Living Fossil: The Story of the Coelacanth

Customer Reviews:

Very informative and wonderfully written but dated.......2005-02-08

Keith S. Thomson's book is truly a marvelous piece of scientific writing. It seamlessly integrates the stories of the eccentric personalities involved in first identifing and classifying the coelacanth, the odd history of coelacanth evolution and what we know about coelacanth physiology and behavior. "Living Fossil" is both meticulously researched and a joy to read.

The only problem with Thomson's work is that the book was released in 1991 (at least the edition I've read), and in 1997 a new species of ceolacanth was found in Sulawesi, Indonesia (quite distant from the first species' habitat in the Comoros Islands!) The book is still a compelling read, but a more contemporary book is suggested for information on Latimeria menadoensis, the most recently discovered of the coelacanth species.

the dark itching.......2000-03-08

to be perfectly honest, i haven't exactly read this book. it matters not. and anyway, i just ordered the dang thing, so i'll read it soon enough. am i the only poor asshead in the world with a credit card, internet access, poor impulse control, and a fascination with ugly prehistoric fish?

Average customer rating:

An engaging an information-filled read for students of zoology

Tuatara: A Living Fossil
Dick Lutz
Manufacturer: DIMI Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Biology of Gila Monsters and Beaded Lizards (Organisms and Environments)

ASIN: 0931625432

Product Description

The tuatara is an ancient reptile still existing in New Zealand. It is one of the four Orders of the Class Reptilia. The others are: crocodiles and alligators, turtles and tortoises, lizards and snakes. Thus, it is unique in the reptile world. This book is a detailed description of the characteristics and habits of this animal. In addition, it describes the relationship between the tuatara and the Maori (the indigenous people) and the rest of New Zealand. Zoo history and suggestions for zoo handling are also covered along with information about the New Zealand government's excellent steps to protect this unusual animal. It closes with a review of research, present and future. The book contain black & white and color photographs, a glossary, bibliography, and index.

Customer Reviews:

An engaging an information-filled read for students of zoology.......2006-04-11

Very highly recommended to reptile collectors and nature/reptile enthusiasts with a scientific orientation, Tuatara, A Living Fossil by Dick Lutz is an informed and informative history of the Komodo Dragon enhanced with complete reference to being the only reptile with its own reptilian order strictly defining itself. As there are four reptile orders/classifications (turtles/tortoises; lizards and snakes; alligators and crocodiles -- the fourth category belongs solely to the tuatara, an interesting organism that has existed since the age of the dinosaur. Tuatara, A Living Fossil makes for an engaging an information-filled read for students of zoology.

FOSSIL PLANTS PB (Smithsonian's Living Past)

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Great introduction to Paleobotany
Highly enjoyable

FOSSIL PLANTS PB (Smithsonian's Living Past)
Kenrick P
Manufacturer: Smithsonian
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1588341569

Book Description

An amazing look at plants of the past through an examination of the fossils that remain.

Long before there were animals on the earth, many kinds of plants covered the prehistoric planet. The soft remains rarely fossilized, but sometimes leaves, flowers, and branches would fall into soft mud or be encased by the ash of exploding volcanoes. These plants were preserved and now offer a sampling of life in the distant past and a contrast to our present flora. This complete guide to fossil plants explains both the lives of ancient plants and why certain plants became fossilized. Kenrick and Davis trace the evolution of land plants, ferns, conifers, and their relatives, the flowering plants. Interwoven are snapshots of landscapes and environments of various periods, focusing on plant and animal interactions. The included photographs present these ancient, sometimes delicate pieces of shale, and Kenrick and Davis explain the story that fossil plants can tell us about the past. 16 pages of color photographs, 100 b/w photographs.

Customer Reviews:

Great introduction to Paleobotany.......2007-05-31

This 216 page guide to fossil plants is an excellent overview of the subject. Starting with the simplest cells, it builds to the great forests that once covered much of the Earth. It has separate chapters on the great coal measures, the interaction of plants and animals, and the development of flowering plants.
It contains numerous photographs of plant fossils and has a glossary of terms for those not acquainted with botany.
The book is an excellent introductory text for anyone interested in studying further on the subject of Paleobotany (e.g. Paleobotany and the Evolution of Plants by Wilson N. Stewart).

