This volume addresses major evolutionary changes that took place during the Mesozoic and the Cenozoic. These include discussions on major evolutionary radiations and ecological innovations on land and at sea, such as the Mesozoic marine revolution, the Mesozoic radiation of vertebrates, the Mesozoic lacustrine revolution, the Cenozoic radiation of mammals, the evolution of paleosol biotas, and the evolution of hominins. The roles of mass extinctions at the end of the Triassic and at the end of the Cretaceous are assessed. This volume set provides innovative reviews of the major evolutionary events in the history of life from an ichnologic perspective. Because the long temporal range of trace fossils has been commonly emphasized, biogenic structures have been traditionally overlooked in macroevolution. However, comparisons of ichnofaunas through geologic time do reveal the changing ecology of organism-substrate interactions. The use of trace fossils in evolutionary paleoecology represents a new trend that is opening a window for our understanding of major evolutionary radiations and mass extinctions. Trace fossils provide crucial evidence for the recognition of spatial and temporal patterns and processes associated with paleoecologic breakthroughs.

It has been 25 years since publication of the most recent English language summary of the geology of Japan. This book offers an up-to-date comprehensive guide for those interested both in the geology of the Japanese islands and geological processes of island arcs in general. It contains contributions from over 70 different eminent researchers in their fields and is divided into 12 main chapters.

Taphonomic bias is a pervasive feature of the fossil record. A pressing concern, however, is the extent to which taphonomic processes have varied through the ages. It is one thing to work with a biased data set and quite another to work with a bias that has changed with time. This book includes work from both new and established researchers who are using laboratory, field and data-base techniques to characterise and quantify the temporal and spatial variation in taphonomic bias. It may not provide all the answers but it will at least shed light on the right questions.

This volume presents the proceedings of Symposium I "Stratigraphy" of the 30th International Geological Congress at Beijing. The proceedings aim to present a view of contemporary geology and should be of interest to researchers in the geological sciences.

This book provides readers with a well-balanced blend of high-quality photographs, figures and accompanying texts on the identification of trace fossils, both in core and in outcrop. Ichnological data has become increasingly important in sedimentological and paleoenvironmental interpretations, not only in the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons but also in the characterization of aquifers and in scientific drilling. Following an introduction to the study of trace fossils in core and an outline of ichnological basics, principles and concepts, the book provides detailed descriptions and interpretations of 39 trace fossils (ichnogenera) and associated features (such as bioturbate texture, plant roots and their traces, borings and pseudo-trace fossils) commonly encountered in well cores and in outcrop. The trace fossils are highlighted by their expression in well cores and illustrated with carefully prepared, eye-catching core photographs. This unique information is complemented by examples of trace fossils in outcrop, as well as relevant key figures from the literature. Each description is presented in a consistent manner, stating the ichnogenus name and author in the title, followed by sections on the morphology and size, ichnotaxonomy, substrate, appearance in core, similar trace fossils, producers, ethology, depositional environment, ichnofacies, age, and reservoir quality. An extensive list of references per chapter for further reading rounds out the book, which is based on the author’s continuous work with trace fossils in core over the past two decades.