Paleontological Data Analysis

ISBN: 1405115440

Author: Hammer, ?yvind

Condition: Used

During the last 10 years numerical methods have begun to dominate paleontology. These methods now reach far beyond the fields of morphological and phylogenetic analyses to embrace biostratigraphy, paleobiogeography, and paleoecology. Paleontological Data Analysis explains the key numerical techniques in paleontology, and the methodologies employed in the software packages now available.Following an introduction to numerical methodologies in paleontology, and to univariate and multivariate techniques (including inferential testing), there follow chapters on morphometrics, phylogenetic analysis, paleobiogeography and paleoecology, time series analysis, and quantitative biostratigraphyEach chapter describes a range of techniques in detail, with worked examples, illustrations, and appropriate case historiesDescribes the purpose, type of data required, functionality, and implementation of each technique, together with notes of caution where appropriateThe book and the accompanying PAST software package (see www.blackwellpublishing.com/hammer) are important investigative tools in a rapidly developing field characterized by many exciting new discoveries and innovative techniquesAn invaluable tool for all students and researchers involved in quantitative paleontology