Reviews
Chatterjee takes us to where long-hidden bird fossils dwell. His compelling, occasionally controversial, revelations—accompanied by spectacular illustrations—are a must-read for anyone with a serious interest in the evolution of 'the feathered dinosaurs,' from vertebrate paleontologists and ornithologists to naturalists and birders... A must have for anyone with a serious interest in fossil birds.
A beautifully written and illustrated volume on the origin and evolution of birds.
... An easy read and can and should be read and understood by anyone interested in the subject.
The thought of toppling Archaeopteryx from its lofty evolutionary perch is probably enough to ruffle some scientific feathers. But The Rise of Birds, as the title promises, delivers more than an interpretation of a single bird, however ancient. Most of the book is devoted to a thoughtful analysis of bird evolution and anatomy aided by useful drawings. Chatterjee forcefully argues a minority view that bird flight originated from the 'trees down.' He also reminds us why we should be, as we are, fascinated by birds and their origins.
Eminent paleontologist Sankar Chatterjee provides a splendid overview of the current paleontological orthodox, plying through the highly contentious waters of bird and flight origin controversies with exemplary scholarship and much needed civility. In a field with strong beliefs, he skillfully illustrates the currently popular views and shows where striking areas of uncertainty persist.
New finds and new technologies have caused a revolution in the science of avian origins, and Chatterjee draws on these as he paints a detailed and engaging picture of the evolutionary tapestry of feathered dinosaurs and early birds.
A fascinating and well-illustrated review of the fossil record of birds that offers the most updated and informative account of the remarkable recent discoveries of feathered dinosaurs and early birds from China. Chatterjee's book is a must-read for vertebrate paleontologists, ornithologists, and anyone who wants to know how birds evolved from dinosaurs.
The Rise of Birds is a clearly presented, very complete, and enjoyable to read documentation of the evolution of birds. For all who have questions about the origin of birds, of flight and diversity, this well-illustrated book holds the answers. It includes new analyses of the birds and feathered dinosaurs discovered in China. After reading this book I shall forever see birds with a new understanding.
Book Details
Preface to the Second Edition
Preface to the First Edition
1. Mesozoic Pompeii
2. The Evolution of an Airframe
3. The Origin of Birds
4. Archaeopteryx
5. Protoavis
6. Basal Avialans
7. Pygostylia
8
Preface to the Second Edition
Preface to the First Edition
1. Mesozoic Pompeii
2. The Evolution of an Airframe
3. The Origin of Birds
4. Archaeopteryx
5. Protoavis
6. Basal Avialans
7. Pygostylia
8. Enantiornithes
9. Ornithuromorphs
10. The End- Cretaceous Mass Extinction
11. The Avian Revolution Begins
12. The Origin of Flight
13. Eggs, Embryos, and Heterochrony
14. Feathers and Footprints
15. The Feeding Mechanism and Cranial Kinesis
16. Birds and Humans
Bibliography
Index