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| The Story of the Earth in 25 Rocks: Tales of Important Geological Puzzles and the People Who Solved Them
ISBN: 9780231544276
Platform/Publisher: JSTOR / Columbia University Press
Digital rights: Users: unlimited; Printing: chapter; Download: chapter
Subjects: Geology -- Popular works; Geologists; Earth sciences -- Popular works; Earth (Planet) -- Popular works;
As he has done so well in the past, Prothero (The Story of Life in 25 Fossils), professor of geology at Cal Poly Pomona, uses the geological record to answer many important questions about planet Earth. In 25 short and enjoyable chapters, he explores issues that have been at the center of geology since long before geology was a science. For example, he discusses the age of the Earth, the nature of continental drift, the characteristics of early life, and the cause of the demise of the dinosaurs, among many other topics. Prothero provides thought-provoking historical context for each subject and presents information about the individuals responsible for advancing geological knowledge-including James Hutton, Charles Lyell, and Alfred Wegener-while explaining the underlying science in an accessible manner. Beyond the specifics of each chapter, Prothero makes three important points: basic geological information can play an essential role in environmentalism, pure research is critical to advancing human civilization, and scientific disagreement often plays a central role in shaping theories and interpreting data. In the tradition of the best popular science writing, Prothero elucidates the latest findings of scientists while demonstrating their broader implications and sharing the excitement of scientific endeavor. Illus. (Jan.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Prothero Donald R. :
Donald R. Prothero has taught paleontology and geology for almost four decades. He is adjunct professor of geological sciences at California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, adjunct professor of astronomy and earth sciences at Mt. San Antonio College, and research associate in vertebrate paleontology at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. His Columbia University Press books include Bringing Fossils to Life: An Introduction to Paleobiology (third edition, 2013); The Story of Life in 25 Fossils: Tales of Intrepid Fossil Hunters and the Wonders of Evolution (2015); and Evolution: What the Fossils Say and Why It Matters (second edition, 2017).Donald R. Prothero has taught paleontology and geology for almost four decades. He is adjunct professor of geological sciences at California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, adjunct professor of geology at Pierce College, and research associate in vertebrate paleontology at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. His Columbia University Press books include Bringing Fossils to Life: An Introduction to Paleobiology (third edition, 2013); The Story of Life in 25 Fossils: Tales of Intrepid Fossil Hunters and the Wonders of Evolution (2015); and Evolution: What the Fossils Say and Why It Matters (second edition, 2017). |
