The Paleozoic Era : Diversification of Plant and Animal Life

Characterized by a surge in biodiversity and evolutionary development, the Paleozoic Era ushered in the beginnings of life as we know it. Within these pages, readers will discover the fossil and geologic evidence from this time that reveals a dynamic planet, where new species of plants and animals were constantly emerging and continents were breaking apart and reforming. While many of the species from this era are now extinct and the continents are relatively stable, remnants of this era still continue to shed much-needed light on the conditions of Earth, both past and present. A diverse range of organisms and rock formations have survived for many millennia, originating prior to the emergence of human life forms. These geological formations reveal much about EarthOCOs climate and the types of life forms that can endure certain environmental conditions. Using fossil records and geological evidence, this comprehensive series examines all aspects of prehistory, including the ascendancy of dinosaurs and the beginnings of humankind. Numerous photographs and illustrations invite the reader to understand the genesis of life as we know it."