Extinctions: How Life Survives, Adapts and Evolves

Michael Benton's book explores the great mass-extinction events that have shaped our Earth,using cutting-edge tools to uncover their lethal effects and processes. It begins with the Late Ordovician, investigates the late Devonian, End-Permian, Carnian Pluvial Event, and End-Cretaceous asteroid, and examines how global warming, acid rain, ocean acidification, erupting volcanoes, and meteorite impact have affected conditions on Earth.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 07 September 2023
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

In this captivating exploration of Earth's history, Michael Benton takes us on a journey through profound mass extinction events that have shaped our planet. Through the use of cutting-edge tools in biology, chemistry, physics, and geology, Benton unveils the secrets of past environmental cataclysms, including the remarkable discovery of a previously unknown extinction event. He delves into the Late Ordovician, which marked a significant milestone in the evolution of animals; the late Devonian, brought about by global warming; the catastrophic End-Permian, which wiped out over 90 percent of life on Earth; and the recently discovered Carnian Pluvial Event and the End-Cretaceous asteroid, which marked the end of the dinosaur era.

Benton examines the impact of global warming, acid rain, ocean acidification, erupting volcanoes, and meteorite impacts on Earth's conditions, the severe consequences for global ecology, and the remarkable resilience and adaptability of life forms. By retelling scientific breakthroughs, Benton connects the dots between ancient upheavals and our contemporary crises. As climate scientists and political leaders grapple with understanding these processes and navigating the sixth great extinction, the insights from the past offer valuable guidance for survival. This expert retelling of historical events sheds light on the complexities of our planet's history and provides a deeper understanding of the challenges we face today.

Weight: 642g
Dimension: 164 x 243 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780500025468