Explorers of Deep Time

Paleontologists and the History of Life

by Roy Plotnick

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Pub Date Jan 04 2022 | Archive Date Apr 13 2022

Science

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Description

Paleontology is one of the most visible yet most misunderstood fields of science. Children dream of becoming paleontologists when they grow up. Museum visitors flock to exhibits on dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals. The media reports on fossil discoveries and new clues to mass extinctions. Nonetheless, misconceptions abound: paleontologists are assumed only to be interested in dinosaurs, and they are all too often imagined as bearded white men in battered cowboy hats.

Roy Plotnick provides a behind-the-scenes look at paleontology as it exists today in all its complexity. He explores the field’s aims, methods, and possibilities, with an emphasis on the compelling personal stories of the scientists who have made it a career. Paleontologists study the entire history of life on Earth; they do not only use hammers and chisels to unearth fossils but are just as likely to work with cutting-edge computing technology. Plotnick presents the big questions about life’s history that drive paleontological research and shows why knowledge of Earth’s past is essential to understanding present-day environmental crises. He introduces readers to the diverse group of people of all genders, races, and international backgrounds who make up the twenty-first-century paleontology community, foregrounding their perspectives and firsthand narratives. He also frankly discusses the many challenges that face the profession, with key takeaways for aspiring scientists. Candid and comprehensive, Explorers of Deep Time is essential reading for anyone curious about the everyday work of real-life paleontologists.

Paleontology is one of the most visible yet most misunderstood fields of science. Children dream of becoming paleontologists when they grow up. Museum visitors flock to exhibits on dinosaurs and...

Advance Praise

"Dr. Plotnick’s personal anecdotes about his journey through his paleontological career are enjoyable to read. He has had a lot of fun in what can be a very challenging field, and it shows – this book will inspire younger generations to pick up the torch."

--Victoria Arbour, Curator of Palaeontology, Royal BC Museum

Available Editions

EDITION	Other Format
ISBN	9780231195348
PRICE	$35.00 (USD)

Additional Information

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Featured Reviews

Melissa A, Reviewer

"To truly understand biology is to recognize the role of history, which is recorded by paleontology."

Why did I read it
Curious about paleontology.

Notes
- Paleontology = geology + biology. It adopts many cutting-edge methods for research, and therefore, is not outdated and archaic.
- Paleontologists are interested in comparing the modern biodiversity decline to the catastrophic collapse of the geologic past (the five extinctions) to better understand the Sixth Extinction.
- The vast majority of fossils are not rare, although some are. Animal behavior can also be captured in the form of 'trace fossils' (tracks, trails, drill holes, bites, etc.).
- DNA degrades too quickly to be preserved intact, so let's wait until we have more advanced technologies to make our Jurassic Park dream come true.
- Many fascinating stories on landowners who restrict their areas for field research, fossil auctions, and smugglers.

Thoughts
- Now I'm deeply troubled on why paleontologists don't appear to be heavily engaged in climate change books.
- A very detailed and comprehensive book on paleontology; you will know every single thing about the people, the journals, the conferences, etc. If you are an aspiring paleontologist, this book is a must-read! If you're expecting a simple introduction, this book might be too detailed.
- The content is very US-oriented, therefore, the author expresses a deep interest in global paleontology and how virtual meetings helped him to know more about this field in other countries.
- I love Plotnick's honesty, sense of humor, and passion as he went all-out in describing the daily life of a paleontologist. They are literally reading the history of the earth from the earth itself (which is super cool), but they also have issues in research grants and publication. Very entertaining!
- The non-academic issues are also written in detail (e.g., gender and racial issue; the stereotype of 'white-man-with-beard paleontologist').