Dogs: Their Fossil Relatives and Evolutionary History | 
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Product Description
Xiaoming Wang and Richard H. Tedford have spent the past 20 years studying the evolutionary history of the family Canidae. Both are well known for having established the modern framework for the evolutionary relationship of canids. Combining their research with Mauricio Antón's impeccable reconstructions of both extinct and extant species, Wang and Tedford present a remarkably detailed and nuanced portrait of the origin and evolution of canids over the past 40 million years. The authors cull their history from the most recent scientific research conducted on the vast collections of the American Museum of Natural History and other leading institutions. The fossil record of the Canidae, particularly those from their birth place in North America, are the strongest of their kind among known groups of carnivorans. Such a wonderfully detailed evolutionary history provides access to a natural history that is not possible with many other groups of carnivorans. With their rich fossil record, diverse adaptations to various environments, and different predatory specializations, canids are an ideal model organism for the mapping of predator behavior and morphological specializations. They also offer an excellent contrast to felids, which remain entrenched in extreme predatory specializations. The innovative illustrated approach in this book is the perfect accompaniment to an extremely important branch of animal and fossil study. It transforms the science of paleontology into a thrilling visual experience and provides an unprecedented reference for anyone fascinated by dogs.
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Customer Reviews:
• A Long-awaited Work; A Great Read For Both Research And Leisure 14 July, 2008
This book encompasses everything that inspired me to pursue paleontological research...the meticulous manner in which the authors document the evolutionary history of dogs, and the unparalleled illustrations that bring those concepts and species to life. The paleontologists who wrote this book are authorities in their fields, and are much respected for the quality of their work. The price tag for the book is a huge understatement of its value. Be glad you are getting such a bargain for a priceless work, just short of picking the brains of the authors themselves!
- Reviewed by customer ID: A1V6PQ44T4UX3N
• A Bit Technical, But Reading It Was Worth The Effort 28 July, 2008
Dogs and their kin have an extensive fossil record, especially in North America. The authors have recently published three extensive technical monographs on fossil dogs, wolves, coyotes, foxes, etc. based on the unbelievably huge collections at the American Museum of Natural History and elsewhere. This book is essentially a popularization of the technical work, although this volume can be a bit technical in places.
The authors cover the taxonomy of modern Canidae, the origin of carnivores, dogs, and numerous doglike mammals, anatomy, hunting and social activity (not only of modern dogs, but what can be interpreted from fossils), how the evolution of dogs is related to the last 40 million years of climate change, the migration of dogs from North American into the Old World, and a short chapter on domestic dogs.
Included as appendices are listings of all 200 plus fossil and living Canidae species and an evolutionary tree base on the author's research.
The artwork by Antön is wonderfully done with his sketches rivaling his almost photographic looking color paintings in quality. Antön previously has illustrated other books on vertebrate paleontology, including The Big Cats and their Fossil Relatives.
Almost anyone who is interested in dogs and/or vertebrate paleontology should read this book. Natural History magazine has a short non-technical summary article by the authors in July-August '08 issue if you want a good preview. Dr. Wang has a wonderful website with links to much of his research and a pdf of the Natural History article.
- Reviewed by customer ID: A222H1O26QFI9V
• Dogs - Excellent History 01 August, 2008
The medium sized book provides an excellent, well written, and entertaining summary of the evolutionary history of the canine family; described in the context of the changing geologic, climatic, and biologic conditions of the past 60 million years. The many excellent illustrations truly add a sense of life to both the many living and long extinct species. The book is fairly technical, but is written is such a way as not to scare off the non-scientific reader. I highly recommend it for both the technical and casual reader.
- Reviewed by customer ID: A28XHC2VCC5QPB
• Bark's As Good As Bite! 18 July, 2008
This book is a great follow-up to The Big Cats and Their Fossil Relatives and like the forementioned it doesn't disappoint! Well researched, well written and accompanied by outstanding illustrations (Mauricio Anton really displays his talents as a reconstructive artist), this book is a treasure to anyone interested in carnivoran evolution. The list of pertinent reference books relating to mammalian evolution is an added bonus. I just wish it could go into more depth on many of the interesting species it reveals to us. A great introduction to canid evolution, you can't go wrong with this one!
- Reviewed by customer ID: A2SYI9LHX7OQB2
• A Must For All Lovers Of Canis Lupus Familiaris 16 December, 2008
Why is a dog's snout longer than a cat's? How is it that I can communicate with the "wolf" that shares my house? And why did Man's Best Friend leap into existence when the ancient forests retreated to become the sweeping plains of Africa? This book is a fascinating, inciteful and glorious tribute to the evolution of canidae. I can guarantee that you'll be investigating your dog's teeth and paws with awe and amazement before you are half-way through .......
- Reviewed by customer ID: A29DRSJSEIHMXD
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