Overview

One of the most geologically complex and diverse states, California spent much of the age of dinosaurs under water. While most of the fossils found in the state are those of reptiles that lived in the sea (thalattosaurs, icythyosaurs, mosasaurs, plesiosaurs and turtles), some are those of birds and pterosaurs that soared above it. Other fossils come from terrestrial animals that died and were washed into the ocean. These include turtles, crocodiles, lizards and dinosaurs such as armoured ankylosaurs, duck-billed hadrosaurs and a variety of carnivorous dinosaurs. This text tells the unsung story of the dinosaurs and reptiles of land, sea and sky that lived in California and Baja California during the Mesozoic era (245 million - 65 million years ago), in addition to the history of their discovery. Illustrated with more than 300 photographs, paintings and drawings, this book provides geological and environmental details, describes the significance of the major fossils, and chronicles the adventures involved in the discovery, preparation and publishing of finds.

Full Product Details

9780520233157

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Reviews

Other books describe the same types of dinosaurs and reptiles, but this one is unique in creating a complete picture of the Mesozoic era in California. The writing style is suitable for lay readers, but fossil descriptions and inventory make the work a valuable academic reference. Recommended for academic libraries, large public libraries with extensive paleontology collections, and California libraries. -- Library Journal

Author Information

Richard P. Hilton is Professor of Geology at Sierra College in Rocklin, California.

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