Review by Choice Review
The sequence of mammalian faunas is perhaps least well understood in Asia, partly due to both the huge area and the multiplicity of languages involved. This large volume makes a major step in drawing together the diverse research programs extending from Turkey and Georgia through central and south Asia to China, Asian Russia, Thailand, and Japan. Other recent continent-wide reviews have been organized taxonomically by mammalian orders (Evolution of Tertiary Mammals of North America, edited by C. Janis et al., v. 1, CH, Oct'98, 36-0962, v. 2, CH, Feb'09, 46-3245; Cenozoic Mammals of Africa, edited by L. Werdelin and W. Sanders, CH, Dec'10, 48-2092) or stratigraphically by epoch (Late Cretaceous and Cenozoic Mammals of North America, edited by M. Woodburne, CH, Oct'04, 42-0958). This book focuses on the numerous regional sequences (and some isolated occurrences) across the Asian Miocene and Pliocene. Thirteen chapters on eastern Asia focus on China (with one on Japan), including three proposing definitions/standards for time intervals. Six chapters cover southern Asia, with only three on northern/central regions. A section on western Asia combines chapters on Iran, Anatolia, and UAE, with extensions into Greece, Ukraine, Moldova, and European Russia. Three final chapters discuss comparisons with North America and Europe. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above. E. Delson CUNY Herbert H. Lehman College
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
