Palaeontology Books
The University of Chicago Press Current Paleoethnobotany Analytical Methods and
Book SynopsisPaleoethnobotany offers powerful tools for reconstructing past cultures by examining the interaction of human populations with the plant world. Plant remains from archaeological sites can provide information for a number of disciplines: archaeologists may use such remains to examine how plants were used, how agriculture changed over time, or how plant offerings in burials signaled social status; ecologists and botanists may use them to study morphological changes in plants due to domestication. Combining case studies and theoretical discussions, Current Paleoethnobotany presents the first full discussion of the major stages and problems of paleoethnobotanical research, from designing and testing equipment, such as flotation machines, to quantification and interpretation. The volume explores a wide range of issues concerning collection techniques, analytical procedures, and interpretive models that will provide accurate information about past human societies from plant remains. The contributors offer data on specific regions as well as more general background information on the basic techniques of paleoethnobotany for the nonspecialist. Throughout, they explicitly examine the assumptions underlying paleoethnobotanical methods and the ways in which those assumptions affect anthropological and ecological research questions. Based on a symposium presented at the 1985 meeting of the Society for American Archaeology, Current Paleoethnobotany moves beyond a technique-oriented view of paleoethnobotany to successfully integrate current thinking about both procedures and research goals. The contributors demonstrate the potential value of the field of paleoethnobotany and open the way for further discussion and improvement.
£25.65
The University of Chicago Press Show Me the Bone
Book Synopsis
£41.80
The University of Chicago Press Species and Speciation in the Fossil Record
Book Synopsis
£53.20
The University of Chicago Press Evolutionary Paleobiology
Book SynopsisRepresenting current research in evolutionary paleobiology, this book provides an overview of this rapidly changing field. Contributors to this volume present results of original research and aim to provide directions for future studies.
£42.75
University of Chicago Press Evolutionary Patterns Growth Form Tempo in the
Book SynopsisThis text demonstrates the rich variety of clues to evolution that can be gleaned from the fossil record. Contributors explore modes of development, the tempo of speciation and extinction, and macroevolutionary patterns and trends.
£124.00
The University of Chicago Press Evolutionary Patterns Growth Form and Tempo in
Book SynopsisThis text demonstrates the rich variety of clues to evolution that can be gleaned from the fossil record. Contributors explore modes of development, the tempo of speciation and extinction, and macroevolutionary patterns and trends.
£42.75
The University of Chicago Press Bones of Contention Controversies in the Search
Book SynopsisA behind-the-scenes look at the search for human origins, analyzing how the biases and preconceptions of paleoanthropologists shape their work. The stories of the Taung Child and Neanderthal Man provide the background to the modern search for an exploration of how and where humans evolved.
£28.50
The University of Chicago Press Land Bridges Ancient Environments Plant
Book SynopsisLand bridges are the causeways of biodiversity. When they form, organisms are introduced into a new patchwork of species and habitats, forever altering the ecosystems into which they flow; and when land bridges disappear or fracture, organisms are separated into reproductively isolated populations that can evolve independently. More than this, land bridges play a role in determining global climates through changes to moisture and heat transport and are also essential factors in the development of biogeographic patterns across geographically remote regions. In this book, paleobotanist Alan Graham traces the formation and disruption of key New World land bridges and describes the biotic, climatic, and biogeographic ramifications of these land masses' changing formations over time. Looking at five land bridges, he explores their present geographic setting and climate, modern vegetation, indigenous peoples (with special attention to their impact on past and present vegetation), and geol
£122.55
The University of Chicago Press Land Bridges
Book SynopsisLand bridges are the causeways of biodiversity. When they form, organisms are introduced into a new patchwork of species and habitats, forever altering the ecosystems into which they flow; and when land bridges disappear or fracture, organisms are separated into reproductively isolated populations that can evolve independently. More than this, land bridges play a role in determining global climates through changes to moisture and heat transport and are also essential factors in the development of biogeographic patterns across geographically remote regions. In this book, paleobotanist Alan Graham traces the formation and disruption of key New World land bridges and describes the biotic, climatic, and biogeographic ramifications of these land masses' changing formations over time. Looking at five land bridges, he explores their present geographic setting and climate, modern vegetation, indigenous peoples (with special attention to their impact on past and present vegetation), and geologic history. From the great Panamanian isthmus to the boreal connections across the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans that allowed exchange of organisms between North America, Europe, and Asia, Graham's sweeping, one-hundred-million-year history offers new insight into the forces that shaped the life and land of the New World.
£41.80
The University of Chicago Press Bryozoan Evolution
Book SynopsisThe authors argue that the growth pattern and form of the colony in many bryozoans is an adaptive strategy rather than a stable genetic character. Bryozoan Evolution is profusely illustrated and has a bibliography of over 400 titles. It will find an appreciative audience of paleontologists, invertebrate zoologists, and ecologists thanks to its innovative and detailed evaluations of the roles of ecology, adaptive and functional morphology, life histories, biomechanics, developmental constraints, and chance on the evolution of the marine taxa of this speciose group.--Russel L. Zimmer, Science This book is an excellent source of information on the functional morphology and variety of colonial architecture in bryozoans, very well illustrated, and worth reading at least twice.-Robert L. Anstey, Paleobiology Even as one of the converted, I found the book a stimulating combination of paleobiology and ecology. In many ways it is a 'teaser'-the authors suggest a number of interesting hypotheses, and can test only some of them. Perhaps most important, McKinney and Jackson provide a plethora of fascinating ideas and examples that demonstrate the potential of this group of animals, and that should stimulate more work.-Michael S. Keough, TREE This stimulating book is sure to promote further interest in bryozoans. It will appeal to biologists and paleontologists alike.-Paul Taylor, Times Higher Education Supplement
£30.40
The University of Chicago Press Evolutionary Innovations
Book Synopsis
£80.00
The University of Chicago Press Bones Clones and Biomes
Book SynopsisOffers an exploration of the development and relationships of the modern mammal fauna through a series of studies that encompass the last one hundred million years and both Central and South America.
£59.50
The University of Chicago Press Stratigraphic Paleobiology
Book SynopsisWhether the fossil record should be read at face value or whether it presents a distorted view of the history of life is an argument seemingly as old as many fossils themselves. This book presents a critical framework for assessing the fossil record, one based on a modern understanding of the principles of sediment accumulation.Trade Review"The novelty of this work is that it weaves important strands of the paleontological literature - with many of the most essential parts by the authors themselves - into a coherent worldview that emphasizes the importance of understanding the geological record. This book is a significant accomplishment, and it promises to nudge and shape the future development of the field." (Gene Hunt, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution)"
£40.00
The University of Chicago Press Scenes from Deep Time
Book SynopsisInformed by fossil discoveries, scientists and artists collaborated during the years before Darwin's "Origin of Species" was published to produce images of a prehistoric world based on sources other than the Bible. This book explores the implications of reconstructing a past humans have never seen.
£26.60
The University of Chicago Press Evolution of Fossil Ecosystems
Book SynopsisTrade Review"This excellent book describes and illustrates fourteen sites that range over 560 million years.... It's just the job for students and teachers, and the general fossil enthusiast will get a lot from this guide to some of the world's best fossil sites." - New Scientist"
£52.62
The University of Chicago Press Mystic Bones
Book SynopsisThe desert has long been a theme in Mark C. Taylor's work, from his inquiries into the religious significance of Las Vegas to his writings on earthworks artist Michael Heizer. At once haunted by absence and loss, the desert, for Taylor, is a place of exile and wandering, of temptation and tribulation. Bones, in turn, speak to his abiding interest in remnants, ruins, ritual, and immanence. Taylor combines his fascination in the detritus of the desert and its philosophical significance with his work in photography in Mystic Bones. A collection of remarkably elegant close-up images of weathered bonesremains of cattle, elk, and deer skeletons gathered from the desert of the American WestMystic Bones pairs each photograph with a philosophical aphorism. These images are buttressed by a major essay, Rubbings of Reality, in which Taylor explores the use of bones in the religious rituals of native inhabitants of the Western desert and, more broadly, the appearance of bones in myth and religious reality. Meditating on the way in which bones paradoxically embody both the personal and the impersonalat one time they are our very substance, but eventually they become our last remnants, anonymous, memorializing oblivionTaylor here suggests ways in which natural processes can be thought of as art, and bones as art objects. Bones, Taylor writes, draw us elsewhere. To follow their traces beyond the edge of the human is to wander into ageless times and open spaces where everything familiar becomes strange. By revealing beauty hidden in the most unexpected places, these haunting images refigure death in a way that allows life to be seen anew. A bold new work from a respected philosopher of religion, Mystic Bones is Taylor's his most personal statement of after-God theology.
£30.32
Columbia University Press Seismosaurus
Book SynopsisThe first book to clearly explain the science used by paleontologists and the new, cutting-edge techniques that led to the discovery of Seismosaurus, the longest dinosaur yet known----and possibly the largest land animal to have ever lived. The book also illustrates the exciting collaboration between Gillette, the chemists and physicists who helped to reconstruct Seismosaurus.Trade ReviewHere is a work destined to be of great historical importance in the field of paleontology...There have been no comparably detailed exegeses on the history of a single excavation. Earth Sciences History
£63.00
Columbia University Press William Diller Matthew Paleontologist
Book SynopsisThe biography of a man who came to occupy a major position in the history of North American palaeontology. Using personal letters, archives and accounts from those who knew Matthew, this volume presents a portrait of his excavations, travels, research and family life.
£64.00
Columbia University Press Early Life on Earth Nobel Symposium No 84
Book SynopsisLeading chemists, geologists, palaeontologists and biologists contribute to this study of the most basic origins of life on Earth. They explore the origin of life during the Archean Eon, the maturation of life during the Proterozoic and the diversification of life that marks the Phanerozoic.
