Ghosts of Gondwana

  • ISBN #9780947503086
  • George Gibbs
  • Hardback
  • Ships in 3-10 days
  • Ships in 3-10 days

Ghosts of Gondwana

  • ISBN #9780947503086
  • George Gibbs
  • Hardback
  • Ships in 3-10 days
  • Ships in 3-10 days

$53.03 ex GST

Have you ever wondered why New Zealand's plants and animals are so different from those in other countries? Why kakapo is the only parrot in the world that cannot fly, or why the kiwi lives here and nowhere else?
  • Product Details
  • Delivery & Returns
  • Have you ever wondered why New Zealand's plants and animals are so different from those in other countries? Why kakapo is the only parrot in the world that cannot fly, or why the kiwi lives here and nowhere else? New Zealand is an extraordinary place, unique on earth, and the remarkable story of how and why life evolved here is the subject of Ghosts of Gondwana. The challenge of explaining New Zealand's natural origins is picked up in this fully revised edition of the popular award-winning book. It presents the latest scientific research in highly readable form, highlighting studies that reveal the deep historical background of our landscapes, fauna and flora - from ancient frogs and moa to delicate insects and the magnificent southern beech forests. It introduces the latest discoveries and resolves past issues like the 'Oligocene drowning' hypothesis. Exciting fossil discoveries are revealed and new scientific technologies and approaches to the discipline of historical biogeography are discussed - approaches that range from undersea geology to molecular clocks - and it inevitably draws attention to the debates and conflicts that distinguish different schools of opinion in this holistic branch of theoretical science. This revision incorporates the results of 10 years of intensive scientific research and includes four entirely new chapters to: focus on 'yesterday's maps' to draw attention to the ephemeral islands in our history that have possibly acted as stepping stones for terrestrial animals and plants but today have sunk into the sea; incorporate the author's own special interest in an ancient group of 'jaw-moths', unknown and unnoticed by most people but with a strong message that New Zealand is part of the world when it comes to explaining where our fauna have come from; present recent research findings on our huge flightless birds, the ratites; and include New Zealand's terrestrial molluscs into the story. Ghosts of Gondwana identifies New Zealand as one of the most challenging places on earth to explain, but it's readable, engaging style and revised illustrations render this often-controversial discipline of science into a format that is accessible to any reader with an interest in natural history and the unique environment of New Zealand.
    • Format: Hardback
    • Publication Date: 01/01/2017
    • Publisher: Potton & Burton
    • Country of Origin: New Zealand
    • Pages: 416
  • There is no Handling & Delivery cost for orders over $50 ex GST unless there are large items in your order.

    Orders under $50 (ex GST) & excluding Gift Card only orders :
    $6.00 ex GST ($6.90 incl GST)
    Surcharge for Rural Delivery addresses $3.13 ex GST ($3.60 incl GST) for orders under $50 ex GST
    Orders with only Gift cards under $50 are charged $2.52 ex GST ($2.90 incl GST)

    There is no Handling & Delivery cost for eGift card orders.

    Charges for Large or Bulky items . These are indicated by the Large item icon.
    Regardless of total order value: first unit $8.70 ex GST ( $10 incl GST), then every subsequent unit $4.35 ex GST ($5 incl GST)

    Read more about Delivery Information
    Read our Returns and Exchanges Policy

  • Product Details
    Have you ever wondered why New Zealand's plants and animals are so different from those in other countries? Why kakapo is the only parrot in the world that cannot fly, or why the kiwi lives here and nowhere else? New Zealand is an extraordinary place, unique on earth, and the remarkable story of how and why life evolved here is the subject of Ghosts of Gondwana. The challenge of explaining New Zealand's natural origins is picked up in this fully revised edition of the popular award-winning book. It presents the latest scientific research in highly readable form, highlighting studies that reveal the deep historical background of our landscapes, fauna and flora - from ancient frogs and moa to delicate insects and the magnificent southern beech forests. It introduces the latest discoveries and resolves past issues like the 'Oligocene drowning' hypothesis. Exciting fossil discoveries are revealed and new scientific technologies and approaches to the discipline of historical biogeography are discussed - approaches that range from undersea geology to molecular clocks - and it inevitably draws attention to the debates and conflicts that distinguish different schools of opinion in this holistic branch of theoretical science. This revision incorporates the results of 10 years of intensive scientific research and includes four entirely new chapters to: focus on 'yesterday's maps' to draw attention to the ephemeral islands in our history that have possibly acted as stepping stones for terrestrial animals and plants but today have sunk into the sea; incorporate the author's own special interest in an ancient group of 'jaw-moths', unknown and unnoticed by most people but with a strong message that New Zealand is part of the world when it comes to explaining where our fauna have come from; present recent research findings on our huge flightless birds, the ratites; and include New Zealand's terrestrial molluscs into the story. Ghosts of Gondwana identifies New Zealand as one of the most challenging places on earth to explain, but it's readable, engaging style and revised illustrations render this often-controversial discipline of science into a format that is accessible to any reader with an interest in natural history and the unique environment of New Zealand.
    • Format: Hardback
    • Publication Date: 01/01/2017
    • Publisher: Potton & Burton
    • Country of Origin: New Zealand
    • Pages: 416
  • Delivery & Returns

You might also like...

Lonely Planet Stargazing Aroun...

$39.12 ex GST

Ships in 3-10 days

The Secret Life Of The Univers...

$34.77 ex GST

Ships in 3-10 days

Popular Penguin: The Fabric Of...

$11.30 ex GST

Ships in 3-10 days

2025 Guide To The Night Sky So...

$21.73 ex GST

Ships in 3-10 days

Recently Viewed

Ghosts Of Gondwana

$53.03 ex GST

Ships in 3-10 days

You might also like...

Lonely Planet Stargazing Aroun...

$39.12 ex GST

Ships in 3-10 days

The Secret Life Of The Univers...

$34.77 ex GST

Ships in 3-10 days

Popular Penguin: The Fabric Of...

$11.30 ex GST

Ships in 3-10 days

2025 Guide To The Night Sky So...

$21.73 ex GST

Ships in 3-10 days

Recently Viewed

Ghosts Of Gondwana

$53.03 ex GST

Ships in 3-10 days