The Seventy Great Mysteries of the Natural World: Unlocking the Secrets of Our Planet

Description

Why do mammals rule the world? How did the eye evolve? What is the largest living organism? Why do we have five fingers and toes? What will Earth's climate be like in the future? More than 60 eminent scientists from all over the world give us privileged insights into their cutting-edge research into subjects such as our origins, evolution, bio-geography and environments, animal behaviour, climate change and the possibilities for our future. Through fascinating essays and superb illustrations you can journey from the core of the Earth to the top of Mount Everest, learn about microbes living without oxygen in the deepest oceans and the remarkable ways in which bees communicate, investigate the secrets of animal movement and migration, the rigours of life in the desert and how many species there may be in existence.

Michael J. Benton is Professor of Vertebrate Palaeontology and Head of the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Bristol. He has written over 40 books, including Vertebrate Palaeontology, The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Dinosaurs and When Life Nearly Died.

'A treasure trove of wonders ... a triumph of simply told stories ... a superb source of cutting-edge ideas' - BBC Wildlife Magazine 'Wonderfully illustrated short essays by a galaxy of scientists ... there is an enjoyable mystery for everyone' - New Scientist