£67.20
Columbia University Press One Long Experiment
Book SynopsisAddressing the history of the earth in terms of geological process and the resolution of the fossil record, Martin presents a lucid report on the current state of knowledge of a group of interconnected themes-process, scale and hierarchy, and methodologies of historical sciences.
£100.00
Columbia University Press Dogs
Book SynopsisTrade ReviewAn easy-to-read text, accompanied by Anton's marvelous illustrations... Recommended. Choice A definitive, readable treatment of the evolution of the canine clan. Fossil News Sets a new standard... With Anton's imagery, Wang and Tedford's Dogs is nothing short of wonderful. American Paleomtologist A must-read for dog junkies. -- H.J. Kirchhoff Toronto Globe & Mail Nothing short of wonderful. -- Richard A. Kissel American PaleontologistTable of ContentsPreface Acknowledgments 1. Dogs: Methods of Study and the Place of Dogs in Nature 2. The Origin of Canids and Other Doglike Carnivorous Mammals 3. Diversity: Who Is Who in the Dog Family 4. Anatomy and Function: How the Parts Work 5. Hunting and Social Activity 6. Changing Environments and Canid Evolution 7. Going Places: Braving New Worlds 8. Domestic Dogs Appendix: Canid Species and Classification Glossary Further Reading Index
£19.80
Columbia University Press Paleoclimates
Book SynopsisTrade ReviewSheds light on modern trends on modern trends in the Earth's climate. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society A promising overview of the science of paleoclimatology... recommended. Choice Everyone curious about the climate system, its history and current state of understanding... would be well-advised to acquire a copy of this erudite and elegantly written book. -- D.Q. Bowen Quarternary Science Reviews I strongly recommend this book as essential background material for graduate students, an up-to-date review for researchers in the field and an important resource for anyone with a general interest in climatic change. -- Iain Robertson The Holocene an excellent review and stimulating discussion of the state of art and current hot topics in this socio-economically important discipline to the scientific community of palaeoclimate researchers and students in this field. Polar Research There is much to be recommended, and the book will serve well in many libraries, both institutional and personal. -- A. Townsend Peterson Quaterly Review of BiologyTable of ContentsList of Tables Preface Acknowledgments Abbreviations 1. Paleoclimatology and Modern Challenges 2. Methods in Paleoclimatology 3. Deep Time: Climate from 3.8 Billion to 65 Million Years Ago 4. Cenozoic Climate 5. Orbital Climate Change 6. Glacial Millennial Climate Change 7. Millennial Climate Events During Deglaciation 8. Holocene Climate Variability 9. Abrupt Climate Events 10. Internal Modes of Climate Variability 11. The Anthropocene I: Global and Hemispheric Temperature 12. The Anthropocene II: Climatic and Hydrological Change During the Last 2000 Years Epilogue Appendix: Paleoclimate Proxies References Index
£73.60
Columbia University Press Dinosaurs
Book SynopsisThe perfect textbook for nonscience majors, this volume explains dinosaur evolution, phylogeny, and classification. Revised to reflect recent fossil discoveries and the current consensus on dinosaur science, the text details the behavior and extinction of the species, their relationship to birds, and their representation in popular culture.Trade ReviewI don't think that you can produce a better book than what Spencer Lucas has written. It has been well proved over many years, and this thoroughly updated edition meets the demands of the rapidly evolving science. -- Sherwood W. Wise Jr., professor of geological sciences, Florida State University This book is the best available introduction to dinosaurs for college students, as earlier editions have been. -- John Cisne, professor of earth and atmospheric sciences, Cornell University Dinosaurs is a concise, well-written, and profusely illustrated introduction to this ever-fascinating subject. It is ideally suited for college-level courses. -- Hans-Dieter Sues, senior scientist and curator of vertebrate paleontology, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, coauthor of Triassic Life on Land: The Great TransitionTable of ContentsList of Boxed Readings Preface 1. Introduction What Are Dinosaurs? When and Where Did Dinosaurs Live? Why Study Dinosaurs? Key Terms Review Questions Find a Dinosaur! 2. Evolution, Phylogeny, and Classification Evolution Phylogeny Classification Dinosaurs and Evolution Summary Key Terms Review Questions Further Reading 3. Fossils, Sedimentary Environments, and Geologic Time Fossils Sedimentary Environments Geologic Time Collecting Dinosaur Fossils Summary Key Terms Review Questions Further Reading 4. The Origin of Dinosaurs Dinosaurs as Reptiles Dinosaurs as Diapsids Dinosaurs as Archosaurs The Archosaurian Ancestry of Dinosaurs The Phylogeny of Dinosaurs The Oldest Dinosaurs Summary Key Terms Review Questions Further Reading Find a Dinosaur! 5. Theropods The Phylogeny of Theropods What Is a Theropod? Primitive Theropods Tetanurans Avetheropods Theropod Evolution Summary Key Terms Review Questions Further Reading Find a Dinosaur! 6. Sauropodomorphs Prosauropods Sauropods Sauropod Evolution Summary Key Terms Review Questions Further Reading Find a Dinosaur! 7. Ornithopods Heterodontosaurs Primitive Ornithopods Iguanodontians Hadrosaurs Ornithopod Evolution Summary Key Terms Review Questions Further Reading Find a Dinosaur! 8. Stegosaurs and Ankylosaurs Primitive Thyreophorans Stegosaurs Ankylosaurs Summary Key Terms Review Questions Further Reading Find a Dinosaur! 9. Ceratopsians and Pachycephalosaurs Ceratopsians Pachycephalosaurs Summary Key Terms Review Questions Further Reading Find a Dinosaur! 10. The Dinosaurian World Continental Drift, Sea Level, and Climate Late Triassic: Beginning of the Age of Dinosaurs Early-Middle Jurassic: Dinosaurs Establish Dominance Late Jurassic: The Golden Age of Dinosaurs Early Cretaceous: A Transition Late Cretaceous: The Last Dinosaurs Five Dinosaur Faunas Summary Key Terms Review Questions Further Reading 11. Dinosaur Hunters Earliest Discoveries Complete Skeletons Two Great Expeditions The Calm Before the Storm? The Dinosaur Renaissance Changing Ideas in Dinosaur Science Summary Key Terms Review Questions Further Reading 12. Dinosaur Trace Fossils Dinosaur Footprints Dinosaur Eggs Dinosaur Gastroliths Dinosaur Tooth Marks Dinosaur Coprolites Summary Key Terms Review Questions Further Reading Find a Dinosaur! 13. Dinosaur Biology and Behavior Dinosaur Biology Dinosaur Behavior Summary Key Terms Review Questions Further Reading 14. Hot-Blooded Dinosaurs? Some Terms and Concepts The Evidence What Type(s) of Metabolism Did Dinosaurs Have? Summary Key Terms Review Questions Further Reading 15. Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds What Is a Bird? The Genus Archaeopteryx Nondinosaurian Ancestors of Birds Origin and Evolution of Avian Flight Evolution of Birds Significance of Dinosaurs as Bird Ancestors Summary Key Terms Review Questions Further Reading Find a Dinosaur! 16. The Extinction of Dinosaurs The Terminal Cretaceous Extinction Nature of the Evidence Single Cause: Asteroid Impact Multiple Causes Minimizing the Damage Answer the Question! Summary Key Terms Review Questions Further Reading 17. Dinosaurs in the Public Eye Dinosaurs: Denotation and Connotation Dinosaurs in the News Dinosaurs in Books Dinosaurs in Art Dinosaur Toys Dinosaurs in Cartoons and Movies Dinosaurs on the Worldwide Web Dinosaur Science and Public Dinosaurs Summary Key Terms Review Questions Further Reading Appendix: A Primer of Dinosaur Anatomy Posture and Orientation Skull, Lower Jaw, and Teeth Backbone Forelimb Hind Limb Structure and Function Key Terms Review Questions Further Reading Glossary A Dinosaur Dictionary Index
£120.00
Columbia University Press Cataclysms A New Geology for the TwentyFirst
Book SynopsisMichael R. Rampino builds on the latest findings from leading geoscientists to take “neocatastrophism” a step further, toward a richer understanding of the science behind major planetary upheavals and extinction events. Cataclysms offers a cosmic context for Earth’s geologic evolution.Trade ReviewCataclysms is a useful, well-written and not overly technical summary of Neocatastrophism since the Alvarez team published the initial work in the early 1980's. Rampino paints a lively picture of how work in the area of geoscience is actually done - aided and abetted to good purpose by copious illustrations -- Niles Eldredge, author of Eternal Ephemera As late as 1964, it was hard to find a scientist who believed that crashing meteorites, rather than volcanism, had caused craters on the Moon and the Earth. In this well-written and provocative book, Michael Rampino tantalizes us with his examination of the relationship between astronomy and geology, which he argues could become truly predictive of the past and future. Cataclysms takes us far out, indeed. But if there is one lesson from the history of geology, it is that we should listen to those like Rampino who think outside the box - or even outside the solar system. -- James Powell, author of Fixing the SkyTable of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction 1. Catastrophism Versus Gradualism 2. Lyell's Laws 3. The Alvarez Hypothesis 4. Mass Extinctions 5. Kill Curves and Strangelove Oceans 6. Catastrophism and Natural Selection: Charles Darwin Versus Patrick Matthew 7. Impacts and Extinctions: Do They Match Up? 8. The Great Dying: The End-Permian Extinctions 9. Catastrophic Volcanic Eruptions and Extinctions 10. Ancient Glaciers or Impact-Related Deposits? 11. The Shiva Hypothesis: Comet Showers and the Galactic Carousel 12. Geological Upheavals and Dark Matter Epilogue: What Does It All Mean? A New Geology Sources and Further Reading Index
£25.50
Columbia University Press Carboniferous Giants and Mass Extinction
