Abstract
The Neoproterozoic—Cambrian biological and geological events between 630 to 530 or so million years ago, are among the most fascinating topics in life history today because the first animals appeared and radiated amidst environmental changes of major magnitude. Not only are paleontologists and geologists interested in these events, but so are the general public, biologists, and theologians, among others. Indeed, this interest was manifested in a cover story in Time Magazine (Nash, 1995), another in the National Geographic (Monastersky, 1998), and in newspapers and other outlets. It is an intriguing time period, for most people are interested in our origins-of life itself, of animals, and of humans. The topics of this book then are nearly unique in this respect. The Paleontological Society is therefore pleased to present a Short Course and book summarizing the evidence, interpretations and hypotheses relating to this interval of time, with a focus on the origin and early evolution of the first known animals through a period of about 100 million years. Like all of the Society's Short Course books, this one is designed to provide a current review an important topic in paleontology for college instructors, interested professionals, and students. Such a book cannot cover the topics in great detail, but the authors have provided up-to-date references to additional sources.
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