"Extinct Giants" explores the fascinating realm of colossal prehistoric life, examining the evolution, environmental context, and ultimate extinction of these titans. The book highlights the era when biological limits were stretched, diving into the reasons behind the emergence and disappearance of these enormous creatures. Understanding the fate of these giants provides vital insights into the principles governing life on Earth, and the implications of current environmental shifts. For example, the book looks at how the Megalodon evolved into a massive marine predator and how the Woolly Mammoth adapted to Ice Age conditions.
The book progresses systematically, starting with an introduction to gigantism and its drivers. It then investigates the marine environment, focusing on giant sharks and marine reptiles, before shifting to land to explore gigantic mammals like the woolly mammoth. Finally, it examines the extinction events that wiped out many of these giants, evaluating the roles of climate change and human activity.
The book presents information from paleontology, geology, and evolutionary biology in an accessible style, avoiding technical jargon and explaining complex concepts clearly, making it valuable to those interested in Earth Sciences, Biology, and prehistoric life.
