The History of Life

A Very Short Introduction

Michael J. Benton (Professor of Vertebrate Palaeontology)

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English

Oxford University Press
02 February 2009

Mathematics & Sciences; Popular science; Evolution; Palaeontology

Series: A Very Short Introduction

There are few stories more remarkable than the evolution of life on earth. This Very Short Introduction presents a succinct guide to the key episodes in that story - from the very origins of life four million years ago to the extraordinary diversity of species around the globe today.

Beginning with an explanation of the controversies surrounding the birth of life itself, each following chapter tells of a major breakthrough that made new forms of life possible: including sex and multicellularity, hard skeletons, and the move to land. Along the way, we witness the greatest mass extinction, the first forests, the rise of modern ecosystems, and, most recently, conscious humans.

Introducing ideas from a range of scientific disciplines, from evolutionary biology and earth history, to geochemistry, palaeontology, and systematics, Michael Benton explains how modern science pieces the evidence in this vast evolutionary puzzle together, to build up an accessible and up-to-date picture of the key developments in the history of life on earth.

ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

By: Michael J. Benton (Professor of Vertebrate Palaeontology)
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 174mm, Width: 111mm, Spine: 10mm
Weight: 142g
ISBN: 9780199226320
ISBN 10: 0199226326
Series: A Very Short Introduction
Pages: 184
Publication Date: 02 February 2009
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Reviews for The History of Life: A Very Short Introduction

Praise for THE ADVENTURE OF ENGLISH -- - 'Bragg's excellent radio programmes on the subject ...are the basis of this history of English over the past 1,500 years.' -- Guardian 'Always readable, often thought-provoking, and consistently entertaining.' -- Independent 'This is a highly readable, jargon-free treatise on a notoriously prickly subject. Bragg's affection for his subject is infectious.' -- Observer 'Melvyn Bragg's superb new history of the English language is told as an adventure story, and rightly so. There is much splendid intellectual firepower in this book.' -- Andrew Roberts, Spectator 'Beautifully clear and, indeed, thrilling' -- Waterstone's Books Quarterly 'Bragg's approachable account...gleams with little gems. His enthusiasm is appealing...he digs beneath modernity and examines our bedrock with a sympathetic eye. It has power and clarity...this adventure is rewarding.' -- Sunday Herald