extinct animals

Describes prehistoric sea creatures from the Ordovician period, 450 million years ago, to the Pliocene period, four million years ago, reconstructed using computer graphics based on scientific evidence.

The author describes his research and field work in relation to the evolution of the Australian kangaroo; and recalls his encounters with ancient aboriginal cultures, fossil hunters, and scientists.

Briefly describes creatures from river, lake, or wetland habitats that are extinct or currently endangered, such as the Amazon River dolphin, crested ibis, pygmy hog, and painted terrapin.

Describes extinct or endangered animals of the mountains, deserts, and grasslands including the Tasmanian wolf, giant panda, and snow leopard.

Briefly describes a variety of animals, including lemurs, apes and monkeys, parrots, and elephants, which are endangered or already extinct as a result of man's destruction of their forest habitats or man's poaching and hunting.

Discusses the history of the passenger pigeon, which at one time made up one-quarter of the birds of America but is now extinct.

Describes the physical characteristics and habits of prehistoric birds that are now extinct, such as archaeopteryx, and those of species that have either recently vanished or are facing extinction.

Discusses the flightless bird that lived on the island of Mauritius and why it became extinct in the 1600s. Also describes the efforts of conservationists to protect endangered birds.

Descriptive text and illustrations introduce a number of prehistoric beasts, such as borhyenas, diatrymas, and smilodons, discussing their physical characteristics and where they lived.

Draws from the fossil record to present a region-by-region exploration of North America as it may have looked near the end of the Ice Age, and features computer-generated images of landscapes and now extinct animals such as the wooly mammoth and giant short-faced bear.