Book Synopsis300 million years ago, dog-sized scorpions and millipedes walked the earth and tropical rainforests towered into the sky. George R. McGhee Jr. explores that ancient world, explaining its origins, its downfall in the end-Permian mass extinction, and its legacies, to offer insight into past and present extinction events and climate change.Trade ReviewCarboniferous Giants and Mass Extinction is a superb and unique synthesis of the current knowledge of processes and conditions during the Late Paleozoic, incorporating the results from all subdisciplines of the earth and life sciences. McGhee demonstrates his expertise and knowledge in all the subdisciplines in a magnificent way. The book is a pleasure to read and at the same time erudite. -- Hermann Pfefferkorn, University of PennsylvaniaCarboniferous Giants and Mass Extinction is comprehensive and well researched, and provides fascinating insights into the complex Carboniferous world. It has amazing presentation, including depth, perception, and interpretation, and the writing style is readable and captivating. This work will be a valuable reference for geology students and others interested in past earth climates. -- Peter E. Isaacson, University of IdahoA valuable contribution to our understanding of ancient environments and the incredible plants and animals that once inhabited the Earth. * Everything Dinosaur *Highly recommended. * Everything Dinosaur *Table of ContentsPreface1. Harbingers of the Late Paleozoic Ice Age2. The Big Chill3. The Late Carboniferous Ice World4. Giants in the Earth . . .5. The End of the Late Paleozoic Ice Age6. The End of the Paleozoic World7. The Legacy of the Late Paleozoic Ice AgeNotesReferencesIndex
£36.00
Columbia University Press Weird Dinosaurs The Strange New Fossils
Book SynopsisWeird Dinosaurs examines the latest breakthroughs and new technologies radically transforming our understanding of the distant past. Pickrell opens a vivid portal to a brand new age of fossil discovery, in which fossil hunters are routinely redefining what we know and how we think about prehistory's most iconic and fascinating creatures.Trade ReviewThis history of the discovery of some of the most outlandish creatures that ever lived, and the excitement of paleontological research, will be sure to both entertain and instruct. No other such historical narrative exists that is focused on weird extinct beasts. -- Spencer Lucas, author of Dinosaurs: The Textbook, sixth edition Fascinating... Readers learn of beautiful opalised dinosaur bones from Australia and a crested dinosaur found approximately 13,000 feet up Antarctica's Mt. Kirkpatrick, demonstrating that dinosaurs were widely distributed across the globe. Publishers Weekly In the 26 years since Jurassic Park was released we have unearthed about 75 per cent of all known dinosaur species... Weird Dinosaurs is a tour de force through the latest digs across the planet. It features the amazing people unearthing new fossils and highlights the odd reptiles that roamed all corners of the earth millions of years ago. -- Marcus Strom Sydney Morning Herald Australian Geographic editor John Pickrell brings us up to date with Weird Dinosaurs, using the species' often bizarre features as a giddy hook. Some had bat-like wings, some had elaborate neck frills, others shock with how large (or small) they were. Pickrell spends a lot of time on quests of individual fossil hunters and he shifts the focus from traditional fossil destinations such as North America to current hotspots China, Mongolia and Antarctica. -- Doug Wallen The Big Issue, Australia Weird Dinosaurs is an informative and entertaining text with a nice blend of narrative and scientific fact... the facts and information included are simply fascinating. Sharon the LibrarianTable of ContentsWorld Map Foreword, by Philip Currie Introduction: A New Golden Age for Dinosaur Science 1. Monster from the Cretaceous Lagoon: The Sahara, Egypt 2. All Hail the Dino-Bat: Hebei Province, China 3. Dwarf Dinosaurs and Trailblazing Aristocrats: Transylvania, Romania 4. Horny Ornaments and Sexy Ceratopsians: Alberta, Canada 5. The 'Unusual Terrible Hands': Gobi Desert, Mongolia 6. Scandalous Behaviour and Enfluffled Vegetarians: Siberia, Russia 7. Cretaceous Creatures of the Frozen North: Alaska, United States 8. The Hidden Treasures Down Under: Lightning Ridge, Australia 9. Record-breaking titans: Patagonia, Argentina 10. Southern Killers Set Adrift: Mahajanga Basin, Madagascar 11. Polar Pioneers and the Frozen Crested Lizard: Transantarctic Mountains, Antarctica Future Potential Glossary Further Reading Acknowledgments Notes Credits Index
£21.25
Columbia University Press On the Prowl
Book SynopsisOn the Prowl is a fully illustrated and approachable guide to the evolution of the big cats and what it portends for their conservation today. Mark Hallett and John M. Harris trace the origins of these iconic carnivores, venturing down the evolutionary pathways that produced the diversity of big cat species that have walked the earth.Trade ReviewOn the Prowl is a superb book, both enjoyable and instructive. I’m greatly impressed with the huge amount of data that Hallett and Harris have collected and presented in a most readable manner. The complex evolutionary history and relationships of the cats will keep researchers arguing for years. -- George Schaller, senior conservationist, Wildlife Conservation Society, and author of The Serengeti Lion: A Study of Predator-Prey RelationsOn the Prowl brings together biological and paleontological research related to the origins and history of the big cats, with an original emphasis on Asiatic data, paying homage to their majesty, dignity, and beauty. Mark Hallett’s artwork has succeeded brilliantly in capturing their inner spirit and character, their vulnerability and vitality. This book will serve the noble goals of making people aware of the fragility of ecosystems and revealing the moral obligation to preserve and protect extant species. -- Christine Argot, research professor and curator of collections, Muséum National d’Histoire NaturelleHallett and Harris guide the reader on a 20-million-year tour of predator and prey evolution, using environmental change as an engine for adaptation and extinction. The narrative is engaging, spiked with a touch of controversy, and supported by superb illustrations. For those interested in the evolutionary origins of big cats, On the Prowl would be a valuable addition to your library. -- Christopher Shaw, Idaho Museum of Natural History[An] erudite study of big cats. * Nature *Will have many a book lover purring with pleasure. * The Inquisitive Biologist *Table of ContentsAcknowledgmentsPreface1. Threads in the Fabric of Time2. Anatomy of a Hunter3. A Breath of Frost4. Beyond the Distant Horizons5. Testimony of the Caves6. Aftermath of an Ice Age7. Man the Destroyer8. The Steeds of DurgaAppendix 1: Distribution of Pantherins and Other Felids in Geologic TimeAppendix 2: Pantherin Dispersals Across the WorldAppendix 3: Taking ActionAppendix 4: Species of the Genus PantheraGlossarySourcesSuggested ReadingIndex
£25.50
Columbia University Press Fantastic Fossils
Book SynopsisIn Fantastic Fossils, Donald R. Prothero offers an accessible, entertaining, and richly illustrated guide to the paleontologist’s journey. He details the best places to look for fossils, the art of how to find them, and how to classify the major types.Trade ReviewThis book condenses most of what you find in a college textbook on paleontology into a concise, readable handbook that explains everything from how to find and collect fossils to how to assign them scientific names. No fossil enthusiast should be without it! -- Spencer G. Lucas, Curator of Paleontology, New Mexico Museum of Natural History and ScienceDonald Prothero knows how to use the written word to make paleontology exciting, and the literary adventure he takes us on in his latest book, Fantastic Fossils, is definitely worth the price of admission. Via prose and a plethora of illustrations, Prothero shepherds us from badlands to beaches and quarries to roadcuts; all of these peregrinations give the reader a sense of what it’s like to be on a paleontological quest. As part of this metaphorical pursuit one also receives practical knowledge; the reader comes to understand not only how to collect and identify fossils but also their broader significance as natural history objects with myriad implications for ecology, evolution and climate change. Prothero’s book features the remark that: “Fossils are cool. Fossils are amazing.” I concur, and if you do too, or if you’re anyone from nine to ninety who wants to learn more about fossils, you should definitely check out this book. -- Bruce S. Lieberman, Biodiversity Institute and Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of KansasProthero is a prolific author of popular paleontology titles. Meeting his usual excellent standard, this delightful and wide-ranging book provides an engaging grounding in the basics of paleontology and geology, alongside information on many of the common creatures budding fossil hunters are likely to encounter. -- John Pickrell, author of Flying Dinosaurs and Weird DinosaursThe text is easy to understand, with limited use of jargon, and will be most helpful to beginners who want to know more about fossils but have limited geological understanding. * Choice *Accessible, entertaining, and richly illustrated. A must have for anyone with an interest in fossils. * Birdbooker Report *Table of ContentsPrefaceAcknowledgmentsPart I. Fossils Are Where You Find Them1. Fantastic Fossils2. How Are Fossils Formed?3. What Kinds of Rocks Yield Fossils?4. Where Do You Find Fossils?5. Dating Fossils6. Collecting Fossils: Badlands7. Collecting Fossils: Beaches8. Collecting Fossils: Quarries and Roadcuts9. The Crucial Step: Collecting DataPart II. Identifying Your Fossils10. What’s in a Name?11. Phylum Porifera: Sponges and Their Relatives12. Phylum Cnidaria (Coelenterates): Sea Jellies, Sea Anemones, and Corals13. Phylum Brachiopoda: Brachiopods, or Lamp Shells14. Phylum Bryozoa: Bryozoans, or Moss Animals15. Phylum Arthropoda: Trilobites and Their Relatives16. Phylum Mollusca: Clams, Snail, Squids, and Their Relatives17. Phylum Echinodermata: Sea Stars, Sea Urchins, and Their Relatives18. Phylum Hemichordata: Graptolites19. Phylum Chordata: Fish, Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds, and Mammals20. Paleobotany: Fossil PlantsIndex
