Tübingen University, offers an excellent introduction to his approach. contains a number of new illustrations and the text is sprinkled with fresh insights and thoughts. an indispensable aid to anyone teaching trace fossils at the university level. will be cherished by ichnologists, even though they already know what to expect. handy to nonspecialists, who may not have the time, wish, or opportunity to track down Seilacher s original Publications ." (Sören Jensen, Science, Vol. 322, November, 2008) "Trace Fossil Analysis is a must-buy for the personal libraries of all geologists and paleontologists interested in fossil behavior, trace fossils, and the development of the understanding of modern ichnology as seen through the eyes and mind of the person who created this science. Finally, this text should stimulate young and not-so-young minds luring future generations of scientists into the study of ichnology, where there is still much to learn and understand." (Stephen T. Hasiotis, EOS, Vol. 90 (20), May, 2009)
