Dicynodonts: A study in palaeobiology

The dicynodonts, an important group of permo-triassic reptiles, were the first really successful herbivorous tetrapods. Moreover they provided the bulk of the prey species for the ecosystem in which the mammals evolved, which makes them interesting in a wider context. The dicynodonts left an abundant fossil record, mainly in what is now southern and eastern Africa. This abundance enables investigation of their community structure and permits observations to be made on the changes in diversity that the group underwent throughout history. Such palaeoecological studies are becoming increasingly important since they have direct bearing on the evolution of other fossil groups. Their detailed preservation allows functional considerations to be derived from structure, providing evidence for discussion of reproduction, thermoregulation and social behaviour - all important aspects of the study of the evolution of mammals. These studies are summarized by a recognized expert in the field and should be valuable to those interested in evolution, palaeoecology and palaeobiology, as well as geologists and zoologists. This book should be of interest to evolutionary biologists, palaeoecologists, palaeobiologists, geologists and zoologists.