£25.50
Columbia University Press Fantastic Fossils
Book SynopsisIn Fantastic Fossils, Donald R. Prothero offers an accessible, entertaining, and richly illustrated guide to the paleontologist’s journey. He details the best places to look for fossils, the art of how to find them, and how to classify the major types.Trade ReviewThis book condenses most of what you find in a college textbook on paleontology into a concise, readable handbook that explains everything from how to find and collect fossils to how to assign them scientific names. No fossil enthusiast should be without it! -- Spencer G. Lucas, Curator of Paleontology, New Mexico Museum of Natural History and ScienceDonald Prothero knows how to use the written word to make paleontology exciting, and the literary adventure he takes us on in his latest book, Fantastic Fossils, is definitely worth the price of admission. Via prose and a plethora of illustrations, Prothero shepherds us from badlands to beaches and quarries to roadcuts; all of these peregrinations give the reader a sense of what it’s like to be on a paleontological quest. As part of this metaphorical pursuit one also receives practical knowledge; the reader comes to understand not only how to collect and identify fossils but also their broader significance as natural history objects with myriad implications for ecology, evolution and climate change. Prothero’s book features the remark that: “Fossils are cool. Fossils are amazing.” I concur, and if you do too, or if you’re anyone from nine to ninety who wants to learn more about fossils, you should definitely check out this book. -- Bruce S. Lieberman, Biodiversity Institute and Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of KansasProthero is a prolific author of popular paleontology titles. Meeting his usual excellent standard, this delightful and wide-ranging book provides an engaging grounding in the basics of paleontology and geology, alongside information on many of the common creatures budding fossil hunters are likely to encounter. -- John Pickrell, author of Flying Dinosaurs and Weird DinosaursThe text is easy to understand, with limited use of jargon, and will be most helpful to beginners who want to know more about fossils but have limited geological understanding. * Choice *Accessible, entertaining, and richly illustrated. A must have for anyone with an interest in fossils. * Birdbooker Report *Table of ContentsPrefaceAcknowledgmentsPart I. Fossils Are Where You Find Them1. Fantastic Fossils2. How Are Fossils Formed?3. What Kinds of Rocks Yield Fossils?4. Where Do You Find Fossils?5. Dating Fossils6. Collecting Fossils: Badlands7. Collecting Fossils: Beaches8. Collecting Fossils: Quarries and Roadcuts9. The Crucial Step: Collecting DataPart II. Identifying Your Fossils10. What’s in a Name?11. Phylum Porifera: Sponges and Their Relatives12. Phylum Cnidaria (Coelenterates): Sea Jellies, Sea Anemones, and Corals13. Phylum Brachiopoda: Brachiopods, or Lamp Shells14. Phylum Bryozoa: Bryozoans, or Moss Animals15. Phylum Arthropoda: Trilobites and Their Relatives16. Phylum Mollusca: Clams, Snail, Squids, and Their Relatives17. Phylum Echinodermata: Sea Stars, Sea Urchins, and Their Relatives18. Phylum Hemichordata: Graptolites19. Phylum Chordata: Fish, Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds, and Mammals20. Paleobotany: Fossil PlantsIndex
£18.00
Columbia University Press The Trilobite Collectors Guide
Book SynopsisAndy Secher—one of the most prolific trilobite collectors in the world—takes readers on an entertaining and enlightening journey to the distant epoch when these ancient arthropods swarmed through the seas.Trade ReviewWow! I’ve never before seen so many amazing trilobites between the covers of a single book as I have in Andy Secher’s new extravaganza The Trilobite Collector’s Guide. Secher is one of the premier trilobite collectors of the world, and he can tell you everything about what it takes to find, collect, ‘prepare,’ and study trilobites. His photos are amazing. Trilobites are amazing. Be prepared to be dazzled and amazed! -- Niles Eldredge, curator emeritus, Division of Paleontology, American Museum of Natural HistoryAndy Secher’s passion for trilobites comes through on every page of this beautifully illustrated book. He combines up-to-date scientific knowledge with practical information on how to collect trilobites, how to prepare them, where to find them, and much more. His passion is contagious, and after reading a few pages of this book, you will find yourself organizing your next vacation around trilobites. -- Neil H. Landman, curator emeritus, American Museum of Natural HistoryThe Trilobite Collector's Guide provides a popular ‘hit parade’ of trilobite facts, figures, and phenomena for the nonacademic reader and nascent—or even accomplished—collector. Secher explores and beautifully illustrates an eclectic array of relevant topics in an entertaining, concise, and easily digestible form. -- David Rudkin, assistant curator emeritus of paleobiology, Royal Ontario MuseumThe Trilobite Collector’s Guide, along with last year’s encyclopedic Travels with Trilobites, establishes Andy Secher as a true rock star of the trilobite universe. A gifted writer, collector, world traveler, and music business pro, Secher entertainingly walks you through dozens of ‘Top Ten’ lists, each illuminating trilobites from a radically different perspective, all using photos drawn from his world-class collection. If you are not already a card-carrying citizen of the trilobite community, you soon will be. -- Sam Stubbs, noted trilobite collector, Houston, TXSecher, a famous collector of trilobites, provides 350 color photographs of fully preserved specimens. Written in a very accessible style that engages and informs. With the author’s light-hearted style and trilobite fossils, facts, and features, this work will appeal to readers with a solid interest in ancient Arthropods. * Booklist, the American Library Association (ALA) *This book is a must-have for anyone with an interest in trilobites! * The Birdbooker Report *Two years ago I reviewed another of Andy Secher’s books, Travels with Trilobites, Adventures in the Paleozoic, and decided that was the best book we might see on the subject for many years. I was wrong. Secher’s latest tome on my favorite arthropods is geared especially toward the collector. I suspect together that these two volumes will serve as sturdy bookends to whatever other trilobite books are on paleontologists’ bookshelves. * Trilobite Tales *Table of ContentsForeword: Beetles of the Paleozoic, by Richard ForteyForeword: Ten Reasons to Read This Book, by Melanie J. HopkinsIntroduction: The Trilobite Collector1. 10 Celebrated Cambrian Trilobite Localities2. 10 World-Class Fossil Shows3. 10 Outstanding Ordovician Trilobite Localities4. 10 Essential Figures in Trilobite History5. 10 Significant Silurian Trilobite Localities6. 10 Key Elements of Trilobite Morphology7. 10 Dramatic Devonian Trilobite Localities8. 10 Trilobite Collecting Tips9. 10 Renowned Carboniferous-Permian Trilobite Localities10. 10 Key Curation Details11. 10 Obscure (But Still Significant) Trilobite Localities12. 10 Creatures That Came Before Trilobites13. 10 Eminently Elegant Trilobites14. 10 Time and Trilobite-Related Theories15. 10 Most Common Trilobites16. 10 Ridiculously Rare Trilobites17. 10 Beautiful Bohemian Trilobites18. 10 Outrageously Old Trilobites19. 10 Last-in-Line Trilobites20. 10 Intriguing Trilobite Questions21. 10 Verifiably Ventral Trilobites22. 10 Rock ′n′ Roller Trilobites23. 10 Pertinent Preparation Steps24. 10 Cleverly Colored Trilobites25. 10 Engagingly Eyed Trilobites26. 10 Ways to Spot a Fake Trilobite27. 10 Mass Mortality Trilobites28. 10 Precariously Predated Trilobites29. 10 Magnificent Moroccan Trilobites30. 10 Planet-Spanning Paradoxides31. 10 Distinctly Disarticulated Trilobites32. 10 Beyond Big Trilobites33. 10 Dramatically Dolomitic Trilobites34. 10 Extravagantly Expensive Trilobites35. 10 Spectacularly Spined Trilobites36. 10 Tales Told by Trilobites37. 10 Ways to Value Your Trilobites38. 10 Doppelganger Trilobites39. 10 Legendary Trilobites40. 10 Must-Read Trilobite Books41. 10 Strikingly Strange Trilobites42. 10 Top Trilobite Websites43. 10 Unbelievable Utah Trilobites44. 10 Trilobite Orders45. 10 Significant Soft-Tissue Trilobites46. 10 Top Trilobite Museums47. 10 Top Trilobite Pretenders48. 10 Wonderful Walcott/Rust Trilobites49. 10 Deserving-of-Mention Trilobites50. 10 Revealing Rochester Shale Trilobites51. 10 Tantalizing Trilobite Teasers52. 10 Distinguished Dudley TrilobitesFinal ThoughtGlossary: Trilobite TerminologyIndex
£40.00
Dorling Kindersley Ltd Super Dinosaur
Book SynopsisTravel back in time and get up close and personal with the biggest, fastest, and strangest creatures that ever roamed the earth.Take a dip with the plesiosaur that''s bigger than a bus, race the dinosaur that''s faster than a galloping horse, and grin at the big cat with teeth that are longer than daggers. Prepare to be amazed as more than 40 incredible prehistoric creatures come roaring back to life in stunning CGI reconstructions.Alongside the amazing images, SuperDinosaur is packed with incredible facts about these extraordinary creatures. Did you know that the fearsome Tyrannosaurus has the most powerful bite of any land animal that has ever lived? Or that the bizarre Amargasaurus had spines that stuck out 60 cm (24 in) from its neck? Or perhaps you fancy your chances in a staring competition with Temnodontosaurus - just be warned, its eyes are 25 cm (9.8 in) wide! Features on fascinating fossils and the latest scientific techn
£16.14
Dorling Kindersley Ltd Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Life
Book SynopsisHazel Richardson is an author and editor of science books with a background in science research. She's the author of 16 books, including Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Animals, Life in the Ancient Indus River Valley, and Life in Ancient Japan.
