Description
Book SynopsisFor most of us, the story of mammal evolution starts after the asteroid impact that killed the dinosaurs, but over the last 20 years scientists have uncovered new fossils and used new technologies that have upended this story. In Beasts Before Us, palaeontologist Elsa Panciroli charts the emergence of the mammal lineage, Synapsida, beginning at their murky split from the reptiles in the Carboniferous period, over three hundred million years ago. They made the world theirs long before the rise of dinosaurs. Travelling forward into the Permian and then Triassic periods, we learn how our ancient mammal ancestors evolved from large hairy beasts with accelerating metabolisms to exploit miniaturisation, which was key to unlocking the traits that define mammals as we now know them. Elsa criss-crosses the globe to explore the sites where discoveries are being made and meet the people who make them. In Scotland, she traverses the desert dunes of prehistoric Moray, where quarry workers unearth
Trade ReviewSmart, passionate and seditious * The New York Times Book Review *
A pioneering study … If you thought it all began with the extinction of the non-bird dinosaurs … think again. * Nature *
Under Ms. Panciroli’s adroit tutelage, the Carboniferous and Permian (pre-dinosaur) periods are brought to life … she regularly enlivens this surprisingly readable book with quick and often humorous observations. * The Wall Street Journal *
Fascinating ... filled with as many weird and wonderful creatures as any reptilian tale ... there's much here to intrigue. * Geographical *
Provides a fascinating and uplifting look at the resilience of life on this planet, through the lens of how mammals came to be. * Writer's Voice *
Table of ContentsIntroduction 1: Isle of Mists and Lagoons 2: A Thoroughly Modern Platypus 3: Like a Hole in the Head 4: The First Age of Mammals 5: Hot-blooded Hunters 6: A Total Disaster 7: Milk Tooth 8: Digital Bones 9: Chinese Revelations 10: Time of Revolt 11: The Journey Home Epilogue: Triumph of the Little Guy Acknowledgements Notes Bibliography Index
