This introductory palaeontology text demonstrates the importance of fossils in geological and biological studies, particularly in understanding evolutionary patterns, palaeoenvironmental analysis and stratigraphy. Part 1 explores several key concepts, such as the processes of fossil preservation, the determination of evolutionary patterns and use of fossils and stratigraphical tools. Part 2 introduces the main fossil groups of value in these applied fields. Part 3 concentrates on the examination of important case histories which demonstrate the use of fossils in diverse practical examples. Evolutionary studies, palaeoenvironmental analysis and stratigraphical applications are documented using up-to-date examples supported by overviews of the principles.