The prerequisite to investigating the underlying causes behind mass extinction is a profound understanding of the evolutionary history of both living and dead species. It is especially important to appreciate the significance of such studies in extinct organisms; especially in organisms that were abundant in a certain geologic era, but have subsequently dwindled or become extinct. Such studies should help to accurately evaluate patterns of evolution in extinct species lineages and help predict the same in its modern analogs. Macroevolution in Deep Time includes cutting edge research in evolutionary biology that should serve as a starting point for conservation.
Chapter 1. Advancement in evolutionary theories
Chapter 2. Macroevolution in extinct species
Chapter 3. Comparative trends in evolution across correlated geological strata
Chapter 4. Evolution in modern and extinct species.