Rise of Mammals in Africa

Inbunden, Engelska, 2026

AvEmmanuel Gheerbrant,Emmanuel (Centre de Recherches en Paleontologie-Paris) Gheerbrant

989 kr

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A beautifully illustrated account of the evolutionary journey of mammals in Africa.For more than 80 million years, "Island Africa" was a vast, isolated landmass south of the ancient Tethys Sea. Despite this isolation, waves of pioneering mammals crossed the sea, sparking remarkable evolutionary success stories that include the ancestors of elephants, primates, aardvarks, and more. Follow the extraordinary evolutionary journey of African mammals in this definitive account of how Africa's unique isolation shaped the development of some of Earth's most iconic species. Emmanuel Gheerbrant, a world-renowned expert in mammal evolution, weaves together paleontological discoveries and cutting-edge molecular research to illuminate this fascinating history. Through a comprehensive exploration of fossil evidence and stunning original artwork, this book reveals the origins and adaptations of extraordinary creatures, from the extinct Arsinoitherium and Moeritherium to today's elephants and lemurs. Gheerbrant explores the environmental and climatic forces that shaped these mammals, the impact of Africa's collision with Eurasia, and the enduring legacy of its evolutionary innovations on today's global biodiversity. Meticulously researched and beautifully illustrated, The Rise of Mammals in Africa provides an unparalleled window into a critical chapter of natural history. Whether you're a paleontologist, evolutionary biologist, or a curious reader captivated by Africa's natural wonders, this book is a gorgeously illustrated resource for understanding the origins of life as we know it.

Produktinformation

Utgivningsdatum2026-01-13
Mått150 x 20 x 240 mm
Vikt635 g
FormatInbunden
SpråkEngelska
Antal sidor304
FörlagJohns Hopkins University Press
IllustratörLetenneur, Charlène, Lethiers, Alexandre, Letenneur, Charlene (Centre de Recherches en Paleontologie-Paris), Lethiers, Alexandre (Centre de Recherches en Paleontologie-Paris)
ISBN9781421452395

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SummaryPrefaceAcknowledgmentsPrologue: The Living Fauna of African Mammals1. Origin and First Diversification of Placental Mammals in the World and in AfricaThe initial explosive diversification of modern mammalsWhen, why, and where did the mammalian explosion occur: Contradictions and reconciliation of molecular and fossil evidenceWhat about Africa in this story?2. The African Theater of OriginsA geography of origins apart: Island Africa, 110–23 MaPaleoenvironments in Island AfricaPaleogene climates in Island AfricaA heterogeneous African fossil record with long gapsPoorly dated African fossil localities3. Mammalian Paleontology in Island AfricaPrior to 66 Ma, during Cretaceous times: An African terra incognita of origins From 66 Ma to 23 Ma, the Early Cenozoic (Paleogene): Fossil discoveries in the African cradle4. Mammal Succession and Evolution in Island AfricaPaleocene—the beginnings of the placentalsEocene—the rise of emblematic African groupsOligocene—climax of African endemismFrom the Oligocene to the Miocene, a new world for Africa: The Old World5. Evolution and Relationships of the Major Endemic Groups in Island AfricaThe afrotheriansThe African rodentsThe extinct African carnivorous mammals: HyaenodontsPrimates: Origin of the loris, galagos, lemurs, monkeys, and apesArtiodactyls: Relationships of the African anthracotheres and hippopotamid origin6. An Overview of Mammal Evolution in Island AfricaCretaceous–Paleogene transition, 66 MaPaleocene–Eocene transition, 56 MaEocene–Oligocene transition, 34 MaOligocene–Miocene transition, 23 Ma, and establishment of the modern African faunaThe African homogeneity in time and spaceThe success of the African story: An Island Africa connectedEpilogue: What Is Next in the Quest for African Origins?Appendix GlossaryBibliographyTaxa IndexSubject Index