Dinosaurs
A Concise Natural History

Fully updated and beautifully illustrated, this leading textbook teaches science and non-science majors to think like a scientist.

David E. Fastovsky (Author), David B. Weishampel (Author), John Sibbick (Illustrated by)

9781108475945, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 1 July 2021

534 pages, 366 colour illus. 3 tables
28.2 x 22.6 x 2.8 cm, 1.74 kg

'This is an excellent, approachable textbook for non-science and science majors with an interest in dinosaurs. As in previous editions, the writing style is captivating and lighthearted, with updates to figures and illustrations that really brings the subject matter to life. The 4th edition has been greatly improved through a reorganization and expansion of important concepts reflecting the latest dinosaur research, especially the addition of new chapters giving context to where dinosaurs came from, and more focus on modern methods and technologies used to examine dinosaur paleobiology. I am especially happy to see the expansion of the 'History of Dinosaur Paleontology Through the Ideas of Dinosaur Paleontologists' chapter, which showcases the amazing diversity of paleontologists working today and highlights where research in the field is heading. This is especially important for encouraging future generations of learners and improving science literacy.' Kirstin Brink, University of Ma

The ideal textbook for non-science majors, this lively and engaging introduction encourages students to ask questions, assess data critically and think like a scientist. Building on the success of previous editions, Dinosaurs has been thoroughly updated to include new discoveries in the field, such as the toothed bird specimens found in China and recent discoveries of dinosaur soft anatomy. Illustrations by leading paleontological illustrator John Sibbick and new, carefully-chosen photographs, clearly show how dinosaurs looked, lived and their role in Earth history. Making science accessible and relevant through clear explanations and extensive illustrations, the text guides students through the dinosaur groups, emphasizing scientific concepts rather than presenting endless facts. Grounded in the common language of modern evolutionary biology – phylogenetic systematics – students learn to think about dinosaurs the way that professional paleontologists do.

Part I. Remembrance of Things Past: 1. To Catch a Dinosaur
2. Dinosaur Days
3. Who's Related to Whom – and How Do We Know?
4. Who Are the Dinosaurs?
5. In The Beginning
Part II. Saurischia: Meat, Might, Muscle, and Magnitude: 6. Theropoda I: Nature Red In Tooth and Claw
7. Theropoda II: Meet the Theropods
8. Theropoda III: The Origin and Early Evolution of Birds
9. Sauropodomorpha: The Big, the Bizarre, and the Majestic
Part III. Ornithischia: Armored, Horned, and Duck-Billed Dinosaurs: 10. Thyreophora: the Armor-bearers
11. Marginocephalia: Bumps, Bosses, and Beaks
12. Ornithopoda: Mighty Mesozoic Masticators
Part IV. Endothermy, Endemism, and Extinction: 13. The Paleobiology of Dinosaurs I
14. The Paleobiology of Dinosaurs II
15. The Flowering of the Mesozoic
16. A History of Dinosaur Paleontology Through the Ideas of Dinosaur Paleontologists
17. The Cretaceous–Paleogene Extinction: The Frill is Gone
Glossary
Index of Subjects
Index of Genera.

Subject Areas: Dinosaurs & the prehistoric world [WNA], Palaeontology [RBX], Zoology & animal sciences [PSV], Biology, life sciences [PS]