£9.99
Penguin Books Ltd The World Before Us
Book Synopsis''The who, what, where, when and how of human evolution, from one of the world''s experts on the dating of prehistoric fossils'' Steve Brusatte, author of The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs ''Fascinating and entertaining. If you read one book on human origins, this should be it'' Ian Morris, author of Why the West Rules - For Now 50,000 years ago, we were not the only species of human in the world. There were at least four others, including the Neanderthals, Homo floresiensis, Homo luzonesis and the Denisovans. At the forefront of the latter''s ground-breaking discovery was Oxford Professor Tom Higham.In The World Before Us, he explains the scientific and technological advancements - in radiocarbon dating and ancient DNA, for example - that allowed each of these discoveries to be made, enabling us to be more accurate in our predictions about not just how long ago these other humans lived, but how Trade ReviewFascinating and deeply researched. Higham conveys the thrill of archaeological discovery eruditely and accessibly -- Alexander Larman * Guardian *A gripping account of Earth's other humans -- New ScientistThe remarkable new science of palaeoanthropology, from lab bench to trench -- Rebecca Wragg Sykes, author of KindredThe application of new genetic science to pre-history is analogous to how the telescope transformed astronomy. Tom Higham, one of the world's leading scientists in the field, brings us to the frontier of recent discoveries with a book that is both gripping and fun. And the results are astonishing. It matters: understanding our evolutionary origins reveals our innate strengths as a species -- Paul Collier, author of The Bottom BillionA brilliant exposition of the way in which archaeology and science are completely changing our understanding of early humans. This is a fast-moving story written with verve and enthusiasm by one of the scientists deeply involved in tracking down the evidence. Essential reading for all interested in our early ancestors and the sheer excitement of their discovery -- Barry Cunliffe, author of The ScythiansA brilliant distillation of the ideas and discoveries revolutionising our understanding of human evolution. Tom Higham, one of the leaders of the revolution and the cutting-edge science on which it is based, introduces us to a complex world of many human species, whose genes and deeds live on in us today -- Chris Gosden, author of The History of MagicTom Higham has been at the pulsating centre of the close collaboration between archaeologists and geneticists that in the last few years discovered our previously unknown cousins - the Denisovans - and revealed the lost world in which they, Neanderthals and modern humans interacted and interbed. His thrilling book gives us a court-side view of this scientific revolution -- David Reich, author of Who We Are and How We Got HereA bang-up-to-date insider's review of a critical period in the emergence of modern humans. It also provides fascinating, intelligible and authoritative glimpses into a wide variety of new technologies -- Ian Tattersall, co-author of The Accidental Homo sapiens: Genetics, Behavior, and Free Will
£10.44
MH - Indiana University Press Megafauna Giant Beasts of Pleistocene South
Book SynopsisConsiders really big animals and how they livedTrade ReviewOverall, [this] is an enjoyable read that provides a substantial amount of detail on the biology, ecology, and distribution of these fantastic animals. . . . Highly recommended. * Choice *Collectively, this book brings attention to the discovery and natural history of ancient beasts in South America while providing a broader temporal and geographic background that allows readers to understand their evolution and potential immigration to South America. * Quarterly Review of Biology *The conversational tone in this volume makes it a pleasure to read. I recommend this book for anyone interested in paleontology, students new to the subject, graduate students, and researchers who want to become well grounded in late Neogene paleontology of both Americas. * Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology *"This is an excellent volume. Its structure is complex, serving well the multitude of topics the authors managed to treat in a reader-friendly, yet rigorous manner that will satisfy both specialists and general paleontologists and the educated reader. . . This book is likely to facilitate progress in the understanding of fossil mammals from the Americas." * Priscum *Table of ContentsPrologue1. Paleontology and Science: What is Science?2. Distinguished Paleomammalogists3. Geologic and Ecological History of South America During the Cenozoic Era4. North American Late Cenozoic Faunas5. The Great American Biotic Interchange and Pleistocene Habitats in South America6. Bestiary7. Physics of the Giants8. General Paleoecology9. ExtinctionAppendix 1: A Primer on Skeletal AnatomyAppendix 2: Skeletal Anatomy of XenarthransAppendix 3: Equations Used to Estimate Body Masses Based on Dental and Skeletal Measurements and Their Respective Sources.Appendix 4: CalculationsReferencesIndex
£48.60
Indiana University Press Life Traces of the Georgia Coast Revealing the
Book SynopsisShows how ancient trace fossils directly relate to modern traces and tracemakers, among them, insects, grasses, crabs, shorebirds, alligators, and sea turtlesTrade ReviewThis book provides a hefty summary of [Martin's] research; it is scientifically rigorous but still tells a good story, and is often quite humorous. Detailed descriptions of plant, invertebrate, and vertebrate traces are accompanied by many photos and diagrams. . . . Highly recommended. * Choice *Anthony Martin has done an excellent job in presenting the field of ichnology in an engaging and entertaining way that will hopefully inspire a new generation of ichnologists. * Priscum *For a teacher who takes students to beaches or barrier islands, this is an excellent comprehensive guide that reveals the surface and depths of traces found in maritime forests, dunes, beaches and tidal flats. Martin's book is not just a low country boil, it is a feast salted with humor and insights. * This View of Life *This tour de force is of far greater general interest than the title might suggest...[It] provides a hefty summary of [Martin's] research; it is scientifically rigorous but still tells a good story, and is often quite humorous. Detailed descriptions of plant, invertebrate, and vertebrate traces are accompanied by many photos and diagrams....Highly recommended.Table of ContentsPreface and Acknowledgments1. Introduction to Ichnology of the Georgia Coast2. History of the Georgia Coast and Its Ichnology3. Tracemaker Habitats and Substrates4. Marginal-Marine and Terrestrial Plants5. Terrestrial Invertebrates6. Marginal-Marine Invertebrates7. Terrestrial Vertebrates, Part I: Fish, Amphibians, Reptiles8. Terrestrial Vertebrates, Part II: Birds and Mammals9. Marginal-Marine and Marine Vertebrates10. Trace Fossils and the Georgia Coast11. Future Studies, Future TracesAppendixBibliographyIndex
£40.50
Indiana University Press The Great Fossil Enigma The Search for the
Book SynopsisTakes the reader on a journey through 150 years of scientific thinking, imagining, and arguingTrade ReviewFor those with an interest in conodont paleontology. * The Guardian *If you want a[n]...entertaining and interesting account of the discovery of knowledge through the analytical, political, and idiosyncratic activities of researchers, The Great Fossil Enigma will serve you well. * Science Magazine *...[A] valuable contribution to the history of science. * thisviewoflife.com *Simon Knell has written, and written particularly well, the history of our conception and misunderstanding of the conodonts. It is the best semi-popular account of the history of paleontology that I have read since Gould's Wonderful Life. The Great Fossil Engima deserves to be widely read and enjoyed, not just by those who work on conodonts, but by a broad cross-section of paleontologists, geologists and anyone with an interest in our understanding of the natural world. * Priscum *Knell focuses on discussions, antagonisms, diverse conclusions, and a slowly emerging consensus about where these tooth-like structures were located in the animal and to what group of known animals these fossils pertained. Readers will learn how scientists develop ideas and interact with colleagues, and how animosities and cooperative relationships develop and change. . . . Recommended. * Choice *Simon Knell's contribution is a coherent and fascinating account of the history of an extinct fossil group. It has good reference notes and a valuable index. It will stand the test of time, but it deserves to be read now. * Earth Science History *Simon Knell tells the fascinating story from the early days of discovery up to the present, when conodont affinities continue to stimulate debate amongst the scientific community. . . [he] has . . . beautifully painted [the picture] of the enigma that is the conodont animal. * Geological Magazine *This is one of the best books, which the reviewer has had a chance to read in the past years. It is strongly recommended to a broad circle of geologists and palaeontologists, as well as to those interested in the history/philosophy/sociology of the modern science. * Zentralblatt Geologie und Palaontologie *Table of ContentsPrefaceList of IllustrationsPrelude: The Impossible Animal1. The Road to El Dorado2. A Beacon in the Blackness3. The Animal with Three Heads4. Another Fine Mess5. Outlaws6. Spring7. Diary of a Fossil Fruit-Fly8. Fears of Civil War9. The Promised Land10. The Witness11. The Beast of Bear Gulch12. The Invention of Life13. El Dorado14. Over the Mountains of the MoonNotesIndex
£31.50
Indiana University Press Rhinoceros Giants The Paleobiology of
Book SynopsisA book for everyone fascinated by the huge beasts that once roamed the earthTrade ReviewIn a look at the biggest of these wonders . . . Prothero delves into these overlooked big guys, the most massive mammals to ever walk the Earth . . . [and] cuts across every aspect of paleontology to tell the story of these vanished giants. Chapters range from entertaining recounting of discoverers . . . to scholarly descriptions of the rules that biologists must follow to name a new species or estimate a vanished rhino's weight. * USA Today *Through copious background details, Prothero celebrates great and lesser-known names in the history of paleontology, as well as geological and taxonomic nitty gritty. * National Geographic Laelaps *Within this slim tome . . . Prothero packs in an encyclopedic summary of indrithocere anatomy and biology . . . Highly recommended. * Choice *Clearly, this book is a milestone on the subject, one of those books that are a classic already at their first appearance. * Priscum *Table of ContentsPreface1. Quicksand!2. 30 Million Years Ago in Asia3. "New Conquest of Central Asia"4. Rhinoceroses without Horns5. Building a Giant6. What's in a Name?7. Life among GiantsBibliographyIndex
£28.05
Indiana University Press Dinosaurs and Other Reptiles from the Mesozoic of
