Abstract
Vertebrate paleontology represents a blend of the biologic and geologic sciences. This blend is often reflected in individual works, with some works showing greater emphasis and understanding of systematics and evolution; other works showing greater interest and concern for biostratigraphy, biogeography, and taphonomy. A result of this blend is that vertebrate paleontology has always been a very stimulating and creative discipline, with new ideas and techniques rapidly replacing older concepts. Another result is the absence of a singular, recognized curriculum for the study of vertebrate paleontology. Much of the training of many vertebrate paleontologists is strongly biased by his or her parent scientific discipline, or much of it is informal. One further result is that precise communication among and between vertebrate paleontologists has been hindered by poorly understood and loosely defined terms and concepts. These latter characteristics are displayed most openly when vertebrate paleontologists from separate continents come together to discuss their works.
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Lindsay, E.H. (1990). The Setting. In: Lindsay, E.H., Fahlbusch, V., Mein, P. (eds) European Neogene Mammal Chronology. NATO ASI Series, vol 180. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-2513-8_1
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