The History of Life A Very Short Introduction

by Benton, Michael J.

• ISBN13: 9780198950080
• ISBN10: 019895008X
• eBook ISBN(s): 9780198950103
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2026-11-19
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• More Book Details
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Summary

Very Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring

There are few stories more remarkable than the evolution of life on earth. Where did humans come from? Where did life come from? New fields of study, such as molecular biology and astrobiology, are shedding remarkable new light on the origin of life and the origin of sex.

In this Very Short Introduction Michael J. Benton covers all the main fossil groups including dinosaurs, and the upheavals such as mass extinctions that have beset our planet and life on Earth. Benton highlights the key episodes in the evolution of life from its origin over some four billion years, to the 10 million or more species today. The book ends with a consideration of humans themselves, with our ability to modify the Earth in ways that no other species has ever done, and the consequences of that power.


ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Author Biography

Michael J. Benton, Professor of Palaeontology, University of Bristol

Michael J. Benton is a palaeontologist at the University of Bristol and has written 60 books. He was part of the team that discovered the colour of dinosaur feathers in 2010, was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 2014, and awarded the OBE in 2021 for work in science engagement.