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正在检索... Science | Book | QE721.2 .E97 B46 2003 | 1 | Stacks | 正在检索... 未知 | 正在检索... 不可借阅 |
正在检索... Science | Book | 576.84 B446W | 1 | Stacks | 正在检索... 未知 | 正在检索... 不可借阅 |
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摘要
Today it is common knowledge that the dinosaurs were wiped out by a meteorite impact 65 million years ago that killed half of all species then living. Far less well-known is a much greater catastrophe that took place at the end of the Permian period 251 million years ago: 90 percent of life was destroyed, including saber-toothed reptiles and their rhinoceros-sized prey on land, as well as vast numbers of fish and other species in the sea.
This book documents not only what happened during this gigantic mass extinction but also the recent rekindling of the idea of catastrophism. Was the end-Permian event caused by the impact of a huge meteorite or comet, or by prolonged volcanic eruption in Siberia? The evidence has been accumulating through the 1990s and into the new millennium, and Michael Benton gives his verdict at the very end. From field camps in Greenland and Russia to the laboratory bench, When Life Nearly Died involves geologists, paleontologists, environmental modelers, geochemists, astronomers, and experts on biodiversity and conservation. Their working methods are vividly described and explained, and the current disputes are revealed. The implications of our understanding of crises in the past for the current biodiversity crisis are also presented in detail. 46 b/w illustrations.
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The focus of When Life Nearly Died is the most severe mass extinction known in Earth's history. Occurring at the end of the Permian Period, an estimated 90 percent of all species went extinct in a geologic instant. Benton (vertebrate paleontologist, Univ. of Bristol, UK) examines general aspects of mass extinctions, critically evaluating hypothesized causative mechanisms. Unconvinced by evidence for extraterrestrial bolide impact at the Permian/Triassic boundary, Benton makes the case for mass extinction due to climatic and environmental degradation resulting from intensive volcanism during the emplacement of vast volumes of lavas in Siberia. In addition to specific discussion of the Permian/Triassic extinction event, Benton provides a short course on geologic history and principles, including the debate that resulted in recognition that Lyell's uniformitarian principles must be modified to accept catastrophic events such as mass extinctions. The book reads like a historical novel; it is not organized to be a complete reference on the Permian/Triassic extinction. However, the writing style is comfortable and should appeal to nonscientists interested in Earth history. The science on which the book is based is up-to-date, thorough, and balanced. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. All levels. T. J. Kroeger Bemidji State University
《图书馆杂志》(Library Journal )书评
A meteor striking Earth 65 million years ago is now held as a plausible explanation for the demise of the dinosaurs. But what caused events like the Permian extinction 251 million years ago, often considered the most devastating of the five big extinctions, when an estimated 90 percent of all life disappeared from the planet? Paleontologist Benton sets out to unravel this puzzle, building his case by beginning with the history of geology and modern improvements in the ability to analyze information from the fossil record. He contrasts a comprehensive picture of living sea and land organisms with life just after the extinction. In the final chapters, he offers his explanations for the extinction ("a combination of volcanic activity and a release of gas hydrates...produced a devastating cascade of acid rains, global warming, land weathering, ocean stagnation, and marine anoxia"). The author covers a lot of information, but he connects it all in a readable and interesting way, while striving to present a balanced and open-ended viewpoint. For public and academic libraries.-Kimberly Megginson, DeWitt Medical Lib., Ft. Belvoir, VA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
目录
| Prologue | p. 7 |
| The Geological Time-Scale | p. 17 |
| Chapter 1 Antediluvian Sauria | p. 18 |
| Chapter 2 Murchison Names the Permian | p. 36 |
| Chapter 3 The Death of Catastrophism | p. 56 |
| Chapter 4 The Concept That Dared Not Speak Its Name | p. 71 |
| Chapter 5 Impact! | p. 96 |
| Chapter 6 Diversity, Extinction and Mass Extinction | p. 123 |
| Chapter 7 Homing in on the Event | p. 156 |
| Chapter 8 Life's Biggest Challenge | p. 180 |
| Chapter 9 A Tale of Two Continents | p. 204 |
| Chapter 10 On the River Sakmara | p. 229 |
| Chapter 11 What Caused the Biggest Catastrophe of All Time? | p. 251 |
| Chapter 12 The Sixth Mass Extinction? | p. 284 |
| Glossary | p. 306 |
| Notes | p. 308 |
| Bibliography | p. 318 |
| Illustration Credits | p. 328 |
| Index | p. 329 |