Ever since giant fossils were discovered in the western world more than 200 years ago, dinosaurs or ?terrible lizards? as they were named, have captured the public imagination. New discoveries and excavations continue to make dinosaurs an endless subject of fascination, and each new find has added or confirmed a different dimension to our understanding of the world of prehistoric creatures. This seminal book brings together every important dinosaur find from the last two centuries and from the world's richest fossil sites. The result is a comprehensive, groundbreaking book that details every kind of prehistoric creature known from the age of dinosaurs, including dinosaurs, fish, mammals, reptiles, pterosaurs, plesiosaurs, ichthyosaurs, amphibians, crocodiles, turtles, birds and mosasaurs. A comprehensive introduction explains the evolution of earth's geology and the development of animal and plant life within it, culminating with the arrival of the dinosaurs. It explains the classification of dinosaurs and how they developed over the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous eras, from the smallest sea creature to the largest land-dwelling dinosaurs with the greatest body mass. The different habitats where dinosaurs are thought to have lived are all depicted, from deserts to lagoons, lakes, mountains, swamps and plains, together with the fossil evidence that helps to explain the presence of dinosaurs in each site. Fascinating anatomical drawings demonstrate the skeletal make up of the different dinosaurs - sauropods, theropods, ornithopods, and armoured dinosaurs - and explain how they functioned, moved and lived. Expert analysis of fossils has provided theories about what dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures ate; fossil footprints help explain how they socialized, whether moving in herds, or in solitary isolation; and the discovery of eggs provides theories about how dinosaurs formed colonies, migrating to different areas to rear their young. Finally the role of the dinosaur hunters is explained, with a glimpse at how fossils are excavated, and where the most important fossil sites are in the world. The main section of the book is an encyclopedia of 1000 dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures. Every entry is clearly described according to the latest scientific thinking and is placed within the context of when it lived. Its size and shape, muscle and bone structure are detailed together with explanations of how it moved, hunted and defended itself from attack. Fossil evidence has revealed the feeding preferences of many dinosaurs and the position of jaws and teeth show how it killed and ate its prey. Current ideas about skin texture and covering are all explained. Each main entry is accompanied by a highly detailed and technically accurate watercolour illustration, and a map showing the sites where fossils have been found. This unique illustrated volume, with its unparalleled combination of the latest expert research and beautiful visual reconstruction, will be an endless source of fascination and an essential family reference for school and home study.

Provides in-depth entries on early Earth's climates, conditions, animal and plant life forms that flourished and floundered throughout each era, along with biographies of notable figures.

This book is the most authoritative encyclopedia ever prepared on dinosaurs and dinosaur science. In addition to entries on specific animals such as Tyrannosaurus, Triceratops, and Velociraptor, the Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs covers reproduction, behavior, physiology, and extinction. The book is generously illustrated with many detailed drawings and photographs, and includes color pictures and illustrations that feature interpretations of the best known and most important animals. All alphabetical entries are cross-referenced internally, as well as at the end of each entry. The Encyclopedia includes up-to-date references that encourage the reader to investigate personal interests. The most authoritative encyclopedia ever prepared on dinosaurs Includes many detailed drawings, photographs and illustrations in both color and black-and-white Contains comprehensively cross-referenced alphabetical entries with internal references, as well as references at the conclusion of each entry Provides in-depth references, allowing readers to pursue independent interests Includes sixteen plates and 35 color illustrations

"This book is an illustrated guide to the awesome animals that ruled our planet millions of years ago. Find out about the very first dinosaurs and their ancestors, the giant herbivores, the fierce meat-eaters and the reptiles that ruled the seas and skies. And read about the amazing quest of the fossil hunters who have gradually revealed a hidden world."--Back cover.

An illustrated guide to the physical characteristics, behaviors, diets, and habitats of dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals. Includes more than 250 ancient species, many only recently discovered.

Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life is a giant visual guide for children aged 8+, offering a comprehensive insight into prehistoric life. Starting with the beginning of life on Earth, each section progresses from plants and the first amphibians to early reptiles and the first dinosaurs. The Age of Dinosaurs is explored in detail, and covers many exciting discoveries of new species, as well a comprehensive guide to better-known species. The fascinating progression from dinosaurs to birds is clearly explained, which leads into the Age of Mammals. The book concludes with the appearance of early humans and the evolution of modern humans. A source of information for school projects or homework.