Book SynopsisPresents an overview of dinosaur discoveries in Mexico that synthesizes information about the geography and environment of the region during the Mesozoic when it was the western margin of the ancient continent of Pangea. This book summarizes research on various groups, including turtles, lepidosauromorphs, pleisosaurs, crocodyliforms, pterosaurs.Trade ReviewDinosaurs and Other Reptiles from the Mesozoic of Mexico is an up-to-date, informative volume on an area that has not been comprehensively described until now. * Birdbooker Report *I would suggest Dinosaurs and Other Reptiles from the Mesozoic of Mexico to those who are interested in Mesozoic paleontology. The layout, content, and chapter lengths flow well making this book easy to read and the material easy to absorb. * Priscum *[This book] is richly illustrated with photographs and diagrams, and includes a color signature that attempts to re-create some of the animals discussed. . . . Recommended. * Choice *Table of ContentsContributorsAcknowledgmentsPreface1. History of the Discoveries of Dinosaurs and Mesozoic Reptiles in Mexico Jose Ruben Guzman-Gutierrez and Héctor E. Rivera-Sylva2. Paleogeography and Paleoenvironment of Mexico during the Mesozoic Wolfgang Stinnesbeck and Eberhard Frey 3. Turtles of the Mesozoic of México Donald Brinkman4. Mesozoic Lepidosauromorphs of Mexico: A Review and Discussion of Taxonomic Assignments Víctor Hugo Reynoso and J. Alberto Cruz5. Plesiosaurs, Reptiles between Grace and Awe Eberhard Frey and Wolfgang Stinnesbeck6. Mexican Ichthyosaurs Eberhard Frey and Wolfgang Stinnesbeck7. Overview of Mesozoic Crocodyliforms from Mexico Gerardo Carbot-Chanona8. Mexican Pterosaurs—Rare Jewels in the Fossil Record Eberhard Frey and Wolfgang Stinnesbeck 9. Mexican Saurischian Dinosaurs Héctor E. Rivera-Sylva and Kenneth Carpenter10. The Ornithischian Dinosaurs of Mexico Héctor E. Rivera-Sylva and Kenneth Carpenter11. A Summary of the Mesozoic Vertebrate Tracks of Mexico Victor Manuel Bravo Cuevas and Rubén Rodríguez de la Rosa 12. The Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) Boundary in Mexico Wolfgang Stinnesbeck and Eberhard FreyIndex
£35.10
Indiana University Press Dinosaur Footprints and Trackways of La Rioja
Book SynopsisDuring the Early Cretaceous, lakes, meandering streams, and flood plains covered the region where the current foothills of Rioja now exist. This book provides a synthesis of that research in English. It offers descriptions of sites, footprints, and trackways, and explains what these prints and tracks can tell us about the animals who made them.Trade ReviewFelix Perez-Lorente has to be congratulated for sharing his career-long experience in a book that will be the reference for La Rioja and that will undoubtedly serve for the study of tracksites around the world. It is a worthy read for anyone interested in - or fascinated by - these exceptional inchological wonders and the animals that made them. * Geobios *Table of Contents1. La Rioja Footprints2. Ichnology3. The Tracksites 4. Conservation of the Tracksites5. SummaryReferencesIndex
£63.00
Indiana University Press Dinosaur Tracks from Brazil
Book SynopsisTrade Review"There is a South American lost world waiting to be explored, one which allows at least indirect glimpses of living dinosaurs. It comprises the Rio do Peixe Basins of northeastern Brazil, which preserve one of the world's great assemblages of fossil footprints and trackways of dinosaurs and other Mesozoic land animals. Such trace fossils hold a special fascination for paleontologists like myself who so desperately want to know what living dinosaurs were like, because they record moments in the lives of the long-dead animals, revealing how they moved and interacted with each other. Leonardi and Carvalho will be our guides, leading us through the lost world of the Rio do Peixe Basins. We will see many wonders: the traces made by dinosaurs and other long-dead animals with our physical eye, and in our mind's eye the fearfully great reptiles themselves. Prepare yourself for a scientific adventure!"—James O. Farlow, author of Noah's Ravens: Interpreting the Makers of Tridactyl Dinosaur Footprints"This is an incredibly comprehensive, detailed, look at the dinosaur tracks discovered from Brazil. Leonardi and Carvalho draw on their decades of experience to methodically describe the tracks and tracksites from the country. Tracksites and specimens are systematically detailed with numerous photos, drawings, and reconstructions, and are placed in their wider geological and palaeobiological context. The authors are able to discuss dinosaur footprints that might have been first documented decades ago, while remaining cognizant of the most recent advances in dinosaur ichnology. The result is a volume that will form the basis of much future research, providing data and prompting new hypotheses."—Peter L. Falkingham, Liverpool John Moores University"When it comes to paleobiology, no fossil brings you closer to the organism than its tracks—those muddy marks of Cretaceous dinosaurs standing, striding, plodding, and even running amount to a rich record of ecosystems brought lovingly detailed by Leonardi and Carvalho. Dinosaur Tracks from Brazil lovingly combines all the detailed context that a specialist craves with beautiful artwork that brings the Brazilian dinosaurs to life."—Andrew B. Heckert, Appalachian State UniversityTable of ContentsForeword, by James O. FarlowAcknowledgments1. Introduction2. Methods3. Geological Context of the Footprints4. The Ichnofaunas of the Rio do Peixe Basins and Their Trackmakers5. Data Tables and Statistics6. The Trackmakers of the Ichnofaunas of the Rio do Peixe Basins7. Behavior of the Rio do Peixe Basins Dinosaurs8. The Dinosaur Community9. Invertebrate Trails and Traces10. Localities Visited Without Vertebrate Ichnological Results11. Protections ActsFarewellReferencesAppendix A: Glossary of Brazilian Geographical Names and TermsAppendix B: Dates of the Discovery of the Tracksites and Their DiscoverersAppendix C: Codes and LocalitiesIndex
£59.50
Indiana University Press Major Transitions in Vertebrate Evolution
Book SynopsisDiscoveries of ancient vertebrates are eroding the traditionally recognized differences between the principal groups of vertebrates and radically changing our understanding of the evolutionary history of the major group of animals to which our species belongs. This book describes this changing scientific landscape.Trade ReviewMajor transitions present some of the most fascinating, and least understood, problems in the history of vertebrates. Indeed, some biologists have devoted their careers to understanding the origins of birds from theropod dinosaurs and the transition from aquatic vertebrates to tetrapods. This edited volume offers updates on several landmark transitions in the evolution of vertebrates by an outstanding lineup of authors. The editors' introduction to the volume hints at some evolutionary developmental biology ("evo-devo") content but, with the possible exception of one of the ten chapters, this book is decidedly aimed at paleontologists. The volume begins with a thorough and lavishly cited review of vertebrate skeletal tissue types, and subsequent chapters primarily address the origins of major lineages through phylogenetic systematics and comparative morphology. These chapters include treatments of: the earliest vertebrates; jawed vertebrates and the innovation of paired appendages; evolutionary relationships of modern amphibians; the origins of amniotes, snakes, and birds; evolutionary radiations of early mammals; and the aquatic transition of cetaceans. An additional chapter offers a new conceptual framework to analyze links between developmental and morphological transformations, and will be especially interesting to students of limb development. Notably, some of these chapters challenge previous assumptions about the concurrent appearance of suites of traits, such as large eyes, jaws, teeth, a stomach, and paired fins in gnathostomes (jawed vertebrates). In this and other cases, new fossil data contradict long-standing interpretations that such structures evolved in concert and were originally functionally integrated. A standout among the ten chapters is Michael Caldwell's contribution on the evolution of snakes. He includes an intriguing review of the history of snake paleontology and systematics, and seamlessly incorporates developmental data into his discussion of evolutionary morphology. In summary, Major Transitions in Vertebrate Evolution presents thorough and much-needed updates on several critical episodes in vertebrate history. Paleontologists and systematists will appreciate the depth of morphological and phylogenetic analyses, although the density of some chapters might challenge the stamina of even specialist readers. Biologists in other fields (for example, evolutionary developmental biology) will likely find many parts of the book less approachable. —The Quarterly Review of Biology, Vol 83 Michael D. Shapiro, Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UtahIn this day of virulent creationist assaults on science, especially paleontology and evolutionary biology, it is valuable to have an up-to-date summary and synthesis of the important transitions in vertebrate evolution whose very existence the creationists must deny. Major Transitions in Vertebrate Evolution, edited by Jason S. Anderson and Hans-Dieter Sues, has its origins in a symposium at the 2003 Society of Verte- brate Paleontology meeting in St. Paul, Minnesota. Thus, unsurprisingly, it is a fairly technical volume aimed at the specialist audience, and assumes a fairly strong background in vertebrate paleontology, anatomy, and embryology. However, for those who have the training to understand the chapters, it is one of the most complete and current summaries of the topics discussed in the volume. Major Transitions in Vertebrate Evolution is beautifully produced, with numerous color plates in the center, and typographical errors or problems in the reproduction of the halftones were very nearly absent. The volume is complete and up-to-date on the transitions within the vertebrates, although it does not give a complete picture because it focuses on the lower vertebrates. In particular, many more well-documented examples exist of transitional fossils in the synapsids, and especially within the placental mammals. These would have been nice to include in a complete volume, but at 422 pages of dense, technical text, it was probably too much to ask that this volume be comprehensive. However, any scientist who wants to get a quick update on the current thinking about the transitions mentioned above would do well to consult the chapters in this book. -- Donald R. Prothero * BioScience *[This] book is a fine snapshot of current research on vertebrate macroevolution. 2010 No. 31 * The Systematist *. . . This book is an outstanding contribution to evolutionary biology and paleontology. . . . Essential. * Choice *. . . this is a useful volume – the individual chapters offer a combination of reviews and important new data that will interest an audience that should extend beyond vertebrate palaeontology to zoologists and evolutionary biologists.2009 -- Paul M. Barrett * Geological Magazine *...the volume as a whole offers a good deal more than just overviews of new fossils, namely a window into the contemporary Zeitgeist of vertebrate palaeontology itself... Major Transitions in Vertebrate Evolution reviews the rapidly growing knowledge in several of the most pertinent cases, and it also epitomises much that is good about the present state of the art.157 2009 -- T.S. Kemp * Zoological Jrnl Linnean Society *Table of ContentsAcknowledgmentsIntroduction: Studying Evolutionary Transitions among Vertebrates Hans-Dieter Sues and Jason S. Anderson1. Plasticity of and Transitions between Skeletal Tissues in Vertebrate Evolution and Development Brian K. Hall and P. Eckard Witten2. Homologies and Evolutionary Transitions in Early Vertebrate History Philippe Janvier3. Paired Fins of Jawless Vertebrates and Their Homologies across the "Agnathan"-Gnathostome Transition Mark V. H. Wilson, Gavin F. Hanke, and Tiiu Märss4. MODEs of Developmental Evolution: An Example with the Origin and Definition of the Autopodium Hans C. E. Larsson5. Incorporating Ontogeny into the Matrix: A Phylogenetic Evaluation of Developmental Evidence for the Origin of Modern Amphibians Jason S. Anderson6. The Cranial Anatomy of Basal Diadectomorphs and the Origin of Amniotes Robert R. Reisz7. Snake Phylogeny, Origins, and Evolution: The Role, Impact, and Importance of Fossils (1869–2006) Michael W. Caldwell8. The Beginnings of Birds: Recent Discoveries, Ongoing Arguments, and New Directions Luis M. Chiappe and Gareth J. Dyke9. Successive Diversifications in Early Mammalian Evolution Zhe-Xi Luo10. The Terrestrial to Aquatic Transition in Cetacea Mark D. UhenContributorsIndex
