DINOSAURS: Collins Discovery Guides

120 different species of dinosaur are presented here in realistic computer-generated photos, while a fact file has details of its length, weight, timespan and speculative description. For each one, a time wheel has a red insert showing for what proportion of its period that particular dinosaur roamed the earth. Many people are not aware that modern birds are part of the dinosaur clan, or that swimming Plesiosaurs and flying Pterosaurs are not really dinosaurs within a strict definition of the term. An introduction explains that scientists are still not sure of the degree of homeothermy (warm-bloodedness) that was characteristic of the "non-birdy" dinosaurs. One of the longest dinosaurs was the Diplodocus, at about 90 feet, with its teeth at the end of its muzzle and short forelimbs, possibly so that it could rear up to eat from the tops of trees. The Pterodactyl supplanted an earlier winged species and was distinguished by its four toes, webbed feet and a forceps-like jaw which it may have used for extracting worms from mud. The Megalosaurus, discovered in England in 1824, was the first dinosaur to receive a scientific name, but in spite of this, little is known about this large carnivorous therapod. The three-horned Triceratops is a favourite with young dinosaur enthusiasts, with its big head-frill and pointed studs. 255pp, softback, numerous colour photos, bibliography.