VERTEBRATE LIFE

Incorporation of the dagger symbol (†) to indicate extinct taxa, a helpful convention in a field that requires constant comparisons between extinct and extant taxa. Includes more than 2,000 photographs and illustrations, of which about 800 are new. Consistent phylogenetic approach. New to this Edition: Learning Objectives presented at the start of each section within a chapter to highlight key take-away concepts for the section. 45 new interactive figures in the Enhanced e-book. Re-development of background materials for the study of vertebrate evolution: Exemplified by Figure 1.2, and the many new time trees and cladograms. Many updated examples throughout the book use key fossils vertebrates to explore new phylogenetic interpretations and explain how particular anatomical features, such as the mammalian middle ear, evolved (see Figure 22.11). Reorganization of key topics to improve continuity and connections among chapters along with extensive new cross-referencing to link topics between chapters. Enhanced coverage and reorganization of chapters on sharks (Chapter 6), ray-finned fishes (Chapter 7), sarcopterygians (Chapter 8), early tetrapods, lissamphibians, and amniotes (Chapter 9), dinosaurs (Chapter 18 and 19), synapsids (Chapter 22), therians (Chapter 23), and primates (Chapter 24). Consolidation and reorganization of chapters to better highlight the role of thermoregulation and comparative physiology in vertebrate evolution (Chapter 14). Incorporation of new behavioral and ecological information throughout the book to highlight the lives of vertebrates. Updated Discussion Questions at the end of each chapter. A selection of new and relevant references for each chapter to help users connect with the constant stream of new and exciting information on vertebrate biology. Development of new and informative labels that appear directly on the figures, providing instant captions to orient students and serve instructors who depend on illustrations for teaching. "Balloons" call attention to key points in many figures.