Padian, K., and E.-T. Lamm (eds.). 2013. Bone Histology of Fossil Tetrapods: Advancing Methods, Analysis, and Interpretation. University of California Press, Berkeley, California, 285 pp. ISBN 978-0-520-27352-8

Extract

This is the 1st recent summary of the works of histology of fossil bone that were pursued in the last 2 decades. It includes papers of 15 authors. The book resulted from a workshop of scientists working in this field in 2009. It “provides an essential primer and manual for using fossil bone histology to investigate the biology of extinct tetrapods … Research specimen selection, thin-section preparation, and data analysis are addressed in detail …” and methods are described—as stated on the back cover. The subject is covered in 10 chapters: Why Study the Bone Micro structure of Fossil Tetrapods?, The Biology of Bone, Selection of Specimens, Preparation and Sectioning of Specimens, Image Standardization in Paleohistology, Database Standardization, Skeletochronology, Analysis of Growth Rates, Evolution of Growth Rates and Their Implications, and Research Applications and Integration. With these chapters, the book actually gives a good overview of the recent advances in paleo-bone histology. Each section has its own character and is structured like a paper, with a summary and cited references at the end. A complete reference list for all chapters would make it easier for the reader to just browse the literature and would have eliminated listing the same paper in several chapters. The cited literature dates mainly from the 1980s to 2000s up to about 2009 and of course includes some older works. More-recent papers are missing due to the character of the book resulting from the 2009 workshop and probably production time. A subject index is missing and that is a major drawback. Also, lists of instruments, necessary material, and techniques are not given at the end. There are lists, however, in different sections of, for example, mounting supplies and equipment (p. 102), curation supplies (p. 114), and company contacts (p. 151ff). These lists would have been much more helpful compiled at the end of the book. Also, a glossary of the most important terms might have been helpful for readers starting in this field.