Fossils of Arabia explores how Arabianpalaeontology has contributed to our understanding ofthe story of life, from its earliest beginnings to the richbiodiversity of today. Arabia is one of the hottest anddriest regions in the world, but it has not always beenthis way. Through the depths of geological history -of 'deep time' - its climate has oscillated between wetand dry, and hot and cold periods. The peninsula haswitnessed the origins of life, evidence of prehistoricland plants and dinosaurs, and has recently played a rolein some of the earliest recorded human activity.This groundbreaking work reveals the significance ofArabian fossils in understanding the development oflife. It also reveals how large parts of Arabia, particularlysurface outcrops, remain largely unexplored and holduntapped potential for fossil discoveries. New evidence now awaits exploration,ranging from the half-a-billion-year-old fossil-bearing rocks to geologically youngPleistocene lake deposits in the deserts of Arabia.Fossils of Arabia illustrates how the next generation of scientists willemploy advanced techniques, such as satellite and X-ray imaging, to uncover thesefossils. These technologies will help answer key questions about the developmentof past life and climate, helping us to plan for a more sustainable future.
