Vertebrate Diversity in a Sensory System: The Fossil Record of Otic Evolution
This chapter introduces some major concepts from the world of paleontology, starting with some of the techniques used to investigate fossils. A current consenus phylogeny of the main vertebrate groups and some of the key terms underlying current systematic practice are given. A current geological timescale to be used in conjunction with other chapters is presented. In order to understand the evolutionary history of the otic region, its component parts, and the anatomical context in which those are placed, a basic description of the embryonic origin of skull and braincase anatomy is outlined. To an extent, the fossil record complements and underscores the relationship between ontogeny and phylogeny. Some key examples of early and basal vertebrates are described in brief because, although their otic regions are not generally well preserved, some recently described specimens and taxa are providing unprecedented information. They demonstrate some of the starting conditions for the vertebrate ear region, although there is still insufficient information for them to warrant their own chapter. The last section summarizes the main foci of the remaining 10 chapters. Together they cover the majority of fossil vertebrates those with an internal skeleton of bone the bony vertebrates.