First complete treatment of fossil vertebrates of Alabama, a pivotal state in geology and paleontology of Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain Province.

Part 1 of the book, The Fossils and Finders, presents an overview of the science of paleontology and major fossil groups, with attention to the pioneering paleontologists. Part 2, A Walk Through Deep Time, introduces representative Alabama fossils in a context of ancient ecosystems, with a brief look at selected fossils of neighboring states. Part 3, From Discovery to Impact, traces the variety of expertise it takes to collect, prepare, identify, curate, display, and educate about fossils. Part 4, Why It Matters delves into how the story of ancient life should enrich our lives and improve science education, biodiversity conservation, climate policies, and metaphysical reflections. All four parts are interspersed with personal stories of paleontologists in their many sub-disciplines, from the early nineteenth century to the present. Joy of the Hunt sections scattered throughout give personal accounts of serendipity and excitement regarding special fossil finds.

In the past, vertebrate paleontologists in Alabama focused primarily on classical methods of investigation, for example, by examining the gross anatomy of fossilized skeletal elements. More recently, new methods were developed that enable paleontologists to examine the molecular composition of fossilized bones and teeth, so that they may be used as proxies for determining past environmental and biological conditions. The analyses presented here examine vertebrate fossils from the Late Cretaceous aged marine formations of Alabama, which represent one of the warmest time periods in Earth's history. The first analysis examines the rare earth element (REE) content of biophosphates to determine fossil provenance and relative paleobathymetry of the marine strata in which the fossils were deposited. The second analysis examines the strontium isotope ratios present in fossil shark tooth enameloid to determine numerical ages of the containing geologic formations. The final analysis examines the oxygen isotope content of biophosphates for ambient temperature determination of seawater present during the Late Cretaceous and the body temperatures of a variety of vertebrate organisms including mosasaurs and birds. The data obtained by this study on the greenhouse climate present during the Late Cretaceous may possibly be used to better enhance computer modelling of future climate change, given the current state of global warming, and the biological response to this warming trend.