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The ultimate illustrated guide to elephants and their prehistoric relativesToday, only three species of elephants survive—the African savanna elephant (Loxodonta africana), the African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis), and the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus). However, these modern giants represent just a fraction of the vast and diverse order Proboscidea, which includes not only living elephants but also their many extinct relatives. Over the past 60 million years, proboscideans have evolved and adapted across five continents, giving rise to an astonishing variety of forms, from the massive, woolly-coated mammoths of the Ice Age to the diminutive, island-dwelling dwarf elephants.This book offers a comprehensive exploration of proboscidean biology and evolutionary history, shedding light on the remarkable diversity of these extraordinary mammals. It delves into the anatomical characteristics of every known species, from the towering steppe mammoth (Mammuthus trogontherii) and the shovel-tusked Amebelodon to the semi-aquatic Moeritherium and the enigmatic Deinotherium. Readers will discover how these creatures developed an array of specialized adaptations, including variations in tusk shape and function, highly flexible trunks suited for different feeding strategies, and unique dental structures that allowed them to process a wide range of vegetation.Accompanied by stunning illustrations by Shu-yu Hsu, Elephants and Their Fossil Relatives brings these ancient giants back to life, offering a visually captivating and scientifically rigorous journey through their evolutionary past. Whether you are a paleontology enthusiast, a student of evolutionary biology, or a researcher in the field, this book serves as an indispensable reference for understanding one of the most extraordinary groups of animals ever to walk the earth.Brings together all known elephant species and their fossil relatives in a single volume for the first timeCovers more than 230 extinct species ranging in size from creatures no larger than a chihuahua to colossal giants weighing up to three times the mass of modern elephantsFeatures hundreds of stunning full-color illustrations and cutting-edge 3D reconstructions—many restored for the first timeDelves into the biology and behavior of modern elephants, answering key questions about their anatomy, behavior, and profound impact on human cultureDraws on groundbreaking studies of ancient proteins, isotopes, and DNAA must-have for elephant lovers everywhere

Theropod dinosaurs ruled the planet for millions of years, with species ranging from the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex to feathered raptors no bigger than turkeys. The Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs: The Theropods is a stunningly illustrated guide packed with everything you could ever wish to know about theropods. This one-of-a-kind compendium features more than 3,000 records, covers some 750 theropod species, and includes a wealth of illustrations ranging from diagrams and technical drawings to full-colour reconstructions of specimens. The book is divided into sections that put numerous amazing theropod facts at your fingertips. 'Comparing Species' reveals detailed size comparisons, how long ago they lived, and when they were discovered. 'Mesozoic Calendar' shows the positions of the continents at different geological time periods and reconstructions of creatures from each period. 'Prehistoric Puzzle' compares bones, teeth, and feathers while 'Theropod Life' uses vivid, user-friendly graphics to answer questions such as which dinosaur was the smartest and which had the most powerful bite. Other sections chart theropod distribution on the contemporary world map, provide comprehensive illustrated listings of footprints, compile the physical specifications of all known theropods and Mesozoic birds, and much more.

The sauropods form one of the three great dinosaur groups. The sauropod dinosaurs roamed the planet for millions of years, with creatures ranging from the smallest of the sauropods, Magyarosaurus, to the huge Brachiosaurus. This one-of-a-kind compendium covers all known sauropod species and features more than 2,000 diagrams and technical drawings alongside hundreds of full-colour reconstructions of specimens. The book is divided into sections that make it easy to navigate the amazing world of sauropods. 'Comparing Species' is organized by taxonomic group and gives comparisons of the size of species, how long ago they lived, and when they were discovered. 'Mesozoic Calendar' shows the positions of the continents at different geological time periods. 'Prehistoric Puzzle' compares bones, teeth, and feathers while 'Sauropod Life' answers questions such as what did they eat and which was the most intelligent.