Dinosaurs, Spitfires, and Sea Dragons
by Christopher McGowan
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Description
Christopher McGowan sets out to solve some of the enduring mysteries about dinosaurs and other prehistoric reptiles. He makes fascinating comparisons between living and extinct animals while presenting topics that range from gigantism to intellect. In addition to exploring the natural history of the Mesozoic Era, McGowan draws on science and engineering concepts to explain curiosities such as the similarities between the aerodynamics of pteranodons and Spitfire planes.Tags
Recommendations
Member Reviews
I think I learned more about what paleontologists actually do and how they think, than I did about dinosaurs from reading this book.
A wonderful primer, especially on the non-dinosaur denizens of the air and sea between the permian and KT extinctions.
What ages would I recommend it too? – Twelve and up.
Length? – Several day’s read.
Characters? – Memorable, several characters.
Setting? – Real World 1980's study of dinosaurs.
Written approximately? – 1991.
Does the story leave questions in the readers mind? – Yes. What changes have been made.
Any issues the author (or a more recent publisher) should cover? Yes. The Caldera fund in Mexico, and few other updates. Not sure the komodo dragon specifics are correct. Enlarge and darken font to be more readable.
Short storyline: A study of dinosaurs, combines with knowledge of modern animals and man made machines (pre- 1990).
Notes for the reader: This book is almost a quarter of a century out of date, and yet it s still a fascinating show more read and understanding of early dinosaur research. show less
Length? – Several day’s read.
Characters? – Memorable, several characters.
Setting? – Real World 1980's study of dinosaurs.
Written approximately? – 1991.
Does the story leave questions in the readers mind? – Yes. What changes have been made.
Any issues the author (or a more recent publisher) should cover? Yes. The Caldera fund in Mexico, and few other updates. Not sure the komodo dragon specifics are correct. Enlarge and darken font to be more readable.
Short storyline: A study of dinosaurs, combines with knowledge of modern animals and man made machines (pre- 1990).
Notes for the reader: This book is almost a quarter of a century out of date, and yet it s still a fascinating show more read and understanding of early dinosaur research. show less
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Author Information
10 Works 611 Members
Christopher McGowan is a full professor in the Department of Zoology at the University of Toronto and Senior Curator of Paleobiology at the Royal Ontario Museum.
Common Knowledge
- Dedication
- To Liz, with love,
You make everything worthwhile
Classifications
Statistics
- Members
- 96
- Popularity
- 333,396
- Reviews
- 3
- Rating
- (3.90)
- Languages
- English, Spanish
- Media
- Paper
- ISBNs
- 4
- ASINs
- 1
