Download or read book Major Evolutionary Radiations written by Paul D. Taylor and published by Clarendon Press. This book was released on 1990 with total page 464 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This unique volume takes a close look at patterns of evolutionary change responsible for the astounding diversity of life and the major radiations seen in many taxonomic groups. Evidence from the fossil record shows that this process has not occurred at an even rate. Rather, relatively short but highly active periods of evolution have yielded the multiplication of species and morphological divergences, such as the emergence of flowering plants during the late Cretaceous. The contributors to this work, all recognized authorities in their fields, discuss general aspects of major radiations, and then focus on evolution in taxonomic groups with ample fossil records. The book is an important complement to the literature of extinction and paleontology, and will be read with interest by paleontologists and evolutionary biologists alike.