Palaeontology, the scientific study of fossils, has developed from a descriptive science to an analytical science used to interpret relationships between Earth and life history. This book provides a comprehensive and thematic treatment of applied palaeontology, covering the use of fossils in the ordering of rocks in time and in space, in biostratigraphy, palaeobiology and sequence stratigraphy. Robert Wynn Jones presents a practical workflow for applied palaeontology, including sample acquisition, preparation and analysis, and interpretation and integration. He then presents numerous case studies that demonstrate the applicability and value of the subject to areas such as petroleum, mineral and coal exploration and exploitation, engineering geology and environmental science. Specialist applications outside of the geosciences (including archaeology, forensic science, medical palynology, entomopalynology and melissopalynology) are also addressed. Abundantly illustrated and referenced, Applications of Palaeontology provides a user-friendly reference for academic researchers and professionals across a range of disciplines and industry settings.

'Jones gracefully introduces the reader to the principles of biostratigraphy … [and] summarises the key evolutionary and extinction events in Earth history, and the importance of fossil taxa in palaeobiogeographical interpretations … The great diversity of the examined case studies leads to the conclusion that even highly experienced palaeontologists can enrich their knowledge.'

Paweł Wolniewicz - Adam Mickiewicz University

'… a well-prepared, well-written and well-produced book with a wealth of information about palaeontology and its applications …'

Source: Geological Magazine