Biodiversity and Earth History

“Each topic is dense with information, well organized, and the writing is clear. Although almost anyone with a bit of a biology and geology background will learn a lot about life on Earth, the text is replete with the scientific names of higher taxa, many of which will likely be obscure to all but specialists. Thus, the text, in general, is geared to the biologically and geologically literate.” (Joel Cracraft, The Quarterly Review of Biology, Vol. 91 (4), December, 2016)

“Each text page consists of an overview of a subject, followed by a deeper treatment, and includes a glossary of terms and cross-references to related book sections. The image pages are vivid, well labeled, and arresting. … This work is a useful reference at many levels, as well as a pleasure to browse. … Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through professionals/practitioners.” (W. L. Cressler III, Choice, Vol. 53 (8), April, 2016)

“Its emphasis, as the title implies, is the evolution of biodiversity during the course of Earth history and it begins with a thorough documentation of the geological and chemical development of the planet. … The publishers deserve congratulations on the very high standards of production that greatly enhance the value of the book. In conclusion, this is a reference textbook that should be available to all students of Earth Sciences, Biology, and Biogeography.” (Peter Moore, The Bulletin, Vol. 46 (4), 2015)