£38.70
Indiana University Press Vertebrate Microfossil Assemblages
Book SynopsisA wide-ranging volume of analytic and methodological essays on microvertebrate fossilsTrade ReviewVertebrate microfossil assemblages are collections of small, often-fragmented fossil remains, which usually contain a variety of taxa. Prior to the acceptance of taphonomy as part of mainstream paleontological studies, little attention was paid to microvertebrate fossil assemblages. Complete skeletons were far more popular as objects of study. Because of significant limitations in the collection and interpretation of information obtained from vertebrate microfossil assemblages, many researchers have expressed doubt as to the overall utility of microfossil-derived data. In large measure, this has been due to the lack of a standardized methodology for studying such sites. With recognition of the importance of microvertebrate assemblages to the study of paleobiology and evolution, methodology for studying such sites gradually evolved. Editors Sankey (California State Univ.) and Baszio (Univ. of Bonn, Germany) have divided this detailed work into two sections: "Importance of Microvertebrate Sites, Sampling, Statistical Methods, and Taphonomy" and "Guild Analysis, Ecological and Faunal Analysis, Biodiversity, and Paleobiogeopgraphy." In 13 well-referenced chapters, 17 authors present methodological approaches to the study of microfossil assemblages, results of several recent studies, and recommendations for future research. This book is sure to stimulate significant discussion among paleontologists and evolutionary biologists. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduate through research collections. -- D. A. Brass * Choice *. . . Here, the editors have brought together a fine collection of papers primarily addressing [vertebrate microfossil assemblages]. . . . I would say that anyone working in the Late Cretaceous of North America would do well to purchase a copy, as would those who work on some of the taxa detailed within (small theropods, frogs, etc.). Kudos to the editors and authors on this interesting contribution!September 11, 2008 -- Andy Farke * The Open Source Paleontologist *In 13 well-referenced chapters, 17 authors present methodological approaches to the study of microfossil assemblages, results of several recent studies, and recommendations for future research. This book is sure to stimulate significant discussion among paleontologists and evolutionary biologists. . . . Recommended.November 2008 -- D. A. Brass * independent scholar *Table of ContentsContentsPreface. Sven BaszioPart 1. Importance of Microvertebrate Sites, Sampling, Statistical Methods, and Taphonomy1. Information from Microvertebrate Localities: Potentials and Limits Sven Baszio2. How Much Is Enough? A Repeatable, Efficient, and Controlled Sampling Protocol for Assessing Taxonomic Diversity and Abundance in Vertebrate Microfossil Assemblages Heather A. Jamniczky, Donald B. Brinkman, and Anthony P. Russell3. Taphonomic Issues Relating to Concentrations of Pedogenic Nodules and Vertebrates in the Paleocene and Miocene Gulf Coastal Plain: Examples from Texas and Louisiana, USA Judith A. Schiebout, Paul D. White, and Grant S. BoardmanPart 2. Guild Analysis, Ecological and Faunal Analyses, Biodiversity, and Paleobiogeography4. The Structure of Late Cretaceous (Late Campanian) Nonmarine Aquatic Communities: A Guild Analysis of Two Vertebrate Microfossil Localities in Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada Donald Brinkman5. Vertebrate Paleoecology from Microsites, Talley Mountain, Upper Aguja Formation (Late Cretaceous), Big Bend National Park, Texas, USA Julia T. Sankey6. Terrestrial and Aquatic Vertebrate Paleocommunities of the Mesaverde Formation (Upper Cretaceous, Campanian) of the Wind River and Bighorn Basins, Wyoming, USADavid G. DeMar Jr. and Brent H. Breithaupt7. Lack of Variability in Feeding Patterns of the Sauropod Dinosaurs Diplodocus and Camarasaurus (Late Jurassic, Western USA) with Respect to Climate as Indicated by Tooth Wear Features Anthony R. Fiorillo8. Diversity of Latest Cretaceous (Late Maastrichtian) Small Theropods and Birds: Teeth from the Lance and Hell Creek Formations, USA Julia T. Sankey9. Small Theropod Teeth from the Lance Formation of Wyoming, USA Nick Longrich10. The First Serrated Bird Tooth Philip J. Currie and Clive Coy11. First Dinosaur Eggshells from Texas, USA: Aguja Formation (Late Campanian), Big Bend National Park Ed Welsh and Julia T. Sankey12. Review of the Albanerpetontidae (Lissamphibia), with Comments on the Paleoecological Preferences of European Tertiary Albanerpetontids James D. Gardner and Madelaine Böhme13. New Information on Frogs (Lissamphibia: Anura) from the Lance Formation (Late Maastrichtian) and Bug Creek Anthills (Late Maastrichtian and Early Paleocene), Hell Creek Formation, USA James D. GardnerList of ContributorsIndex
£45.00
Yale University Press Visions of a Vanished World The Extraordinary
Book SynopsisA spectacular collectible volume, with masterful photographs and expert commentary on some of the world's most striking fossilsTrade Review"With this book we may take a kind of mental bathyscaphe down to the deeps of the Paleozoic Era, probing the sea floor like a marine biologist gifted with the chance to transcend time and space. It is a world well worth exploring."—from the Foreword by Richard Fortey -- Richard Fortey"The jewels in the crown of paleontology are those deposits that preserve soft-bodied animals. The beautiful fossils of the Hunsrück Slate, illustrated here, provide a remarkably complete picture of life in the Devonian seas 400 million years ago."—Derek J. Siveter, Oxford University -- Derek J. Siveter“This book, written in accessible language by the scientists actively working on the famous Devonian Hunsrück Slate of Germany, conveys the latest ideas on the fossils....the attractive color photographs jump right off the page."—Paul Selden, University of Kansas and author of Evolution of Fossil Ecosystems -- Paul Selden"Beautifully illustrated, this book brings to life the exquisite fossils of the Hunsrück Slate, and provides an engaging introduction to life in the oceans of the middle Paleozoic."—Douglas Erwin, co-author of The Cambrian Explosion: The Construction of Animal Biodiversity -- Douglas ErwinHonorable Mention, Photography/Art category at the 2013 New York Book Festival sponsored by JM Northern Media LLC. -- New York Book Festival * JM Northern Media LLC *"A richly detailed introduction to this vanished world . . . The exquisite fossils of the Hunsruck Slate are most beautifully illustrated in large full-color photographs . . . Highly recommended."—Choice * Choice *
£38.00
Random House USA Inc Lucys Legacy The Quest for Human Origins
Book Synopsis“Lucy is a 3.2-million-year-old skeleton who has become the spokeswoman for human evolution. She is perhaps the best known and most studied fossil hominid of the twentieth century, the benchmark by which other discoveries of human ancestors are judged.”-From Lucy’s LegacyIn his New York Times bestseller, Lucy: The Beginnings of Humankind, renowned paleoanthropologist Donald Johanson told the incredible story of his discovery of a partial female skeleton that revolutionized the study of human origins. Lucy literally changed our understanding of our world and who we come from. Since that dramatic find in 1974, there has been heated debate and-most important-more groundbreaking discoveries that have further transformed our understanding of when and how humans evolved. In Lucy’s Legacy, Johanson takes readers on a fascinating tour of the last three decades of study-the most exciting period of paleoanthropologic inve
£13.29
Hachette Books The Dinosaur Artist
Book Synopsis
£16.19
CRC Press The Waterside Ape An Alternative Account of Human
Book SynopsisWhy are humans so fond of water? Why is our skin colour so variable?Why arenât we hairy like our close ape relatives?A savannah scenario of human evolution has been widely accepted primarily due to fossil evidence; and fossils do not offer insight into these questions. Other alternative evolutionary scenarios might, but these models have been rejected. This book explores a controversial idea â that human evolution was intimately associated with watery habitats as much or more than typical savannahs. Written from a medical point of view, the author presents evidence supporting a credible alternative explanation for how humans diverged from our primate ancestors. Anatomical and physiological evidence offer insight into hairlessness, different coloured skin, subcutaneous fat, large brains, a marine-type kidney, a unique heat regulation system and speech. This evidence suggests that humans may well have evolved, not just as savannah mammals, as is generally believed, but with more affinity for aquatic habitats â rivers, streams, lakes and coasts.Key Features:Presents the evidence for a close association between riparian habitats and the origin of humansReviews the savannah ape hypothesis for human originsDescribes various anatomical adaptations that are associated with hypotheses of human evolution Explores characteristics from the head and neck such as skull and sinus structures, the larynx and ear structures and functions Trade Review"In my view, this is a totally incontrovertible demonstration that our view of the paleo history of humanity has been quite misguided. So, to me, this is a very, very important book. You will find at least two (arguments) which are, to my mind, conclusive. One is to do with exostoses which develop as bulging growths in the ear canal, which occur amongst people today who spend a lot of time diving – extraordinary – and they can be discovered in the skulls in the period that we are talking about – early human skulls. Another extraordinary revelation in Peter’s book, which is also new, is that human babies, when they are born, are covered in a membrane called the vernix. It is a very strange thing – nobody quite understands why. There is no other primate that we know has a vernix. Peter and his co-workers have discovered that there is another creature which has a vernix – seals. What is more, the chemistry, the biochemistry, the molecule which is responsible and the gene which is responsible for producing a vernix, is identical." Sir David Attenborough"Congratulations on your new book. The shoreline and riverbank are fertile sources of small animal life, as any exploratory schoolboy knows, and the creatures living there are comparatively simple to catch. It does look as if our species went through a temporary water-loving phase, and spent a great deal of its time fishing around beneath the surface. With this as an encouragement, the Aquatic Theory sees early man becoming more and more engrossed in his dabblings and divings, living in tribal groups close to the