Paleobiology and behavior

Elton, S.

Abstract

Paleobiology, the study of ancient life, gives us a window onto the habits, biology, and behavior of individuals and species that are now extinct. Although extinct species cannot be observed directly, their paleobiology and behavior can be inferred from study of the fossil and geological records in combination with knowledge about modern organisms and processes. Paleobiological reconstructions thus help to shed light on many aspects of ancient lives, including ecology, diet, locomotion, life history, mating systems, biogeography, speciation, extinction, and abundance.

Citation

Elton, S. (2017). Paleobiology and behavior. In A. Fuentes (Ed.), The international encyclopedia of primatology. John Wiley and Sons. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119179313.wbprim0485

• Acceptance Date: Jun 4, 2016
• Online Publication Date: Apr 16, 2017
• Publication Date: Apr 16, 2017
• Deposit Date: Jan 10, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 12, 2017
• Book Title: The international encyclopedia of primatology.
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119179313.wbprim0485