From Clone to Bone: The Synergy of Morphological and Molecular Tools in Palaeobiology

Description:

Since the 1980s, a renewed understanding of molecular development has afforded an unprecedented level of knowledge of the mechanisms by which phenotype in animals and plants has evolved. In this volume, top scientists in these fields provide perspectives on how molecular data in biology help to elucidate key questions in estimating paleontological divergence and in understanding the mechanisms behind phenotypic evolution. Paleobiological questions such as genome size, digit homologies, genetic control cascades behind phenotype, estimates of vertebrate divergence dates, and rates of morphological evolution are addressed, with a special emphasis on how molecular biology can inform paleontology, directly and indirectly, to better understand life's past. Highlighting a significant shift towards interdisciplinary collaboration, this is a valuable resource for students and researchers interested in the integration of organismal and molecular biology.

- Features contributions from top researchers in cutting-edge fields, providing specific examples of how molecular biology informs paleontological understanding

- Demonstrates how the paleontological toolkit has expanded to include methods and concepts in molecular biology, highlighting the unexpected sources that can inform understanding of deep time

- Marks a significant shift towards interdisciplinary collaboration, with broad appeal to students and researchers interested in the integration of organismal and molecular biology