Historical Geology

by Wicander, Reed; Monroe, James S.

• ISBN13: 9780534373801
• ISBN10: 0534373801
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1999-12-01
• Publisher: Brooks/Cole Pub Co

Summary

HISTORICAL GEOLOGY: EVOLUTION OF EARTH AND LIFE THROUGH TIME, THIRD EDITION, teaches students the basic principles of the physical and biological events of Earth's history, as well as how scientists apply these principles to unravel the history of Earth. Authors Wicander and Monroe present a balanced overview of both the geological and biological history of the Earth as a continuum of inter-related events. These events reflect the underlying principles and processes that have shaped our planet. The authors also explain the historical development of these basic principles and processes, and their importance in deciphering the history of Earth. Three major themes - time, evolutionary theory, and plate tectonics - are woven throughout the book. These themes help readers link what may seem like unrelated material and are essential for understanding historical geology. Included with every new copy of this edition is In-TERRA-Active™ 2.0 CD-ROM.

Author Biography

Reed Wicander is a geology professor at Central Michigan University where he teaches physical geology, historical geology, prehistoric life, and invertebrate paleontology. His main research interests involve various aspects of Paleozoic palynology, specifically the study of acritarchs, on which he has published many papers. He is a past president of the American Association of Stratigraphic Palynologists and currently a councilor of the International Federation of Palynological Societies. James S. Monroe is professor emeritus of geology at Central Michigan University where he taught physical geology, historical geology, prehistoric life, and stratigraphy and sedimentology since 1975.

Table of Contents

The Dynamic Earth	2	(18)
Geologic Time: Concepts and Principles	20	(20)
Rocks, Fossils, and Time	40	(32)
Origin and Interpretation of Sedimentary Rocks	72	(28)
Evolution	100	(30)
Plate Tectonics: A Unifying Theory	130	(32)
A History of the Universe, Solar System, and Planets	162	(26)
Precambrian History: The Archean Eon	188	(24)
Precambrian History: The Proterozoic Eon	212	(32)
Geology of the Early Paleozoic Era	244	(26)
Geology of the Late Paleozoic Era	270	(28)
Life of the Paleozoic Era: Invertebrates	298	(22)
Life of the Paleozoic Era: Vertebrates and Plants	320	(26)
Geology of the Mesozoic Era	346	(30)
Life of the Mesozoic Era	376	(36)
Cenozoic Geologic History: Tertiary Period	412	(40)
Cenozoic Geologic History: Quaternary Period	452	(26)
Life of the Cenozoic Era	478	(32)
Evolution of the Primates and Humans	510	(19)
Epilogue	529	(2)
Appendix A English--Metric Conversion Chart	531	(1)
Appendix B Classification of Organisms	532	(4)
Appendix C Earth Materials: Minerals and Rocks	536	(11)
Glossary	547	(10)
Answers to Multiple-Choice Review Questions	557	(8)
Index	565