Reviewed by Alysha Zazubec (Univ. of Oklahoma)

Croft, D. A., D. Su, and S. W. Simpson. 2018. Methods in Paleoecology: Reconstructing Cenozoic Terrestrial Environments and Ecological Communities. Vertebrate Paleobiology and Paleoanthropology Series. Springer Nature, Cham, Switzerland. 410 pp. ($129.99 cloth, $99.00 e-book.)

Methods in Paleoecology is a comprehensive and essential resource for paleontologists. It offers a wide-ranging overview of the many tools and techniques available for reconstructing past environments and ecological communities, making it especially valuable for developing research projects across all stages—from undergraduate coursework to professional investigations.

The volume is thoughtfully organized, beginning with an introductory chapter that lays out the foundations of paleoecological reconstruction. From there, the book proceeds through a series of logically ordered chapters, culminating in a final chapter on the synthesis of paleontological data. Along the way, readers are guided through a broad array of essential topics, including functional morphology, ecological modeling, isotopic geochemistry, community structure, paleobotany, paleoclimatology, and more.

Each chapter focuses on a distinct methodological approach and begins with a brief abstract, allowing readers to quickly identify relevant content without having to sift through the entire volume. The chapters don’t just describe the methods: they provide a deep dive into the historical development of each technique; define key terminology; explain how the methods may be adapted across disciplines; discuss assumptions, strengths and weaknesses; data collection strategies; and approaches to data interpretation.

One of the standout features of the book is the quality and clarity of its illustrations. Priority has been clearly placed in providing visual aids that enhance the reader's ability to comprehend nuances of the method. The high-quality color photographs, annotated diagrams, and clearly marked indicators demonstrate exactly how each method is applied in practice. These visual elements significantly enhance the book’s value as a practical “how-to” guide, making complex techniques accessible to students new to the field while still offering depth and nuance for experienced researchers seeking to refine or expand their methodological toolkit.

Although the primary focus of the book is on terrestrial environments during the Cenozoic, many of the methods described have broader applicability. Several techniques are applicable in marine contexts or in studies of older geological periods. This versatility makes the book not only a foundational resource for research on Cenozoic ecosystems but also a useful reference for a wide range of paleoecological investigations.

This volume could easily serve as the foundation for a college-level course on paleontological methods. Its structured layout, methodological breadth, and emphasis on clarity and practical application make it a vital resource for anyone involved in the study of past life and environments.