Synopses & Reviews
The popularity of dinosaurs seems never ending, as evidenced by the popularity of films such
Jurassic Park and documentaries like
Walking with Dinosaurs. But how much do these types of entertainment really tell us about recent scientific discoveries and the latest research into the world of the dinosaur?
This is the first book explain how scientists have been able to put together a picture of how dinosaurs looked, what they ate, and how they moved and interacted with each other. Taking a new approach to the subject, David Norman combines different areas of science, such as anatomy, genetics, forensics, and engineering design, to piece together the latest evidence of how animal life evolved on earth. Norman engagingly lays out the history of dinosaur research, from the speculation over ancient myths about dragons, to the latest virtual reality animation sequences and engineering design analysis. He also discusses the role that informed speculation and luck has played in many of the major discoveries.
This book is a fantastic introduction for those just beginning to take an interest in dinosaurs and a must-read for true dinosaur-lovers who want to know not just the latest theories and discoveries, but how scientists achieved them.
Synopsis
Create your own picture books using the full-color stickers included in each book. Self-adhesive stickers accompany the descriptions of each item. Ideal for home and school projects.
Synopsis
The popularity of dinosaurs seems never ending, fuelled by films such as Jurassic Park and documentaries like Walking with Dinosaurs. Yet most books fail to explain the story behind the exciting scientific discoveries that have given us a picture of how dinosaurs looked, what they ate, and how they moved and interacted with one another. This is the first book to tell the general reader about what's really happening in modern dinosaur research. New approaches involve the combination of many areas of science, such as anatomy, cosmology, physics, mechanics, and engineering design to piece together the evidence of how animal and plant life evolved on earth, and why it did so in the way that it did. The author also highlights the part that informed speculation and luck have played in major discoveries regarding dinosaurs. Starting with ancient myths of dinosaur-like monsters, such as dragons, and the history of the discovery of dinosaurs, Norman goes on to discuss the evolution of these fascinating beasts. He also describes the many different techniques used to understand them, including the latest virtual reality animation sequences and engineering design analysis.
About the Author
David Norman is Director, Sedgwick Museum, Cambridge University and the author of several books, including
The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Dinosaurs and
The Big Book of Dinosaurs.