INVESTIGATING FOSSILS INVESTIGATING FOSSILSA HISTORY OF PALAEONTOLOGY Investigating Fossils – A History of Palaeontology is a concise and accessible look at changing attitudes to palaeontology in general, and fossils in particular. From the existential and philosophical debates arising from fossils – such as their implications for the age of the Earth – to their role as markers in Darwin’s theory of evolution, fossils have been the centre of highly charged debate for over two centuries.This book, which is aimed at anyone with an interest in the history and philosophy of science, not only describes the process of fossil formation and the history of the discovery of fossils. It goes further, and highlights the continuing importance of fossils to our ever-developing understanding of where the planet and its myriad species have come from.Painting a vivid, lively portrait of the history and development of palaeontology, Investigating Fossils is a fascinating and informative tour of the recent history – and possible future – of the science of fossils.
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Wilson J. Wall. Investigating Fossils
Table of Contents
List of Illustrations
Guide
Pages
Investigating Fossils. A History of Palaeontology
Acknowledgements
People in the Text
Introduction
References
1 How are Fossils Formed?
References
2 Descriptions and Uses of Fossils
References
3 The Unfolding Understanding of Fossils
References
4 Reconstructing Animals from Fossils
References
5 How Fossils Changed Ideas Associated with Species
References
6 Fossils and Evolution
References
7 Fossil Collecting
References
8 The Rise of Fossil Fraud and Special Sites
References
Index
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Wilson J. Wall
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In broad terms and very simple terms, fossilisation resulting in a stone product requires rapid sedimentation of material which will eventually bind in a cement‐like fashion to become rock. The details can, of course, vary enormously from site to site, but in broad terms it always starts with sedimentation. This is one of the reasons that it is generally considered that fossilisation only takes place in shallow seas, lakes or shallow slow rivers and very wet swamp land.
Slow rivers and swamp land are often associated with floodplains, which also accumulate remains washed down stream and silt to cover them. The converse conditions are not so conducive, that is, fossilisation would not normally take place in dry, arid, conditions. This inevitably has some implication for the types of fossils which are most frequently found. Aquatic species will naturally form the bulk of fossilised material, but all species need water to drink and watering holes that attract grazing livestock also attract carnivores, both to drink and as an easy way to gain access to prey species.
