Paleontological and stratigraphical studies of South America have a long history, dating back to the prominent contributions of D�Orbigny (1835) and Darwin (1846). Detailed studies of this kind in Venezuela started later and with less known works, although early mentions of fossils are known. The most prominent explorer in Venezuela was undoubtedly .. <P>Urumaco and Venezuelan Paleontology offers a synthesis of the paleontological record of Venezuela, including new discoveries on stratigraphy, paleobotany, fossil invertebrates, and vertebrates. Besides providing a critical summary of the record of decapods, fishes, crocodiles, turtles, rodents, armadillos, and ungulates, several chapters introduce new information on the distribution and paleo biology of groups not previously studied in this part of the world. Given its position in the northern neotropics, close to the Panamanian land bridge, Venezuela is a key location for understanding faunal exchanges between the Americas in it
