David J. Bottjer is Professor of Earth Sciences, Biological Sciences, and Environmental Studies at the University of Southern California. He is a Fellow of The Paleontological Society, the Geological Society of America, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and is an Editor-in-Chief for the journal, Palaeogeogaphy, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology. In 2014 he was awarded the Raymond C. Moore Medal for excellence in paleontology by the SEPM Society for Sedimentary Geology.
`This work is intended as a gateway into an understanding of paleoecology, particularly as a primer for advanced undergraduate or graduate students. It provides both a critical jumping off point for a guided exploration of the technical literature and enough structure to design a class or seminar around, which is one of its greatest strengths. The volume should be a valued reference for the professional as well, particularly its extensive references and numerous figures. A book such as this is sorely needed in the field today, and shines in its ability to connect patterns found in ancient organisms to the present and future health of the biosphere.' The Quarterly Review of Biology, 92:4 (2017)