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Full Description
A beautifully illustrated account of the evolutionary journey of mammals in Africa.
For more than 80 million years, "Island Africa" was a vast, isolated landmass south of the ancient Tethys Sea. Despite this isolation, waves of pioneering mammals crossed the sea, sparking remarkable evolutionary success stories that include the ancestors of elephants, primates, aardvarks, and more. Follow the extraordinary evolutionary journey of African mammals in this definitive account of how Africa's unique isolation shaped the development of some of Earth's most iconic species.
Emmanuel Gheerbrant, a world-renowned expert in mammal evolution, weaves together paleontological discoveries and cutting-edge molecular research to illuminate this fascinating history. Through a comprehensive exploration of fossil evidence and stunning original artwork, this book reveals the origins and adaptations of extraordinary creatures, from the extinct Arsinoitherium and Moeritherium to today's elephants and lemurs. Gheerbrant explores the environmental and climatic forces that shaped these mammals, the impact of Africa's collision with Eurasia, and the enduring legacy of its evolutionary innovations on today's global biodiversity.
Meticulously researched and beautifully illustrated, The Rise of Mammals in Africa provides an unparalleled window into a critical chapter of natural history. Whether you're a paleontologist, evolutionary biologist, or a curious reader captivated by Africa's natural wonders, this book is a gorgeously illustrated resource for understanding the origins of life as we know it.
Contents
Summary
Preface
Acknowledgments
Prologue: The Living Fauna of African Mammals
1. Origin and First Diversification of Placental Mammals in the World and in Africa
The initial explosive diversification of modern mammals
When, why, and where did the mammalian explosion occur: Contradictions and reconciliation of molecular and fossil evidence
What about Africa in this story?
2. The African Theater of Origins
A geography of origins apart: Island Africa, 110-23 Ma
Paleoenvironments in Island Africa
Paleogene climates in Island Africa
A heterogeneous African fossil record with long gaps
Poorly dated African fossil localities
3. Mammalian Paleontology in Island Africa
Prior to 66 Ma, during Cretaceous times: An African terra incognita of origins
From 66 Ma to 23 Ma, the Early Cenozoic (Paleogene): Fossil discoveries in the African cradle
4. Mammal Succession and Evolution in Island Africa
Paleocene—the beginnings of the placentals
Eocene—the rise of emblematic African groups
Oligocene—climax of African endemism
From the Oligocene to the Miocene, a new world for Africa: The Old World
5. Evolution and Relationships of the Major Endemic Groups in Island Africa
The afrotherians
The African rodents
The extinct African carnivorous mammals: Hyaenodonts
Primates: Origin of the loris, galagos, lemurs, monkeys, and apes
Artiodactyls: Relationships of the African anthracotheres and hippopotamid origin
6. An Overview of Mammal Evolution in Island Africa
Cretaceous-Paleogene transition, 66 Ma
Paleocene-Eocene transition, 56 Ma
Eocene-Oligocene transition, 34 Ma
Oligocene-Miocene transition, 23 Ma, and establishment of the modern African fauna
The African homogeneity in time and space
The success of the African story: An Island Africa connected
Epilogue: What Is Next in the Quest for African Origins?
Appendix
Glossary
Bibliography
Taxa Index
Subject Index
