Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs

Author: David Norman

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2017

Total Pages: 193

ISBN-13: 0198795920

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"David Norman reveals how scientists combine anatomy, genetics, forensics, and even engineering design to build a picture of what dinosaurs looked like, what they ate, and how they moved and interacted with each other. Exploring how animal life evolved on Earth, he highlights the place of dinosaurs in evolutionary history."--Jacket.


Book Synopsis Dinosaurs by : David Norman

Download or read book Dinosaurs written by David Norman and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2017 with total page 193 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "David Norman reveals how scientists combine anatomy, genetics, forensics, and even engineering design to build a picture of what dinosaurs looked like, what they ate, and how they moved and interacted with each other. Exploring how animal life evolved on Earth, he highlights the place of dinosaurs in evolutionary history."--Jacket.


Dinosaurs: A Very Short Introduction

Dinosaurs: A Very Short Introduction

Author: David Norman

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2017-09-21

Total Pages: 193

ISBN-13: 0192515640

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Dinosaurs are fascinating creatures and their popularity seems never ending, fuelled by films such as Jurassic Park and documentaries such as Walking with Dinosaurs. Yet dinosaurs (or more precisely non-avian dinosaurs) last trod the Earth 65 million years ago. All we know of them today are their fossilised bones, the tracks and traces that they left behind and, in very rare instances, some of the soft tissues or even traces of their chemistry. In many respects dinosaurs present us with one of the ultimate forensic challenges: they comprise the fragmentary remains of creatures that died many tens of millions of years ago, rather than just recently, or a few tens of years ago, which is the problem usually faced by forensic pathologists. How much do we really know about them, and to what extent can their remains inform us about ancient worlds, and indeed about the history of our planet? In this Very Short Introduction David Norman discusses how dinosaurs were first discovered and interpreted, and how our understanding of them has changed over the past 200 years. He looks at some of the amazing discoveries that have enabled us to gain new and unexpected insights into dinosaurs as animals with natural histories and behaviours, and considers some of the biggest questions in dinosaur biology, such as the implications of them having warm blood. Norman also shows how research upon dinosaurs has been enriched, particularly in recent decades, by technological break-throughs, which complement the informed speculation and luck which have played a part in many of the major discoveries. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.


Book Synopsis Dinosaurs: A Very Short Introduction by : David Norman

Download or read book Dinosaurs: A Very Short Introduction written by David Norman and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2017-09-21 with total page 193 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Dinosaurs are fascinating creatures and their popularity seems never ending, fuelled by films such as Jurassic Park and documentaries such as Walking with Dinosaurs. Yet dinosaurs (or more precisely non-avian dinosaurs) last trod the Earth 65 million years ago. All we know of them today are their fossilised bones, the tracks and traces that they left behind and, in very rare instances, some of the soft tissues or even traces of their chemistry. In many respects dinosaurs present us with one of the ultimate forensic challenges: they comprise the fragmentary remains of creatures that died many tens of millions of years ago, rather than just recently, or a few tens of years ago, which is the problem usually faced by forensic pathologists. How much do we really know about them, and to what extent can their remains inform us about ancient worlds, and indeed about the history of our planet? In this Very Short Introduction David Norman discusses how dinosaurs were first discovered and interpreted, and how our understanding of them has changed over the past 200 years. He looks at some of the amazing discoveries that have enabled us to gain new and unexpected insights into dinosaurs as animals with natural histories and behaviours, and considers some of the biggest questions in dinosaur biology, such as the implications of them having warm blood. Norman also shows how research upon dinosaurs has been enriched, particularly in recent decades, by technological break-throughs, which complement the informed speculation and luck which have played a part in many of the major discoveries. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.


Fossils: A Very Short Introduction

Fossils: A Very Short Introduction

Author: Keith Thomson

Publisher: OUP Oxford

Published: 2005-10-13

Total Pages: 160

ISBN-13: 0191578029

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Fossils have been vital to our understanding of the formation of the earth and the origins of all life on it. However, their impact has not been limited to debates about geology and evolution: attempts to explain their existence has shaken religion at its very roots, and they have remained a subject of ceaseless fascination for people of all ages and backgrounds. In this delightful book, Keith Thomson provides a remarkably all-encompassing explanation of fossils as a phenomenon. How did Darwin use fossils to support his theory of evolution? What are 'living fossils'? What fossils will we leave behind for future generations to examine? Building on the scientific aspects, he places fossils in a very human context, highlighting their impact on philosophy and mythology, our concept of time, and today's popular culture. What quickly becomes obvious is that the discovery of fossils and the ways in which they have been interpreted over time makes for fascinating reading. From the black market to the Piltdown Man, and from mythological dragons to living dinosaurs, fossils hold a permanent place in the popular imagination. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.


