Paleobiogeography, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 2000 Topics in Geobiology Series, Vol. 16

Biogeography relates the evolution of the Earth's biota to major episodes in the Earth's history such as climatic changes and plate tectonic events. Furthermore, biogeographic patterns have played a prominent role in the development of the theory of evolution. Thus biogeography has the potential to make important contributions to the field of geobiology.
Paleobiogeography emphasizes how analytical techniques from phylogenetic biogeography can be applied to the study of patterns in the fossil record. In doing this, it considers the strengths and weaknesses of paleobiogeographic data, the effects of plate tectonic processes (specifically continental rifting and collision) and changes in relative sea levels in terms of how they influence the evolution and distribution of organisms.

Preface. 1. What is Paleobiogeography? 2. The Relevance of Hierarchy Theory to Biogeography and Paleobiogeography. 3. On the Quality of the Fossil Record and What a Paleobiogeographer Can See. 4. The History of Biogeography and Paleobiogeography. 5. Allopatric Speciation and Vicariance. 6. Vicariance, Dispersal, and Plate Tectonics. 7. Defining Areas in Paleobiogeography. 8. Biogeography and the Comparative Method. 9. The Search for Congruence: Analyzing Biogeographic Patterns in Several Clades. 10. Biogeography and the Biodiversity Crisis. 11. Conclusions. References.

Advance praise for Paleobiogeography:'A wonderfully comprehensive and imaginative synthesis of the history of the earth and its living systems, Lieberman's Paleobiogeography blends hierarchy theory, ecology, plate tectonics, evolutionary theory and much more into a highly original mix of theory and interpretation reaching from the Paleozoic right up through the present-day Biodiversity Crisis. Everyone interested in the intricate dance between the physical and biological worlds must read this book - a genuine tour de force!'Niles Eldredge, Dept. of Invertebrate Paleontology, The American Museum of Natural History, New York'Bruce Lieberman's book is an important attempt to synthesize the fields of biogeography and paleobiology, which have been strangely isolated from each other for too long, to the detriment of both. Lieberman presents not only a coherent theoretical synthesis, he proposes specific practical techniques for research that may do much to tie geography to macroevolution. His methods and conclusions deserve widespread attention and discussion.'Warren D. Allmon, Director, Paleontological Research Institution, Ithaca, NY'Lieberman's book thus promises to initiate a new synthesis in the life sciences.'American Scientist, 89'Recommended for paleontological collections. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty.'Choice, 38:8 (2001)'Paleobiogeography is a thought-provoking book, and I hope it encourages others to explore its ideas further.'The Quarterly Review of Biology, 76:3(2001)