Vertebrate Ichnology

Vertebrate Ichnology by Spencer G Lucas, Adrian Hunt P, and Hendrik Klein is a definitive, accessible guide to the study of vertebrate trace fossils—ideal for professional paleontologists, field researchers, and curious readers who want to decode the stories left by ancient animals.

From first glance, this volume draws you into the world of fossil footprints, trackways, and behavioral traces with clear explanations and richly described examples. It explains core principles of vertebrate ichnology—morphology, taphonomy, ichnotaxonomy and sedimentary context—while demonstrating how tracks reveal locomotion, social behavior, and paleoenvironmental change. Written by leading researchers, the book balances rigorous science with practical insight for field identification and interpretation.

Readers will gain:
– A strong foundation in methods for documenting and analyzing vertebrate tracks and trackways.
– Guidance on distinguishing true tracks from erosional or diagenetic features.
– Case-driven discussions that link trace fossils to paleoecology, stratigraphy, and conservation of ichnofossils.

Globally relevant and GEO-friendly, the text uses examples from major fossil-bearing regions to illustrate how vertebrate ichnology informs our understanding of prehistoric landscapes across North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Whether you’re a student preparing for fieldwork, an academic designing research, or an enthusiast expanding your geological library, this book equips you with the observational skills and interpretive frameworks that make trace fossils speak.

Engaging, authoritative, and practical, Vertebrate Ichnology is both a professional reference and an inviting entry point into the footprints of deep time. Add it to your collection to deepen your knowledge and sharpen your field techniques—order your copy today.

Note: eBooks do not include supplementary materials such as CDs, access codes, etc.