Triassic life on land : the great transition /

Accomplished paleobiologists Sues (Smithsonian Institution) and Fraser (National Museums Scotland) have compiled a well-organized, beautifully illustrated volume on the current state of paleobiological investigations into Triassic terrestrial life. Both authors, through their own research, have contributed much to the understanding of this fascinating time interval. As indicated by the book's subtitle, the history of life on Earth is one critical period of transition, followed by another, of course. Sues and Fraser make a good case that this period of 250 to 200 million years ago is especially interesting and deserving of attention. Many species that comprise elements of modern terrestrial ecosystems first appeared in the Triassic. In addition, many bizarre extinct groups were unique to the time, including dinosaurs that made their evolutionary debut during the late Triassic. Sues and Fraser present the evidence in a chronological and geographic narrative as they describe the ecological and evolutionary transition unfolding in time and space. Lavish illustrations include images of fossils, skeletal reconstructions, maps, and fossil sites. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduate through professional collections. W. L. Cressler III West Chester University of Pennsylvania