Remnants of Ancient Life


Book Description

The revolution in science that is transforming our understanding of extinct life We used to think of fossils as being composed of nothing but rock and minerals, all molecular traces of life having vanished long ago. We were wrong. Remnants of Ancient Life reveals how the new science of ancient biomolecules—pigments, proteins, and DNA that once functioned in living organisms tens of millions of years ago—is opening a new window onto the evolution of life on Earth. Paleobiologists are now uncovering these ancient remnants in the fossil record with increasing frequency, shedding vital new light on long-extinct creatures and the lost world they inhabited. Dale Greenwalt is your guide to these astonishing breakthroughs. He explains how ancient biomolecules hold the secrets to how mammoths dealt with the bitter cold, what colors dinosaurs exhibited in mating displays, how ancient viruses evolved to become more dangerous, and much more. Each chapter discusses different types of biomolecules and the insights they provide about the physiology, behavior, and evolution of extinct organisms, many of which existed long before the age of dinosaurs. A marvelous adventure of discovery, Remnants of Ancient Life offers an unparalleled look at an emerging science that is transforming our picture of the remote past. You will never think of fossils in the same way again.




A History of Life in 100 Fossils


Book Description

A History of Life in 100 Fossils showcases 100 key fossils that together illustrate the evolution of life on earth. Iconic specimens have been selected from the renowned collections of the two premier natural history museums in the world, the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, and the Natural History Museum, London. The fossils ahve been chosen not only for their importance in the history of life, but also because of the visual story they tell. This stunning book is perfect for all readers because its clear explanations and beautiful photographs illuminate the significance of these amazing pieces, including 500 million-year-old Burgess Shale fossils that provide a window into early animal life in the sea, insects encapsulated by amber, the first fossil bird Archaeopteryx, and the remains of our own ancestors.




The Book of Naturalists


Book Description

This anthology covers animals, nature, and the history of biology. Reflecting his infectious enthusiasm for "the best natural history," the editor has excerpts from massive sources and intriguing pieces from lesser known authors. Among the naturalists included are Pliny, Frederick II, Linnaeus, White, Bartram, Waterton, Thoreau, Wallace, Huxley, Faber, Theodore Roosevelt, Digby, Seton, and Klingel. Arranged in chronological order, the small masterpieces here range from Aristotle to Rachel Carson. Each excerpt is introduced by an incisive and sometimes humorous description of its author.




Ancient and Fossil Bone Collagen Remnants


Book Description

"Do creation scientists do actual science, or do they just propagate religious talking points? Ancient and Fossil Bone Collagen Remnants, based on Dr. Brian Thomas’ PhD dissertation, answers this question. Intended for the technical science reader, it reveals results from research projects designed to address questions about the presence or absence, geographic and stratigraphic extent, and decay rate of collagen in ancient bones. Not only do the experiments and descriptions found in this volume show that yes, creation scientists do real science, but they also provide the solid technical background needed to address the question of why short-lived collagen has been found in supposedly very old dinosaur bones"--Publisher's description.




Cosmic Echoes: Searching For Ancient Life Among The Stars


Book Description

Exploring the Cosmic Tapestry: A Comparative Examination of Earthly and Extraterrestrial Civilizations This tome embarks on an intricate exploration of the development of civilizations on Earth, juxtaposing and contrasting these with the conceivable frameworks of extraterrestrial societies. It underscores the necessity of a profound understanding of the sociocultural, technological, and historical trajectories that have shaped human existence, thereby illuminating the potential diversity of sentient life within the boundless expanse of the cosmos. The discourse acknowledges that Earth's civilizations have traversed a seemingly linear progression, punctuated by distinct epochs of innovation and transformation. However, it recognizes that any comparative analysis with extraterrestrial counterparts could inherently be restricted by terrestrial preconceptions and biases. Significant milestones that have punctuated human civilization, including the inception of written communication, the emergence of intricate social hierarchies, and revolutionary technological advancements, are delineated as pivotal components of this comparative study. These milestones not only catalyzed societal evolution but are also invaluable in postulating the potential developmental paths of intelligent entities that may inhabit distant realms. Moreover, the narrative ventures into the ethical, moral, and philosophical implications entwined within the ascendance of civilizations. It contemplates how diverse cultural, religious, and ideological paradigms have sculpted the arc of human history. This introspection kindles the imagination, prompting speculation on how analogous elements might emerge within hypothetical alien civilizations. The analysis further contemplates the cosmic ramifications of technological evolution, touching upon the prospect of interstellar diffusion of knowledge, resources, and worldviews. By investigating the interconnections and discrepancies between Earth's technological milestones and potential extraterrestrial innovations, the study expands our comprehension of the plausible trajectories of intelligent life amidst the universe. This intellectual odyssey enriches our capacity to perceive the vast and intricate tapestry of intelligent existence in the cosmos while fostering a comprehensive understanding of humanity's position within this broader narrative of cosmic continuity. In summary, the work presents a nuanced framework for probing into the multifaceted nature of cosmic diversity. It seeks to delineate the conceivable commonalities and distinctions between human civilization and hypothesized extraterrestrial societies, despite the speculative essence of such comparisons. This examination invites readers to ponder the intricacies of civilization, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the myriad forms intelligence may take across the cosmos.




Vital Remnants


Book Description

"America's founding generation was learned in the history and literature of the West and steeped in the English tradition of liberty. Vital Remnants revisits for a new generation the sources of America's greatness and suggests means to restore our weakened foundations."--BOOK JACKET.




Natural History


Book Description




Earth System History


Book Description

Designed for a new generation of readers, Stanley's Earth System History is a reforging of his Exploring Earth and Life Through Time. Adopting an earth system approach throughout, Earth System History shows students how Earth's ecosystem has developed over time and how events in the past provide a perspective for dealing with present and future changes. Clear and concise, the new Second Edition of this introduction to historical geology is perfect for one-term non-majors courses and contains lots of new content and improved visuals.




Frontiers


Book Description




The Science of the Earth


Book Description

Explore the Earth’s natural riches with this beautiful book that brings every corner of the planet, from core to atmosphere, to life! Introducing The Science of Earth - an informative, visually arresting introduction to planet Earth. Did you know that bubbles of ancient air trapped inside the Antarctic ice core can reveal how Earth’s climate has changed over time? Or that a piece of pumice thrown several miles into the air by a volcano helps to explain what happens when tectonic plates collide? Well, now you do! Learn all about our weird and wonderful planet with The Science of Earth. The core of the book features large, detailed photographs of single objects, many of them small enough to be held in the hand, that each speaks volumes about an aspect of Earth’s environments and how they work. Structured around an imaginary journey that takes the reader from the inner core to Earth’s surface (including both land and oceans) and up to the top of the atmosphere, whilst taking in environments such as grasslands, forests, and reefs, the coverage includes both living and inanimate realms! Dive deep into the pages of this awe-inspiring book on Planet Earth to discover: - Spotlights showcasing celebrated sites, such as the Grand Canyon, Mount Everest, and the Great Barrier Reef - Easy-to-read explanations of large-scale Earth processes, such as weather systems and oceanic currents - Study of Earth segments look at breakthroughs our understanding of how the planet works Many of the most beautiful parts of the natural world are beyond reach, but with fascinating feature pages throwing a spotlight on iconic places, such as the Amazon Rainforest or the Dead Sea, or a particular process, such as glacial erosion - this beautifully informative natural history book truly brings them to life. A must-have volume for readers interested in geography, geology, oceanography, meteorology, ecology, or the natural world in general, so whether you have a passion for landscape photography, or you’re a frequent watcher of TV documentaries such as Our Planet, Blue Planet II, and Planet Earth - The Science of Earth is a great addition to the bookshelf of both schools and libraries alike, doubling up as the perfect gift purchase for anyone interested in the natural world.