The World Encyclopedia Of Dinosaurs And Prehistoric Creatures

Ever since giant fossils were discovered in the western world more than 200 years ago, dinosaurs or ?terrible lizards? as they were named, have captured the public imagination. New discoveries and excavations continue to make dinosaurs an endless subject of fascination, and each new find has added or confirmed a different dimension to our understanding of the world of prehistoric creatures. This seminal book brings together every important dinosaur find from the last two centuries and from the world's richest fossil sites. The result is a comprehensive, groundbreaking book that details every kind of prehistoric creature known from the age of dinosaurs, including dinosaurs, fish, mammals, reptiles, pterosaurs, plesiosaurs, ichthyosaurs, amphibians, crocodiles, turtles, birds and mosasaurs. A comprehensive introduction explains the evolution of earth's geology and the development of animal and plant life within it, culminating with the arrival of the dinosaurs. It explains the classification of dinosaurs and how they developed over the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous eras, from the smallest sea creature to the largest land-dwelling dinosaurs with the greatest body mass. The different habitats where dinosaurs are thought to have lived are all depicted, from deserts to lagoons, lakes, mountains, swamps and plains, together with the fossil evidence that helps to explain the presence of dinosaurs in each site. Fascinating anatomical drawings demonstrate the skeletal make up of the different dinosaurs - sauropods, theropods, ornithopods, and armoured dinosaurs - and explain how they functioned, moved and lived. Expert analysis of fossils has provided theories about what dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures ate; fossil footprints help explain how they socialized, whether moving in herds, or in solitary isolation; and the discovery of eggs provides theories about how dinosaurs formed colonies, migrating to different areas to rear their young. Finally the role of the dinosaur hunters is explained, with a glimpse at how fossils are excavated, and where the most important fossil sites are in the world. The main section of the book is an encyclopedia of 1000 dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures. Every entry is clearly described according to the latest scientific thinking and is placed within the context of when it lived. Its size and shape, muscle and bone structure are detailed together with explanations of how it moved, hunted and defended itself from attack. Fossil evidence has revealed the feeding preferences of many dinosaurs and the position of jaws and teeth show how it killed and ate its prey. Current ideas about skin texture and covering are all explained. Each main entry is accompanied by a highly detailed and technically accurate watercolour illustration, and a map showing the sites where fossils have been found. This unique illustrated volume, with its unparalleled combination of the latest expert research and beautiful visual reconstruction, will be an endless source of fascination and an essential family reference for school and home study.

Provides in-depth entries on early Earth's climates, conditions, animal and plant life forms that flourished and floundered throughout each era, along with biographies of notable figures.

"This book is an illustrated guide to the awesome animals that ruled our planet millions of years ago. Find out about the very first dinosaurs and their ancestors, the giant herbivores, the fierce meat-eaters and the reptiles that ruled the seas and skies. And read about the amazing quest of the fossil hunters who have gradually revealed a hidden world."--Back cover.

Profiles many of the known dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures.

Take a journey back in time to discover the incredible plants and animals of prehistoric Earth. It’s the ultimate first dinosaur book for young readers! From the first living cells to fearsome dinosaurs and giant mammals, this children’s book brings your budding paleontologist face-to-face with these awe-inspiring creatures! Inside the pages of this dinosaur encyclopedia from DK Books, you’ll discover: • Large pictures and clear, jargon-free text • A handy, pronunciation guide for each animal or plant • Visual index arranged chronologically, so species can be found quickly • Detailed profiles of each featured species with key information and fun facts such as size, time period, and location Little dinosaur lovers will be captivated by the amazing range of prehistoric beasts on display! Detailed artworks bring the past to life, painting a spectacular portrait of the supersized, the scary, and the downright bizarre animals and plants that inhabited Earth in ancient times. Throughout the pages of this fascinating prehistoric book, you’ll discover how the Earth has changed over time, why fossils formed, and the arrival of early humans. A pronunciation guide helps kids with tricky names and encourages early learning and language development. The helpful visual index provides a quick overview of every species in the book. Learn more about prehistoric animals and plants through detailed profiles of 50 key species. Your little one will love reading about famous favorites such as the mighty Tyrannosaurus and the huge Woolly Mammoths! They will also get to know lesser-known dinosaurs, including sail-backed Dimetrodon and airplane-sized pterosaur Quetzalcoatlus. These profiles are jargon-free and based on the latest science. The Prehistoric World Awaits! Packed with jaw-dropping images, fascinating facts, and straightforward explanations, it’s the perfect gift for children aged 5 to 8 with a love of prehistoric beasts and dinosaurs.

Written in simple language and designed in colour-coded sections, this book describes the evolution, the lifestyles and the history of the dinosaurs.

Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life is a giant visual guide for children aged 8+, offering a comprehensive insight into prehistoric life. Starting with the beginning of life on Earth, each section progresses from plants and the first amphibians to early reptiles and the first dinosaurs. The Age of Dinosaurs is explored in detail, and covers many exciting discoveries of new species, as well a comprehensive guide to better-known species. The fascinating progression from dinosaurs to birds is clearly explained, which leads into the Age of Mammals. The book concludes with the appearance of early humans and the evolution of modern humans. A source of information for school projects or homework.

A lavishly illustrated who's who of the prehistoric world. Firefly Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animals is a stunning new reference to 350 of the most amazing animals ever to have roamed the Earth. More than 1,000 full-color commissioned artworks bring the prehistoric world to vivid life and make the book exciting to look at and read. The encyclopedia covers all of the dinosaurs plus the full scope of prehistoric animals, including birds, camels, fish, reptiles, porpoises, apes and many more. Timelines, family trees and hundreds of fact boxes throughout the book will engage and inform readers. Full-bleed illustrations on every page show the prehistoric world in exciting detail. Easy-to-read text presents accurate, succinct and essential information that includes: Classification of animal groups Vertebrate characteristics Common and species names Biology, anatomy, habitats and survival skills Features on animal behavior Accurate labeled illustrations and maps. This richly illustrated, authoritative reference will capture readers' imagination and provide hours of discovery. It is ideal for home and school where it will be especially useful for reports.