Vertebrate Skeletal Histology and Paleohistology
by Vivian de Buffrénil, Armand J. de Ricqlès, Louise Zylberberg, Kevin Padian
June 2021
Vertebrate Skeletal Histology and Paleohistology summarizes decades of research into the biology and biological meaning of hard tissues, in both living and extinct vertebrates. In addition to outlining anatomical diversity, it provides fundamental phylogenetic and evolutionary contexts for interpretation. An international team of leading authorities review the impact of ontogeny, mechanics, and environment in relation to bone and dental tissues. Synthesizing current advances in the biological problems of growth, metabolism, evolution, ecology, and behavior, this comprehensive and authoritative volume is built upon a foundation of concepts and technology generated over the past fifty years.
- Covers the fundamentals of bone histology, including structure, composition, and development in vertebrates.
- Explores methods for preparing, analyzing, and interpreting fossilized bone tissues.
- Examines skeletal histology across different vertebrate groups, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
- Discusses how bone microstructure reflects growth patterns, metabolism, and life history in extinct and extant species.
- Highlights how histology can be used to study dinosaur growth rates, ontogeny, and biomechanics.
- Features detailed images and photomicrographs of bone histological sections.
- Provides insights into the evolution of bone tissue and how it relates to vertebrate adaptation.