Book review: The Evolution of Dasyurid Marsupials

The question ‘How many species of dasyurids currently exist?, “is fraught with historical, methodological and philosophical qualifications too easily glossed over in the rush to a simple answer,” write the authors of The Evolution of Dasyurid Marsupials – Systematics and Family History, a new book released through CSIRO Publishing .

Dasyurids are carnivorous marsupial mammals, ranging in size from just a few grams – like the antechinus and mulgara, up to several kilograms - like the quoll and Tasmanian devil. Aimed at those with a good conceptual understanding of biology, this comprehensive book tells the story of dasyurid evolution, making strong use of phylogenetic trees as a hypothesis of the evolutionary relationships between species, whilst recognising that the study of evolution is an integrative science drawing from many expert perspectives.

The book covers both living and fossil dasyurids, and with extensive illustrations, graphs and both colour and monochromatic pictures, the book provides methodological background to explain how conclusions were drawn from evidence, as well as historical context to explain why specific approaches were used as particular times.

In expertly compiling this book, the authors also note that the book is a testament to what we stand to lose, ‘there is pathos in being a dasyurid biologist at a time when these animals are being pushed towards extinction by forces that science alone cannot control.’ And sharing knowledge of these remarkable animals is vital to raising awareness about both the threats to their existence and the efforts to conserve them.

The Evolution of Dasyurid Marsupials will become a valuable reference text for those studying evolutionary biology along with wildlife researchers involved in working to protect and understand these unique animals, many of which are found only in Australia.

For more information visit: ?https://www.publish.csiro.au/book/8064/