Gourt > Science > Earth Sciences > Paleontology > Societies > Vertebrate Paleontology
Vertebrate paleontology seeks to discover the behavior, reproduction and appearance of extinct spined animals, through the study of their fossilized remains. It also tries to connect, on the evolutionary timeline, the animals of the past and their modern day relatives.
The fossil record clearly shows the evolutionary progression from early aquatic vertebrates to mammals. The earliest known fossil vertebrates were heavily armored fish discovered in rocks from the Ordovician Period about 500 to 430 million years ago. (The phrase 'million years ago' is shortened to 'mya' in most paleontological references). The Devonian Period (395 to 345 mya) brought in the changes that allowed primitive air-breathing fish to remain on land as long as they wished, thus becoming the first terrestrial vertebrates, the amphibians.
Amphibians developed forms of reproduction and locomotion and a metabolism better suited for life exclusively on land, becoming more reptilian. Full fledged reptiles appeared in the Carboniferous Period (345 to 280 mya).
More on [ Vertebrate paleontology ]
Woo, new issue of the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology! /nerd
Zekor (Bobby) Tue, 15 Dec 2009 04:26:16 -0000
Woo, new issue of the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology! /nerd
Asociación Paleontológica Argentina - Professional organization for paleontologists, based in Argentina; publishes Ameghiniana.
Meta Description: [ Sitio de la Asociación Peleontológica Argentina. ]
Association of Australasian Palaeontologists - Professional organization for paleontologists based in Australia; publishes Alcheringa.
Dinosaur Society - Member based charitable dinosaur society providing articles, pictures, links, and information on exhibitions and new discoveries.
Meta Description: [ The Dinosaur Society Home Page, Dinosaur Links, News, Finds and more ]
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European Association of Vertebrate Palaeontologisits - A forum for European palaeontologists. Site contains information about the journal Oryctos, conferences, sponsored research, and student funding opportunities.
Meta Description: [ The EAVP understands itself as a forum for palaeontologists in a traditionally multilingual and multicultural area. ]
International Palaeontological Association - Professional organization promoting international cooperation in palaeo, publishes Lethaia.
Paläontologische Gesellschaft - Professional organization for German-speaking paleontologists; publishes Paläontologische Zeitschrift.
Meta Description: [ Institut für Paläontologie ist Teil der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München ]
Society of Vertebrate Paleontology - Professional, international organization for VPs, publishes the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.
Southern California Paleontological Society - Amateur collectors group in the LA area.
The Palaeontological Association - Professional organization for paleontologists (both vertebrate and invertebrate), publishes Palaeontology.
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