Prehistoric Journey: A History of Life on Earth - Softcover

Johnson, Kirk

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1555915531 ISBN 13: 9781555915537

Publisher: Chicago Review Press - Fulcrum, 2006

Synopsis

This is the story of the animals and plants that populated prehistoric Earth. It follows the journey of life from single-cell organisms to direct human ancestors.

About this title

About the Author:

Kirk R. Johnson is the Sant Director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. He received his PhD in geology and paleobotany from Yale University in 1989, and did postdoctoral research in the rainforests of northern Australia before joining the Denver Museum of Natural History in 1991, where he directed the installation of the museum's Prehistoric Journey exhibit. His research focuses on fossil plants, the environmental effects of the dinosaur-smiting asteroid, and the birth and death of biomes. Johnson also works with artists to create accurate and plausible paintings, murals, and dioramas of prehistoric landscapes, several of which are on display in the Colorado Convention Center. Johnson lives in Washington, D. C.

From School Library Journal:

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.

About this edition

• Publisher: Chicago Review Press - Fulcrum
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 1555915531
• ISBN 13: 9781555915537
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 144