Fossil Frogs and Toads of North America

About this book

The heart of Fossil Frogs and Toads of North America consists of detailed systematic accounts of the known fossil frogs and toads (anurans) of North America and their localities. Extinct fossil frogs and toads are fully discussed and illustrated, and in some cases are re-diagnosed and re-described. For fossil taxa still living, Fossil Frogs and Toads of North America gives the modern characteristics, ecological attributes, and modern ranges, and includes illustrations of diagnostic skeletal elements. Fossil Frogs and Toads of North America begins with an overview of the anurans and anuran studies, a general account of the skeleton and bones, and a discussion of the early evolution of the Anura, along with the formal classification of anuran taxonomic groups found in the North American fossil record. The third part of Fossil Frogs and Toads of North America presents an epoch-by-epoch discussion of Mesozoic, Tertiary, and Pleistocene anurans, the classification and phylogeny of the anurans, and a comprehensive list of references.

Contents

Preface
Acknowledgments
Abbreviations

1. Introduction
2. Systematic Accounts
3. Chronological Accounts

Epilogue
References
Figure Credits
General Index
Taxonomic Index
Site Index

Customer Reviews

Biography

J. Alan Holman (1931-2006) was Professor and Curator Emeritus of Vertebrate Paleontology at Michigan State University. He wrote seven books, including Fossil Snakes of North America (IUP, 2000).