Fossil Frogs and Toads of North America

Despite being one of the most versatile and interesting amphibians in North America, frogs and toads (otherwise known as anurans) have traditionally not received enough attention from science. But now, with the population of modern frogs and toads dwindling at an alarming rate, author J. Alan Holman brings together the latest research and findings about ancient anurans, expanding the world's knowledge about these fascinating creatures while there is still time to understand and save them.

Comprehensive and lavishly illustrated, this essential guide provides a general account of the fossil record, a detailed account of individual anuran bones used in paleontological studies, and an epoch-by-epoch discussion of Mesozoic, Tertiary, and Pleistocene anurans and the changes they experienced throughout their evolution. Fossil taxa still living are reviewed in terms of modern characteristics, ecological attributes, modern ranges, and diagnostic skeletal elements. With detailed fossil history, biology, and anatomy, Fossil Frogs and Toads of North America is an informative, accessible book for anyone interested in frogs and toads and the scientific history of their evolution into the animals we know today.

J. Alan Holman (1931-2006) was Professor and Curator Emeritus of Vertebrate Paleontology at Michigan State University. He wrote seven books, including Fossil Snakes of North America (IUP, 2000).