Book Synopsis Fossils: A Very Short Introduction by : Keith Thomson

Download or read book Fossils: A Very Short Introduction written by Keith Thomson and published by OUP Oxford. This book was released on 2005-10-13 with total page 160 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Fossils have been vital to our understanding of the formation of the earth and the origins of all life on it. However, their impact has not been limited to debates about geology and evolution: attempts to explain their existence has shaken religion at its very roots, and they have remained a subject of ceaseless fascination for people of all ages and backgrounds. In this delightful book, Keith Thomson provides a remarkably all-encompassing explanation of fossils as a phenomenon. How did Darwin use fossils to support his theory of evolution? What are 'living fossils'? What fossils will we leave behind for future generations to examine? Building on the scientific aspects, he places fossils in a very human context, highlighting their impact on philosophy and mythology, our concept of time, and today's popular culture. What quickly becomes obvious is that the discovery of fossils and the ways in which they have been interpreted over time makes for fascinating reading. From the black market to the Piltdown Man, and from mythological dragons to living dinosaurs, fossils hold a permanent place in the popular imagination. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.


Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs

Author: David E. Fastovsky

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2012-08-27

Total Pages: 433

ISBN-13: 1107276462

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Updated with the material that instructors want, Dinosaurs continues to make science exciting and understandable to non-science majors through its narrative of scientific concepts rather than endless facts. It now contains new material on pterosaurs, an expanded section on the evolution of the dinosaurs and new photographs to help students engage with geology, natural history and evolution. The authors ground the text in the language of modern evolutionary biology, phylogenetic systematics, and teach students to examine the paleontology of dinosaurs exactly as the professionals in the field do using these methods to reconstruct dinosaur relationships. Beautifully illustrated, lively and engaging, this edition continues to encourage students to ask questions and assess data critically, enabling them to think like a scientist.


Book Synopsis Dinosaurs by : David E. Fastovsky

Download or read book Dinosaurs written by David E. Fastovsky and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2012-08-27 with total page 433 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Updated with the material that instructors want, Dinosaurs continues to make science exciting and understandable to non-science majors through its narrative of scientific concepts rather than endless facts. It now contains new material on pterosaurs, an expanded section on the evolution of the dinosaurs and new photographs to help students engage with geology, natural history and evolution. The authors ground the text in the language of modern evolutionary biology, phylogenetic systematics, and teach students to examine the paleontology of dinosaurs exactly as the professionals in the field do using these methods to reconstruct dinosaur relationships. Beautifully illustrated, lively and engaging, this edition continues to encourage students to ask questions and assess data critically, enabling them to think like a scientist.


The History of Life: A Very Short Introduction

The History of Life: A Very Short Introduction

Author: Michael J. Benton

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2008-11-27

Total Pages: 185

ISBN-13: 0199226326

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This Very Short Introduction presents a succinct and accessible guide to the key episodes in the story of life on earth - from the very origins of life four million years ago to the extraordinary diversity of species around the globe today.


Book Synopsis The History of Life: A Very Short Introduction by : Michael J. Benton

Download or read book The History of Life: A Very Short Introduction written by Michael J. Benton and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2008-11-27 with total page 185 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This Very Short Introduction presents a succinct and accessible guide to the key episodes in the story of life on earth - from the very origins of life four million years ago to the extraordinary diversity of species around the globe today.


Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs

Author: Thomas R. Holtz

Publisher: Sterling Publishing Company, Inc.

Published: 2001

Total Pages: 366

ISBN-13: 9780806973913

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To this day, dinosaurs remain a never-ending source of fascination to children, who just can't get enough of these compelling creatures. Illustrations, picturing over 60 dinosaur types (including some new discoveries that appear here for the first time in a children's book), maps, and a guide to each individual species--plus an overall introduction to fossils--tell youngsters how and why all the dinosaurs developed as they did. Answer exactly the types of question kids want to know: How big were they? What did they eat? Where did they live? What do their names mean? This lively trip back to the Age of the Dinosaurs, from its beginnings in the Triassic period to the great extinction at the end of the Cretaceous, is guided by one of the major authorities in the field, Dr. Thomas Holtz, vertebrate paleontologist at the University of Maryland, whose specialty is the study of carnivorous dinosaurs.


