Evolution and Fossil Record of African Proboscidea

Description

This book details the long diverse and complex phylogenetic history of elephants and their fossil relatives (the Proboscidea) whose origin is deeply embedded some 60 million years ago in Africa. Most of the major evolutionary events of proboscideans occurred in Africa and these are examined in their geological paleoecological geographic and faunal contexts. Updated information about feeding adaptations taxonomy and systematics genetics and site occurrences is included and summarized in tables figures and charts. This is the first comprehensive review of African proboscideans and illustrates the need to more actively protect elephants and ensure their survival in modern ecosystems. Key Features: Provides a comprehensive systematic review of the African proboscidean fossil record Includes a summary of taxonomy geochronology biogeography and morphology Documents major faunal events including those associated with hominin origins Synthesizes new data from genomic isotopic and microware analyses Emphasizes the role of elephants in ecosystems and the importance of conservation | Evolution and Fossil Record of African Proboscidea