Born of Ice and Fire

Graham Shields

Born of Ice and Fire
Format
Hardback
Publisher
Yale University Press
Country
United States
Published
21 March 2024
Pages
352
ISBN
9780300242591

Born of Ice and Fire

Graham Shields

An exploration of how the Cryogenian Period, when our planet was covered in ice for millions of years, created today's remarkable biodiversity

More than half a billion years ago, our world was completely covered by glaciers, a "Snowball Earth" that persisted for millions of years. Incredibly, this unimaginable cold led to the remarkable diversification of life on earth known as the Cambrian explosion. With a geologist's eye and a knack for storytelling, Graham Shields explores when and how such inhospitable conditions enabled animals to evolve, radiate, and diversify into our earliest ancestors.

This journey navigates the wild swings between hot and cold climates, oxygenation and oxygen starvation, biological radiations and extinctions, asking how such instability relates to grander forces that brought our planet to its modern state. Shields guides readers through evidence found in the Australian outback, Mongolia, Scotland, and other locales, revealing how geologists can trace glaciation, the atmosphere, oceans, mountain building, and more through the earth's rocks, providing a comprehensive theory of how life evolved and diversified.

This item is not currently in-stock. It can be ordered online and is expected to ship in 10-14 days

Our stock data is updated periodically, and availability may change throughout the day for in-demand items. Please call the relevant shop for the most current stock information. Prices are subject to change without notice.

Sign in or become a Readings Member to add this title to a wishlist.