Birds of stone : Chinese avian fossils from the age of dinosaurs
- Title
- Birds of stone : Chinese avian fossils from the age of dinosaurs / Luis M. Chiappe, Meng Qingjin.
- Published by
- Baltimore : Johns Hopkins University Press, 2016.
- Author
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| Status | Format | Access | Call number | Item location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Status | FormatText | AccessRequest in advance | Call numberQE871 .C44 2016 | Item locationOff-site |
Details
- Additional authors
- Description
- viii, 294 pages : illustrations (chiefly color), maps; 29 cm
- Summary
- When fossils of birds from China's Jehol region first appeared in scientific circles, the world took notice. These Mesozoic masterpieces are between 120 and 131 million years old and reveal incredible details that capture the diversity of ancient bird life. Paleontologists all over the world began to collaborate with Chinese colleagues as new and wondrous fossil-related discoveries became regular events. The pages of National Geographic and major scientific journals described the intricate views of feathers as well as food still visible in the guts of these ancient birds. Now, for the first time, a sweeping collection of the most interesting of Jehol's avian fossils is on display in this beautiful book. Birds of Stone makes visible the unexpected avian diversity that blanketed the earth just a short time (geologically speaking) after a dinosaur lineage gave rise to the first birds. Our visual journey through these fossils is guided by Luis M. Chiappe, a world expert on early birds, and Meng Qingjin, a leading figure in China's natural history museum community. Together, they help us understand the "meaning" of each fossil by providing straightforward narratives that accompany the full-page photographs of the Jehol discoveries. Anyone interested in the history of life-from paleontologists to inquisitive birders-will find Birds of Stone an irresistible feast for the eyes and mind.
- Alternative title
- Chinese avian fossils from the age of dinosaurs
- Subject
- Contents
- Introduction -- The world of the Mesozoic -- Mesozoic life -- The rise of birds -- Feathered dinosaurs -- Flying dinosaurs -- The origin of feathers -- The Mesozoic aviary -- Avian flight -- Becoming airborne -- Flight refinement -- The Jehol biota -- The Jehol avifauna.
- Owning institution
- Columbia University Libraries
- Bibliography (note)
- Includes bibliographical references (pages 279-285) and index.