Prehistoric Journey: A History of Life on Earth - Hardcover

Kirk R. Johnson is Curator of Paleontology and Head of the Department of Earth Sciences at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Richard Stucky is Curator of Vice President of Museum Programs at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

YA?A fascinating account of the evolutionary progress of life on our planet, written in a readable style by well-versed authors. Commencing with the debut of the Earth and moon 4.6 billion years ago, they go on to define the conditions that promoted the formation of life 3.5 billion years ago. From that far-off time when one-celled organisms formed in the chemical soup of the early oceans, and began to consume energy, grow, and reproduce, to the appearance of our Australopithecus ancestress, Lucy, the march of evolution is well documented. The basic concepts of geologic history are explained, so that the major transformations of the planet's surface through the eons of prehistory make sense to students with little background in this area. The notable representatives of flora and fauna in each era are presented, with significant changes that occurred in each period. While evolution is not an easy subject to summarize, the authors have turned out a readable and understandable text. What makes this such a terrific book, especially for students, is the format. The illustrations are splendidly done; at least one picture on every page features the topic at hand in vivid detail. Brilliant photographs and beautifully rendered watercolors evoke the present and past environments. The tiniest detail is revealed on fossils billions of years old. A book that is guaranteed to circulate.?Catherine Noonan, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.