Description
Book Synopsis: 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 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 unearthed the footprints of Permian creatures from before the time of dinosaurs. In South Africa, she introduces us to animals, once called ‘mammal-like reptiles’, that gave scientists the first hints that our furry kin evolved from a lineage of egg-laying burrowers. In China, new, complete fossilised skeletons reveal mammals that were gliders, shovel-pawed Jurassic moles, and flat-tailed 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’t just precursors, they were pioneers.
Details
Unlock the untold story of mammal origins and evolution with Beasts Before Us: The Untold Story of Mammal Origins and Evolution. Contrary to popular belief, the journey of mammal evolution didn't begin after the extinction of dinosaurs. Over the past two decades, groundbreaking scientific discoveries have reshaped our understanding of this fascinating narrative.
In this captivating book, palaeontologist Elsa Panciroli takes you on a remarkable journey through time, starting from the moment the mammal lineage, Synapsida, diverged from reptiles over three hundred million years ago during the Carboniferous period. Discover how our ancient mammal ancestors went from being colossal hairy creatures to evolving key traits that define modern mammals as we know them today.
Immerse yourself in Elsa's global quest to uncover the sites where remarkable discoveries are being made, and meet the passionate scientists behind them. From the desert dunes of prehistoric Moray in Scotland, where Permian footprints were unearthed, to South Africa, where the discovery of "mammal-like reptiles" provided the first hints of our furry kin's evolutionary path. You will also explore China, where complete fossilized skeletons expose the diverse adaptations of early mammals, such as gliders, Jurassic moles, and flat-tailed swimmers.
Beasts Before Us powerfully challenges the conventional stereotypes of dinosaurs reigning supreme while mammals cowered beneath them. You will be amazed to discover that our ancient mammalian ancestors were not just precursors but pioneers in their own right, reshaping the world long before the rise of dinosaurs. Don't miss out on this groundbreaking exploration of mammal evolution that will forever change the way you perceive our distant past.
Experience the untold story of mammal origins and evolution by getting your copy of Beasts Before Us today. Click here to grab your copy now!
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