The prerequisite to investigating the underlying causes behind mass
extinction is a profound understanding of the evolutionary history of
both living and dead species. It is especially important to appreciate
the significance of such studies in extinct organisms; especially in
organisms that were abundant in a certain geologic era, but have
subsequently dwindled or become extinct. Such studies should help to
accurately evaluate patterns of evolution in extinct species lineages
and help predict the same in its modern analogs. The book includes
cutting edge research in evolutionary biology that should serve as a
starting point for conservation.