Book Synopsis Dinosaurs by : Thomas R. Holtz

Download or read book Dinosaurs written by Thomas R. Holtz and published by Sterling Publishing Company, Inc.. This book was released on 2001 with total page 366 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: To this day, dinosaurs remain a never-ending source of fascination to children, who just can't get enough of these compelling creatures. Illustrations, picturing over 60 dinosaur types (including some new discoveries that appear here for the first time in a children's book), maps, and a guide to each individual species--plus an overall introduction to fossils--tell youngsters how and why all the dinosaurs developed as they did. Answer exactly the types of question kids want to know: How big were they? What did they eat? Where did they live? What do their names mean? This lively trip back to the Age of the Dinosaurs, from its beginnings in the Triassic period to the great extinction at the end of the Cretaceous, is guided by one of the major authorities in the field, Dr. Thomas Holtz, vertebrate paleontologist at the University of Maryland, whose specialty is the study of carnivorous dinosaurs.


My Little Book of Dinosaurs

My Little Book of Dinosaurs

Author: Dougal Dixon

Publisher: QEB Publishing

Published: 2014-10-14

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781609926854

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What was the biggest dinosaur? When were dinosaurs alive? Which dinosaur had a spiky back? Dinosaurs answers all these questions and many more. Simple, easy-to-understand text combines with vivid CG illustrations in this brilliant introduction to the world of dinosaurs. Perfect for reluctant readers, this addition to the My Little Book of . . . series holds children's interest and encourages them to find out all about the biggest creatures that ever walked the earth.


Book Synopsis My Little Book of Dinosaurs by : Dougal Dixon

Download or read book My Little Book of Dinosaurs written by Dougal Dixon and published by QEB Publishing. This book was released on 2014-10-14 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What was the biggest dinosaur? When were dinosaurs alive? Which dinosaur had a spiky back? Dinosaurs answers all these questions and many more. Simple, easy-to-understand text combines with vivid CG illustrations in this brilliant introduction to the world of dinosaurs. Perfect for reluctant readers, this addition to the My Little Book of . . . series holds children's interest and encourages them to find out all about the biggest creatures that ever walked the earth.


The Best Book of Dinosaurs

The Best Book of Dinosaurs

Author: Christopher Maynard

Publisher: Kingfisher

Published: 2005-04-14

Total Pages: 32

ISBN-13: 9780753458723

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A thrilling look at the ever-popular world of dinosaurs--their size, their lives, their diets, and their mysterious extinction. Children's interest is further excited as the book zooms in on today's dinosaur discoveries--how scientists find and date fossils, and how whole dinosaur skeletons are pieced together.


Book Synopsis The Best Book of Dinosaurs by : Christopher Maynard

Download or read book The Best Book of Dinosaurs written by Christopher Maynard and published by Kingfisher. This book was released on 2005-04-14 with total page 32 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A thrilling look at the ever-popular world of dinosaurs--their size, their lives, their diets, and their mysterious extinction. Children's interest is further excited as the book zooms in on today's dinosaur discoveries--how scientists find and date fossils, and how whole dinosaur skeletons are pieced together.


Reptiles: A Very Short Introduction

Reptiles: A Very Short Introduction

Author: T. S. Kemp

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2019-01-17

Total Pages: 144

ISBN-13: 0192529013

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For millions of years reptiles have walked, crawled, and slithered over the face of our Earth. From the mighty dinosaurs who dominated the land, the pterosaurs who took to the air, and the marine adapted ichthyosaurs, to the living reptiles today such as the lizards, snakes, crocodiles, and turtles, plus the single species of tuatara in New Zealand, reptiles have come in all shapes and sizes. In this Very Short Introduction Tom Kemp discusses the adaptations reptiles made to first leave the sea and colonise the land in dry conditions, such as their waterproof skin, their ability to expel almost dry waste products, their efficient use of external heat for maintaining their body temperature, and the amniotic egg that is laid and develops on dry land. Considering the different living groups of reptiles today, Kemp then describes how their respective bodies are adapted for their different ways of life, from snake feeding patterns to the way crocodiles breathe. Finally, Kemp assesses the threat of extinction to reptile species due to over-exploitation, habitat destruction, and climate change, and considers what can be done. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.