water’s edge and slowly adapting to this new pattern of living. So, I approve of your title The Waterside Ape. In 1977, Desmond Morris wrote: "Hopefully, future fossil-hunters will unearth some evidence to resolve this question. All we need now is some hard, tangible evidence to clinch the idea"."Desmond Morris, Author of The Naked Ape"I found this a fascinating book. We have a very thought provoking, if surprisingly controversial, theory, to which an ENT expert has obviously been able to make a major contribution It shows how much can be learnt from comparative anatomy and is of special interest to an ENT readership. I thought it presented very convincing evidence for a theory that the anthropologists should address with a better counterargument than presently offered".Liam M Flood FRCS, Editor, Journal of Laryngology and Otology"The waterside theory of homo evolution has been around for a long time and more and more fossil evidence is being unearthed constantly to support the already copious amounts of evidence from comparative biology. This book sheds light on both the existing evidence and new evidence that has come to light. Books like this should be taught in schools and colleges as it explains so much about our species. The author clearly knows his subject and writes in a way that is both comprehensible and interesting to the layman and full of scientific insight to academics. He picks up where Elaine Morgan left off and continues to challenge the head in the sand scientists who refuse to even consider this topic"Francesca Mansfield, Founder/Director, Odyssey Sailing"This book adds the latest information to the growing body of evidence that Homo sapiens had a period in its evolutionary history where water played an important part. This explains why modern humans have characteristics that do not align with other terrestrial mammals and in particular any other of the primate apes. This idea was first proposed by the eminent marine biologist Sir Alister Hardy in 1964. It was not well received by the biological establishment at that time. It was subsequently taken up by Elaine Morgan in her first book The Descent of Woman. She wrote several more books as updates on the theory. It addresses the questions of why we are bipedal, naked (nearly), can hold our breath for extended periods, have subcutaneous fat, a very large brain to bodyweight ratio, have speech as the consequence of a descended larynx, etc, etc.The zoological establishment have resisted this theory for nearly sixty years but there are signs of light dawning amongst the younger fraternity without the prejudice and bias of the conventional view that modern humans evolved on the African savannah. As a retired scientist, I can tell you that prejudice blights my discipline as it does the rest of humanity; but I would urge you all to remember the words of Max Planck - a nuclear physicist who had trouble with his establishment. He said: "Scientists never change their minds but eventually, they die!"Gray Mage, Retired Scientist"Well written and referenced, fairly balanced although always returning to the interesting underlying hypothesis that extended time in waterside environments near the Rift Valley of Africa selected for hominids with key adaptive features that helped the progression toward modern Homo sapiens. Artificial selection within populations, which also seems plausible, and similarly, the elimination of other tribe-equivalents, are not discussed. The book persuades me to read recent work by the master of human evolution, Desmond Morris." Gerald McLaughlin"Rhys-Evans provides an up-to-date account of all the paleontological, environmental and medical evidence for the aquatic ape hypothesis. The information is interesting, makes use of well-referenced scientific articles, and applies logic where gaps need to be filled in. A variety of human "attributes" are compared with similar attributes in terrestrial, semi-aquatic and aquatic animals. Any speculation on the author's part is noted as such. The information is presented in a straight-forward manner, with the use of the correct technical terms for anatomical organs/structures, which may require some effort on the part of non-medical readers. Illustrations are provided where relevant. The information contained in this book is fascinating and really should be read by anyone even vaguely interested in human evolution." Jill Schroeder"In my view, this is a totally incontrovertible demonstration that our view of the paleo history of humanity has been quite misguided. So, to me, this is a very, very important book. You will find at least two (arguments) which are, to my mind, conclusive. One is to do with exostoses which develop as bulging growths in the ear canal, which occur amongst people today who spend a lot of time diving – extraordinary – and they can be discovered in the skulls in the period that we are talking about – early human skulls. Another extraordinary revelation in Peter’s book, which is also new, is that human babies, when they are born, are covered in a membrane called the vernix. It is a very strange thing – nobody quite understands why. There is no other primate that we know has a vernix. Peter and his co-workers have discovered that there is another creature which has a vernix – seals. What is more, the chemistry, the biochemistry, the molecule which is responsible and the gene which is responsible for producing a vernix, is identical." Sir David Attenborough"Congratulations on your new book. The shoreline and riverbank are fertile sources of small animal life, as any exploratory schoolboy knows, and the creatures living there are comparatively simple to catch. It does look as if our species went through a temporary water-loving phase, and spent a great deal of its time fishing around beneath the surface. With this as an encouragement, the Aquatic Theory sees early man becoming more and more engrossed in his dabblings and divings, living in tribal groups close to the water’s edge and slowly adapting to this new pattern of living. So, I approve of your title The Waterside Ape. In 1977, Desmond Morris wrote: "Hopefully, future fossil-hunters will unearth some evidence to resolve this question. All we need now is some hard, tangible evidence to clinch the idea"."Desmond Morris, Author of The Naked Ape"I found this a fascinating book. We have a very thought provoking, if surprisingly controversial, theory, to which an ENT expert has obviously been able to make a major contribution It shows how much can be learnt from comparative anatomy and is of special interest to an ENT readership. I thought it presented very convincing evidence for a theory that the anthropologists should address with a better counterargument than presently offered".Liam M Flood FRCS, Editor, Journal of Laryngology and Otology"The waterside theory of homo evolution has been around for a long time and more and more fossil evidence is being unearthed constantly to support the already copious amounts of evidence from comparative biology. This book sheds light on both the existing evidence and new evidence that has come to light. Books like this should be taught in schools and colleges as it explains so much about our species. The author clearly knows his subject and writes in a way that is both comprehensible and interesting to the layman and full of scientific insight to academics. He picks up where Elaine Morgan left off and continues to challenge the head in the sand scientists who refuse to even consider this topic"Francesca Mansfield, Founder/Director, Odyssey Sailing"This book adds the latest information to the growing body of evidence that Homo sapiens had a period in its evolutionary history where water played an important part. This explains why modern humans have characteristics that do not align with other terrestrial mammals and in particular any other of the primate apes. This idea was first proposed by the eminent marine biologist Sir Alister Hardy in 1964. It was not well received by the biological establishment at that time. It was subsequently taken up by Elaine Morgan in her first book The Descent of Woman. She wrote several more books as updates on the theory. It addresses the questions of why we are bipedal, naked (nearly), can hold our breath for extended periods, have subcutaneous fat, a very large brain to bodyweight ratio, have speech as the consequence of a descended larynx, etc, etc.The zoological establishment have resisted this theory for nearly sixty years but there are signs of light dawning amongst the younger fraternity without the prejudice and bias of the conventional view that modern humans evolved on the African savannah. As a retired scientist, I can tell you that prejudice blights my discipline as it does the rest of humanity; but I would urge you all to remember the words of Max Planck - a nuclear physicist who had trouble with his establishment. He said: "Scientists never change their minds but eventually, they die!"Gray Mage, Retired Scientist, "Well written and referenced, fairly balanced although always returning to the interesting underlying hypothesis that extended time in waterside environments near the Rift Valley of Africa selected for hominids with key adaptive features that helped the progression toward modern Homo sapiens. Artificial selection within populations, which also seems plausible, and similarly, the elimination of other tribe-equivalents, are not discussed. The book persuades me to read recent work by the master of human evolution, Desmond Morris." Gerald McLaughlin"Rhys-Evans provides an up-to-date account of all the paleontological, environmental and medical evidence for the aquatic ape hypothesis. The information is interesting, makes use of well-referenced scientific articles, and applies logic where gaps need to be filled in. A variety of human "attributes" are compared with similar attributes in terrestrial, semi-aquatic and aquatic animals. Any speculation on the author's part is noted as such. The information is presented in a straight-forward manner, with the use of the correct technical terms for anatomical organs/structures, which may require some effort on the part of non-medical readers. Illustrations are provided where relevant. The information contained in this book is fascinating and really should be read by anyone even vaguely interested in human evolution." Jill SchroederTable of ContentsForeword by Gareth Morgan.Chapter 1 Theories of Human Evolution. Chapter 2 The Aquatic Debate.Chapter 3 Our Genetic Heritage. Chapter 4 Our Early Ancestors. Chapter 5 The Neanderthals and Their Demise. Chapter 6 The Waterside Ape – Why Are We So Different? Chapter 7 The Naked Ape. Chapter 8 Why We Lost Our Costs: The Early Hominin Tailors. Chapter 9 Evolutionary Adaptations in the Human Skull and Sinuses. Chapter 10 Human Skull Buoyancy and the Diving Reflex. Chapter 11 Surfer’s Ear. Chapter 12 Evolution of the Human Brain. Chapter 13 Food for Thought and the Cognitive Revolution. Chapter 14 The Human Larynx and Evolution of Voice. Chapter 15 Obstetric and Neonatal Considerations. Chapter 16 Marine Adaptations in the Human Kidney. Chapter 17 Scars of Evolution. Chapter 18 We Are What We Eat. Chapter 19 An Incredible Journey. Glossary
£24.69
Farrar, Straus & Giroux Inc Time Traveler In Search of Dinosaurs and Ancient Mammals from Montana to Mongolia
Book SynopsisPalaeontologist Michael Novacek is an authority on patterns of evolution and on the relationships among extinct and extant organisms. This book is his account of how a boyhood passion for dinosaurs became a lifelong commitment to vanguard science.
£21.08
Farrar Straus & Giroux My Beloved Brontosaurus
£14.24
