Computational Paleontology

Computational paleontology is simply a term applied to the use of computers and their facilities in the field of paleontology. However, we should be precise in describing the term when explaining the main themes of this motivating and attractive scientific field. The uppermost aim of this book is to explain how computation can be used to bring fossils to life and the past to present. For paleontologists computers save time and costs, interpret mysterious events precisely and accurately as welll as visualizing ancient life definitely and undeniably. Front Matter....Pages i-x Computational Paleontology....Pages 1-5 Digitizing Methods for Paleontology: Applications, Benefits and Limitations....Pages 7-43 Paleoinformatics: Past, Present and Future Perspectives....Pages 45-52 Calculating the Tempo of Morphological Evolution: Rates of Discrete Character Change in a Phylogenetic Context....Pages 53-74 Computational Model of Growth and Development in Paleozoic Echinoids....Pages 75-93 Morphometric Analysis of Polyphenism in Lower Cretaceous Ammonite Genus Knemiceras ....Pages 95-109 Development and Applications of Computed Tomography in the Study of Human Fossil Crania....Pages 111-145 From a Skeleton to a 3D Dinosaur....Pages 147-164 Rates of Cranial Evolution in Neandertals and Modern Humans....Pages 165-178 The Problem of Instar Numbers in Arthropods....Pages 179-219 Future Insights in Computational Paleontology: With Special Spotlight on Visual Paleontology....Pages 221-223 Back Matter....Pages 225-229 Computational paleontology is simply a term applied to using computers and its facilities in the field of paleontology. However, we should be exactly precise in describing the term through explaining the main themes of this motivating and attractive scientific field. The uppermost aim of this book is to explain how computation could be competent in fetching fossils to life and the past to present. Computers for paleontologists save time and costs, interpret mysterious events precisely and accurately, visualize the ancient life definitely and undeniably.