Book Synopsis Reptiles: A Very Short Introduction by : T. S. Kemp

Download or read book Reptiles: A Very Short Introduction written by T. S. Kemp and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2019-01-17 with total page 144 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For millions of years reptiles have walked, crawled, and slithered over the face of our Earth. From the mighty dinosaurs who dominated the land, the pterosaurs who took to the air, and the marine adapted ichthyosaurs, to the living reptiles today such as the lizards, snakes, crocodiles, and turtles, plus the single species of tuatara in New Zealand, reptiles have come in all shapes and sizes. In this Very Short Introduction Tom Kemp discusses the adaptations reptiles made to first leave the sea and colonise the land in dry conditions, such as their waterproof skin, their ability to expel almost dry waste products, their efficient use of external heat for maintaining their body temperature, and the amniotic egg that is laid and develops on dry land. Considering the different living groups of reptiles today, Kemp then describes how their respective bodies are adapted for their different ways of life, from snake feeding patterns to the way crocodiles breathe. Finally, Kemp assesses the threat of extinction to reptile species due to over-exploitation, habitat destruction, and climate change, and considers what can be done. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.


Out of Thin Air

Out of Thin Air

Author: Peter Ward

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2006-09-26

Total Pages: 296

ISBN-13: 0309141230

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For 65 million years dinosaurs ruled the Earth-until a deadly asteroid forced their extinction. But what accounts for the incredible longevity of dinosaurs? A renowned scientist now provides a startling explanation that is rewriting the history of the Age of Dinosaurs. Dinosaurs were pretty amazing creatures-real-life monsters that have the power to fascinate us. And their fiery Hollywood ending only serves to make the story that much more dramatic. But fossil evidence demonstrates that dinosaurs survived several mass extinctions, and were seemingly unaffected by catastrophes that decimated most other life on Earth. What could explain their uncanny ability to endure through the ages? Biologist and earth scientist Peter Ward now accounts for the remarkable indestructibility of dinosaurs by connecting their unusual respiration system with their ability to adapt to Earth's changing environment-a system that was ultimately bequeathed to their descendants, birds. By tracing the evolutionary path back through time and carefully connecting the dots from birds to dinosaurs, Ward describes the unique form of breathing shared by these two distant relatives and demonstrates how this simple but remarkable characteristic provides the elusive explanation to a question that has thus far stumped scientists. Nothing short of revolutionary in its bold presentation of an astonishing theory, Out of Thin Air is a story of science at the edge of discovery. Ward is an outstanding guide to the process of scientific detection. Audacious and innovative in his thinking, meticulous and thoroughly detailed in his research, only a scientist of his caliber is capable of telling this surprising story.


Book Synopsis Out of Thin Air by : Peter Ward

Download or read book Out of Thin Air written by Peter Ward and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2006-09-26 with total page 296 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For 65 million years dinosaurs ruled the Earth-until a deadly asteroid forced their extinction. But what accounts for the incredible longevity of dinosaurs? A renowned scientist now provides a startling explanation that is rewriting the history of the Age of Dinosaurs. Dinosaurs were pretty amazing creatures-real-life monsters that have the power to fascinate us. And their fiery Hollywood ending only serves to make the story that much more dramatic. But fossil evidence demonstrates that dinosaurs survived several mass extinctions, and were seemingly unaffected by catastrophes that decimated most other life on Earth. What could explain their uncanny ability to endure through the ages? Biologist and earth scientist Peter Ward now accounts for the remarkable indestructibility of dinosaurs by connecting their unusual respiration system with their ability to adapt to Earth's changing environment-a system that was ultimately bequeathed to their descendants, birds. By tracing the evolutionary path back through time and carefully connecting the dots from birds to dinosaurs, Ward describes the unique form of breathing shared by these two distant relatives and demonstrates how this simple but remarkable characteristic provides the elusive explanation to a question that has thus far stumped scientists. Nothing short of revolutionary in its bold presentation of an astonishing theory, Out of Thin Air is a story of science at the edge of discovery. Ward is an outstanding guide to the process of scientific detection. Audacious and innovative in his thinking, meticulous and thoroughly detailed in his research, only a scientist of his caliber is capable of telling this surprising story.