Promotions - Choice's Outstanding Academic Titles 2022 -

Plotnick (Univ. of Illinois Chicago) offers a behind-the-scenes portrayal revealing what paleontologists do, why they do it, how they go about it, and the impact of their work and the field on society. The text provides an unvarnished look into the field as Plotnick draws from his extensive career and the experiences of other paleontologists across academia, government, and the private sector, including amateur collectors. The book is organized into four parts: part 1 sets straight the misconceptions with regard to what paleontology is and isn't. The second part focuses on the nitty-gritty of how the science is done in the field and laboratory. Part 3 is about earning the credentials to practice paleontology professionally. The fourth part focuses on the integration of paleontology into a broader scientific context and looks at its role in society. The overarching theme is that paleontology has moved beyond the realm of describing fossils to become a dynamic, truly interdisciplinary science involving high-tech methods and a modern approach to thinking and scholarship. The text is well written and accessible to a wide audience, but a must read for anyone considering a career in paleontology.Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers.