AnnickPress

The surprising prehistoric origins of six common animals.

It’s hard to imagine, but about 99% of all the species that ever lived are already extinct. Some died off suddenly during global catastrophes, while others gradually disappeared as the world evolved. But some animals didn’t vanish altogether, and their distant relatives live among us today.

What were these ancient animals like? In a word, surprising. Ground-dwelling sloths were so tall they could nibble the leaves in treetops. Rabbit-sized camels scampered through the underbrush. Giant dragonflies the size of hawks were masters of the skies, swooping down on flies as big as chickadees.

These six modern animals are compared to their ancient ancestors:

•Dragonfly

•Armadillo

•Camel

•Beaver

•Crocodile

•Sloth

Why did these fabulous creatures change? What did their world look like? How do scientists make the connection to each one’s extraordinary past?

Author Claire Eamer distills millions of years of global history on the astonishing evolution of six modern-day animals. At the same time, readers are treated to a visual feast of artists’ renderings of the ancients, together with images of their modern-day counterparts.

Reviews:

“Without compromising clarity or accuracy, this book provides a “wow” scientific experience.”
—School Library Journal, 06/08

“... (an) excellent book, one that will delight any young reader interested in evolution, paleontology and geology.”
—Quill & Quire, 03/08

“One of the most appealing aspects of this fact-packed book … is the entertaining writing style. Highly Recommended.” –CM Magazine, 04/08

“Rarely has the ancestry and evolution of such fascinating animals been presented in a more interesting and fun-to-read way.”
—Resource Links, 06/08

“The book is so much fun that readers may not realize how much they are learning.”
—BioScience, 10/08