|
Every fossil tells a story. Best-selling paleontology author Donald R. Prothero describes twenty-five famous, beautifully preserved fossils in a gripping, scientific history of life on Earth. Recounting the adventures behind the discovery of these objects and fully interpreting their significance within the larger fossil record, Prothero creates a riveting and enlightening overview for anyone interested in the history of life on our planet. The twenty-five fossils lovingly portrayed in this book catch animals in their evolutionary splendor as they transition from one kind of organism to another. We witness extinct plants and animals of microscopic and immense size and thrilling diversity. We learn about fantastic land and sea creatures that have no match in nature today. Along the way, we encounter such fascinating fossils as the earliest trilobite, Olenellus the giant shark Carcharocles the "Frogamander" and the "Turtle on the Half Shell" the "fishibian" Tiktalik the first bird, Archaeopteryx the walking whale Ambulocetus enormous marine reptiles and the biggest dinosaurs known the gigantic hornless rhinoceros Paraceratherium, the largest land mammal that ever lived and the Australopithecus nicknamed "Lucy," the oldest human skeleton. We learn about the scientists and adventurers who pioneered paleontology and the larger intellectual and social contexts in which their discoveries were made. Finally, we are told where to see these splendid fossils in the world's great museums. Ideal for all who love prehistoric landscapes and delight in the history of sci Niles Eldredge, author of Eternal Ephemera: Adaptation and the Origin of Species from the Nineteenth Century Through Punctuated Equilibria and Beyond:Don Prothero, an outstanding paleontologist and skilled communicator, has written the best up-to-date account of the history of life as revealed by the fossil record that I have ever had the pleasure to read. Prothero's lucid prose brings these long-dead organisms back to life, while painting a picture of how all life has been interconnected through evolution. I was especially struck by the inclusion of field outcrops, as well as museums, where one can go to see these fossils. I will keep Don's book handy as a core reference that promises to be useful for years to come! Bruce S. Lieberman, University of Kansas:A History of Life in Twenty-five Fossils shows the reader the joys of paleontological discovery as well as the stories behind some of the most important fossils. I loved reading it, and I suspect most paleontologists, and many members of the general public, will feel the same way--the text is lucid, extremely easy to read, and highly informative. Anyone interested in ancient life forms and the fossil record would be well served to buy this book. Xiaoming Wang, Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology at Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County:There is no other book that brings together such diverse fossils and tells their unique stories in a way that is both accurate and approachable. David J. Bottjer, University of Southern California:Prothero is one of the most talented science writers of his generation--as a paleontological writer, he has no peer. This is an engaging
|
