Description
Book SynopsisThis book covers mammalian evolution from the aftermath of the dinosaur extinction to the glacial climax of the Pleistocene epoch, from early lemur-like primates to giant cold-climate adapted mega-mammals, such as the woolly mammoth or mastodon.
Trade ReviewAn exceptionally valuable, scholarly, yet widely accessible broad outline of the dazzling evolutionary history of the mammalian faunas and selected lineages during the Age of Mammals, the Cenozoic...an important contribution for those paleontologists and zoologists who are not mammal specialists, yet have wide-ranging interests in macroevolution. Very highly recommended. Choice A rich paleontological panorama...What struck me most forceably about the work is the magnitude of chance experienced by the region over this period. Times Literary Supplement An excellent balance of coverage between different lineages--and impressive achievement in and of itself... This is a very successful study, which tackles a difficult task with admirable deftness. Journal of Mammology Full of interesting matter...a vital aid in assisting the nonexpert reader to see the big picture. -- Tim Flannery Science An important resource for specialists who wish to know the latest about European mammal evolution, because so much has changed since [Bjorn] Kurten (1971)... Agusti has done an excellent job of bringing these latest developements into the text and integrating them with the great increase in our understanding of European tectonics as well. Earth Science History A fine book for all who have an interest in mammals, whether extant species or fossil species. Nicely done. Northeastern Naturalist It is always a pleasure to review a book that is accurate, easy to read and beautifully illustrated. -- Peter Andrews Journal of Mammalian Evolution
Table of ContentsPreface The Paleocene: The Dark Epoch The Eocene: Reaching the Climax The Oligocene: A Time of Change The Early to Middle Miocene: When the Continents Collide The Late Miocene: The Beginning of the Crisis The Pliocene: The End of a World The Pleistocene: The Age of Humankind Index