Fastovsky D.E., Weishampel D.B. Dinosaurs: A Concise Natural History

New York: Cambridge University Press, 2009. — 395 p.From the authors of The Evolution and Extinction of the Dinosaurs comes a new textbook designed to excite undergraduates about science by using dinosaurs to illustrate and discuss geology, natural history, and evolution. Emphasizing the logic of science over facts and details, the fundamental concepts of dinosaurs – origins – diversity – behavior – extinction – are conveyed in concise, lively text with exceptional and unique illustrations. Hypothesis testing and scientific concepts drive the strong narrative. Students are introduced to novel and revolutionary ideas on the natural history of dinosaurs; ideas that will likely change their perception of the biota and their place in it. Fastovsky and Weishampel root the text in the common language of modern evolutionary biology – phylogenetic systematics – requiring students to assess data critically, like all practicing scientists.