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Book Review: Paleobiology and Animal Behavior

Title: Super Crocs & Monster Wings: Modern Animals’ Ancient Past
Author: Claire Eamer
Publisher: Annick Press

I have read many books about ecology and animal behavior, but this is the first book I have come across that explains the behavior of animals of the past and present. It is children’s book about evolution, paleobiology and systematics. Paleobiology is a discipline related to paleontology but include a comparison of extinct, prehistoric organism to current, living organisms. When scientists come across a fossil, they begin a long, creative process of puzzle-solving, much like the scientists from Waking the Baby Mammoth. They usually compare the animal –its body, its behavior, and its habits – to living relatives and descendants. This trade book introduces readers to the ancient relatives of some of today’s common animals – crocodiles, dragonflies, birds, rodents, camels, armadillos, and of course elephants!
And the book includes many colorful pictures and fun facts to communicate to readers.
In chapter 5 – Size Isn’t Everything: Where Did All of the Giants Go?, the author discusses the possible reasons why the great Woolly Mammoths may have gone extinct. Ideal for students in grades 3-7.

So check out this book and the next airing of Waking the Baby Mammoth, Wednesday, April 29th, 8:00pm.