Computational paleontology is simply a term applied to the use of computers and their facilities in the field of paleontology. However, we should be precise in describing the term when explaining the main themes of this motivating and attractive scientific field.

The uppermost aim of this book is to explain how computation can be used to bring fossils to life and the past to present. For paleontologists computers save time and costs, interpret mysterious events precisely and accurately as welll as visualizing ancient life definitely and undeniably.

Zusammenfassung

Computational paleontology is simply a term applied to using computers and its facilities in the field of paleontology. However, we should be exactly precise in describing the term through explaining the main themes of this motivating and attractive scientific field.

The uppermost aim of this book is to explain how computation could be competent in fetching fossils to life and the past to present. Computers for paleontologists save time and costs, interpret mysterious events precisely and accurately, visualize the ancient life definitely and undeniably.

Inhalt
Foreword.- What is computational paleontology.- Computational Modeling of growth and development of paleozoic echinoids.- Calculating the tempo of morphological evolution:rates of discrete character change in a phylogenetic context.- Paleoinfomatics - past, presend and future perspectives,- The evolution of modern human and Neanderthal cranial form.- Shape function and phylogeny:the comparative methods in evolutionary paleobiology.- Paleoecology and current entomological work:Computational issues and links.- Morphometric analysis of polymorphism in species of the Lower Cretaceous ammonite genus Knemiceras: an unusual palaeontological problem elucidated by an unusual methodology.- Issues involved with the use of incomplete specimens and missing data in morphometric analysis of fossils.- Development and applications of the computed tomography in the study of the human fossil crania.- Digitizing methods for paleontology.- Digital skeletons - Computer aided Design - Future insights in computational paleontology- with special spotlight on visual palentology.