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Dinosaurs and Other Mesozoic Reptiles of California
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About Dinosaurs And Other Mesozoic Reptiles Of California
Product Description One of the most geologically complex and diverse states, California spent much of the age of dinosaurs under water. While most of the fossils found in the state are those of reptiles that lived in the sea (thalattosaurs, ichthyosaurs, mosasaurs, plesiosaurs, and turtles), some are those of birds and pterosaurs that soared above it. Other fossils come from terrestrial animals that died and were washed into the ocean. These include turtles, crocodiles, lizards, and dinosaurs such as armored ankylosaurs, duck-billed hadrosaurs, and a variety of carnivorous dinosaurs. Richard Hilton is the first to tell the unsung story of the dinosaurs and reptiles of land, sea, and sky that lived in California and Baja California during the Mesozoic era (245 million-65 million years ago), in addition to the history of their discovery. Vibrantly illustrated with more than three hundred photographs, paintings, and drawings, this book provides geological and environmental details, describes the significance of the major fossils, and chronicles the adventures involved in the discovery, preparation, and publishing of the finds. Hilton also includes accounts of the scientists, teachers, students, ranchers, and weekend fossil hunters who endured (and continue to endure) harsh weather, fires, wild animals, and the usual challenges of fieldwork to collect fossil remains and make major discoveries. These enthusiasts managed to safeguard an abundance of fossil resources, some of which would otherwise have been destroyed by quarrying, paving, and housing developments. Dinosaurs and Other Mesozoic Reptiles of California takes this legacy one step further by documenting information about the fossils and their finders in accessible prose and vivid artistic renderings, creating a valuable contribution to our understanding of California’s prehistoric past. From Publishers Weekly California has produced a rich trove of Mesozoic fossils: dinosaurs, flying reptiles, and especially, since most of the state was submerged under water during the Mesozoic Era, marine reptiles. Hilton, a professor of geology at California's Sierra College, presents a comprehensive guide to these remains, and a history of those who discovered them, going back to the 1890s. (One of the highlights is his account of Allan Bennison's discovery of the vertebrae and leg bones of a hadrosaur in 1936, when Bennison was only 17 years old.) Hilton explains the role of California's active geology (many fossils are exposed by earthquakes) and dinosaur taxonomy as an introduction. Then, he discusses each species of dinosaur and reptile: how and where it lived, and its physical characteristics. These explanations are beautifully illustrated by Kirkland, who provides detailed drawings of skulls and entire skeletons, as well as imaginative reconstructions of how dinosaurs may have appeared when they walked the earth. This handsome volume will delight any dinosaurophile. 97 color illus., 102 b&w photos, 91 line illus., 1 table. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. Review "Other books describe the same types of dinosaurs and reptiles, but this one is unique in creating a complete picture of the Mesozoic era in California. The writing style is suitable for lay readers, but fossil descriptions and inventory make the work a valuable academic reference. Recommended for academic libraries, large public libraries with extensive paleontology collections, and California libraries."-- Library Journal -- Review From the Inside Flap "Vividly described and illustrated, this engaging saga of the California 'bone rush' is authoritative and accessible to expert or amateur paleontologists and the general reader."Michael Novacek, American Museum of Natural History, author of Time Traveler "California has long been recognized for its very significant fossils of Mesozoic marine reptiles. Not as well known are the other Mesozoic reptilian fossils. Richard Hilton recreates the
