Prehistoric Life: An Examination of the History of Life and Evolution

"Prehistoric Life is a concise, accessible textbook focusing on the history of life and evolution within a geological and climatic context.
Offering critical information and avoiding unnecessary bulk, the book begins with an introduction to the notion of science, the scientific method, and the limits of science. In the first half of the text, students learn about rocks, fossils, the geologic timescale, the structure of earth, abiogenesis, evolution, and classification.
The second half of the book is devoted to exploring the past 3.8 billion years of life, from the earliest single-celled organisms in the Precambrian Eon through the rich evolutionary histories of the Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic Eras, to today's modern organisms, including ourselves.
Prehistoric Life can be used in introductory geology, biology, and paleontology courses at community colleges, colleges, and universities. It can also be used as a reference guide for fossil collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Joseph Petsche, who earned his master's degree in structural geology from San Jose State University, now teaches paleontology-based Earth science courses in the university's Department of Geology. Petsche has extensive teaching and tutoring experience that is readily apparent in the simple, straight-forward text and easy-to-understand diagrams that make this book perfect for intro-level earth science classes. He is an avid naturalist and a devout science advocate.