Based on the behavior of American pronghorn antelope--which exhibit certain unexplainable "defense" characteristics--zoologist John A. Byers theorizes the animals' mystifying behaviors evolved in response to dangerous predators of their ancient past. Byers's provocative hypothesis suggests that other species' adaptations also are haunted by ghosts of predators past. 41 photos. 111 line drawings.

In this lavishly illustrated volume, Richard E. McCabe, Bart W. O'Gara and Henry M. Reeves explore the fascinating relationship of pronghorn with people in early America, from prehistoric evidence through the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876. The only one of fourteen pronghorn-like genera to survive the great extinction brought on by human migration into North America, the pronghorn has a long and unique history of interaction with humans on the continent, a history that until now has largely remained unwritten. With nearly 150 black-and-white photographs, 16 pages of color illustrations, plus original artwork by Daniel P. Metz, Prairie Ghost: Pronghorn and Human Interaction in Early America tells the intriguing story of humans and these elusive big game mammals in an informative and entertaining fashion that will appeal to historians, biologists, sportsmen and the general reader alike.

Join Professor Valerius Geist and photography Michael Francis as they salute the pronghorn antelope, the little brother of the American bison. This swift, smart, beautiful animal is the last survivor of North America's original large mammals. &break;&break;Val Geist of Calgary tells the fascinating story of the pronghorn, which has preserved through harsh and constant threats. If the pronghorn had not survived, the Great Plains today would be without a plains-adapted big-game animal. &break;&break;Geist's extensive biological and archaeological knowledge offers a unique, awe-inspiring look at the magnificent animal. Geist's story-telling ability captures all the science, history and beauty the pronghorn has to offer. &break;&break;More than 100 of Francis' colorful images captures the allure of the prairie and the heart of pronghorn country. Travel west with Geist and Francis. You'll soon understand why so many volunteers worked so hard to keep the prairies a place where the pronghorn can thrive and enthrall.

Additional ed. stmt. from dust jacket flap.

A field biologist draws an intimate portrait of the pronghorn antelope, the most charismatic resident of the American Great Plains. 25 halftones.

Since the first drawings left on walls of ancient caves, human beings have been fascinated with that unique phenomenon of the animal kingdom, the presence of horns and antlers. From the mythical ''unicorn'' exercising the power over life and death to the perceived aphrodisiacal and other medical properties of rhinoceros horns and growing antlers, these conspicuous protuberances have had a significant place in the history of mankind. Part of that ancient interest in antlers and horns was due to their value as sym bols of masculinity; this interest persists today in trophy hunting, an honorable tradition carried on for centuries in many countries of the world. This book, which deals with evolution, morphology, physiology, and behavior, has not been devised as a comprehensive review of the subject of horns, prong horns, and antlers; rather, it is a series of chapters stimulating thoughts, discus sions, and initiation of new studies. As editors, we did not interfere with the content of articles nor with the opin ions and interpretations of our contributors, and we left them to decide whether to accept the suggestions of our reviewers. Despite the fact that various aspects of cranial appendages have been studied since the end of the eighteenth century, many controversial views still exist, as witnessed in various chapters of this book.