WEISHAMPEL, D. B., DODSON, P. & OSMÓLSKA, H. 2004. The Dinosauria, 2nd ed. xviii + 861 pp. Berkeley, Los Angeles, London: University of California Press. Price £62.00 (hard covers). ISBN 0 520 24209 2

Abstract

Several changes have been made since the first edition of The Dinosauria (Weishampel, Dodson & Osmolska, 1990). The front cover is graced by a group of indisputably bird-like creatures. This is in contrast to the particularly reptilian cover stars of the latter publication and reflects the editors’ updated perception of a bird–dinosaur relationship as the ‘logical sequel of phylogenetic systematics’ – a methodology that is emphatically endorsed in the new book. Other changes are the addition of a numerical cladistic analysis to each of the taxonomic chapters and some changes in authorship (the number of authors has almost doubled from 23 to 43) and chapter topics, precipitated by the clarification of theropod taxonomy and the inclusion of a new chapter on biogeography. In Section One, some 23 taxonomic chapters summarize what is known about each group of dinosaurs seriously and effectively. The level of group considered and attention to detail for each varies wildly with nine chapters spanning 183 pages of Theropoda (giving Herrerasaurus and Eoraptor the benefit of the …