Title
Beasts Before Us: The Untold Story of Mammal Origins and Evolution,Used
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For 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 crisscrosses 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 unearthed the footprints of Permian creatures from before the time of dinosaurs. In South Africa, she introduces us to animals, once called ?ammallike reptiles? that gave scientists the first hints that our furry kin evolved from a lineage of egglaying burrowers. In China, new, complete fossilised skeletons reveal mammals that were gliders, shovelpawed Jurassic moles, and flattailed swimmers.This book radically reframes the narrative of our mammalian ancestors and provides a counterpoint to the stereotypes of mighty dinosaur overlords and cowering little mammals. It turns out the earliest mammals weren? just precursors, they were pioneers.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: How many pages does this book have? A: This book has three hundred twenty pages. It offers a comprehensive look into the evolution of mammals.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The book is a hardcover edition. This binding type provides durability and a premium feel.
- Q: What are the dimensions of this book? A: The dimensions of this book are six point thirty-four inches in length, one point twenty-two inches in width, and nine point five inches in height. These measurements make it a convenient size for reading.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of this book is Elsa Panciroli. She is a palaeontologist who specializes in mammalian evolution.
- Q: What is the main theme of this book? A: The main theme of the book is the evolution of mammals. It explores how ancient mammals evolved from their reptilian ancestors.
- Q: Is this book suitable for children? A: Yes, this book is suitable for older children and young adults interested in palaeontology. It provides engaging insights into mammal evolution.
- Q: How does this book explore mammal origins? A: The book explores mammal origins by detailing fossil discoveries and evolutionary traits. It covers the journey from early synapsids to modern mammals.
- Q: Where does the author discuss fossil sites? A: The author discusses fossil sites around the world, including locations in Scotland, South Africa, and China. These sites provide crucial insights into mammal evolution.
- Q: What period does the book start discussing mammal evolution? A: The book starts discussing mammal evolution during the Carboniferous period. This period marks the divergence from reptiles.
- Q: How should I store this book? A: You should store this book in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This helps preserve the book's binding and pages.
- Q: Can I return this book if I don't like it? A: Yes, you can return this book if you're not satisfied. Check the retailer's return policy for specific details.
- Q: What if my book arrives damaged? A: If your book arrives damaged, contact the seller immediately for a replacement or refund. Most retailers have customer support for such issues.
- Q: Does this book include illustrations or images? A: Yes, the book includes illustrations that enhance understanding of the content. These visuals help depict mammal evolution.
- Q: Is this book based on recent scientific discoveries? A: Yes, the book incorporates recent scientific discoveries and fossil findings from the last twenty years. This makes it a current resource on mammal evolution.
- Q: What kind of writing style is used in this book? A: The writing style is accessible and engaging, making complex scientific concepts understandable for a general audience. It combines storytelling with scientific facts.