Highly enjoyable.......2005-03-16

I thouroughly enjoyed this treatment of the fossil history of plants. The book is very tuned to the casual reader, but also gives solid info on plants such as Calamites (an extinct horsetail), Lepidodendrons, Glossopteris, and many others. I read it to the last page and will keep it around to refer to. Fills a niche that has been somewhat neglected.

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Living Fossil
Keith Stewart Thomson
Manufacturer: Radius
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0091751152

Fossil Fish Found Alive: Discovering the Coelacanth (Carolrhoda Photo Books)

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Excellent research--interesting for both children and adults
Out of the Depths

Fossil Fish Found Alive: Discovering the Coelacanth (Carolrhoda Photo Books)
Sally M. Walker
Manufacturer: Carolrhoda Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1575055368

Customer Reviews:

Excellent research--interesting for both children and adults.......2004-04-14

Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer discovered the fish long believed extinct on December 22, 1938. Walker provides the perfect amount of detail to make for a lively description of the research and discoveries that scientists have made until the present. Photographs and illustrations are excellent. Includes maps, timeline, source notes, selected bibliography, glossary, and index. Karen Woodworth-Roman, Children's Science Book Review

Out of the Depths.......2002-04-09

The mysteries of the ocean just keep on amazing me! This is a superbly written book about a fish, the coelacanth, that was thought to be extinct. Ms. Walker presents a tremendous amount of material in a highly readable manner. Her well-chosen photographs, drawings, and maps compliment her rich text. Ms. Walker has written clearly, bringing together comprehensive scientific research into a unique story of a unique fish. This is a terrific book and a definite must for any collection of ocean books.

What The Dinosaurs Saw: Animals Living Then And Now (level 1) (Hello Reader)

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What The Dinosaurs Saw: Animals Living Then And Now (level 1) (Hello Reader)
Miriam Schlein
Manufacturer: Cartwheel
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0590371282

Jack Horner: Living With Dinosaurs (Science Superstars)

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Jack Horner: Living With Dinosaurs (Science Superstars)
Don Lessem
Manufacturer: W H Freeman & Co (Sd)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0716765497

On Methuselah's Trail: Living Fossils and the Great Extinctions

Average customer rating:

A Wonderful Book!
Charming

On Methuselah's Trail: Living Fossils and the Great Extinctions
Peter Douglas Ward
Manufacturer: W H Freeman & Co (Sd)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Evolution | Science | Subjects | Books

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Customer Reviews:

A Wonderful Book!.......2000-09-06

I wish this book had been around when I was in high school because it brought the field of science in general, and geology/biology in particular, alive for the first time. I honestly looked at my natural surroundings differently after reading it. I have also purchased and enjoyed the hard cover copies of Professor Ward's other two books. Some of the passages he writes especially with regard to bringing you back in time give you shivers.

Charming.......1999-04-09

Peter Ward is one of the best writers in this genre - personally I rate him with Wilson, Dawkins and Gould - at least when it comes to the art of telling a good story, creating a good picture.

Book Description

This overview and introduction to the study of fossil invertebrates emphasizes both soft and skeletal anatomy, as well as the relationship between those known only from fossils and animals living today. It lays the foundation for studentsÕ eventual abilities to (1) recognize many of the most abundant fossils, (2) appreciate their value in interpreting ancient environments of deposition, and (3) use them as tools for stratigraphic correlation.

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They Lived With the Dinosaurs
Russell Freedman
Manufacturer: Holiday House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: School & Library Binding

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ASIN: 0823404242

Book Description

Estuaries are dynamic coastal waterways where salt and fresh water mix. Where River Meets Sea describes the value and status of Australia's 974 estuaries and takes readers on a state-by-state tour describing the health, geography, science, management and ecological functions of these unique coastal waterways. It includes profiles of people and their relationships with estuaries. The book's many photographs, maps, case studies and diagrams will help Australians to better understand, appreciate and wisely use these natural areas.

Chapters on natural history, coastal science and management give an understanding of our vast network of pristine and heavily modified estuaries - from isolated tide-dominated estuaries in Australia's tropical north to those shaped by waves in southern, temperate waters. Other chapters show how people use and value coastal catchments and waterways, the impacts of human development on natural ecosystems, and how estuaries can be better managed in future.

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