One of the world's leading experts on horse evolution traces the origins, evolution, and diversification of the equines. Long domesticated, related to rhinoceroses, and descended from a creature the size of a hare, horses are a fascinating study in evolution. Jens Franzen's account explores the early evolution and eventual diversification of horse anatomy to explain how and why these once widespread and varied mammals became the common horses, zebras, and asses we know today. Beginning with their evolutionary rise roughly 55 million years ago, Franzen traces a history etched in fossils. He explains how improving body construction and energy balance allowed some horses to enter and thrive in new environments while others failed and became extinct. In presenting this story, Franzen hews closely to the Frankfurt theory of evolution and explains how it applies to the wide variations in the evolution of horse species. Accessibly written and featuring full-color photographs and illustrations throughout, The Rise of Horses is the complete chronicle of the evolution of the equids.

About the Author
Jens Lorenz Franzen is the former head of the Department of Paleoanthropology and Quartenary Paleontology at Senckenberg Natural History Museum in Frankfurt, Germany. He has published hundreds of articles on fossils and evolution and is widely recognized as a leading expert on horse evolution.

Reviews
Overall, a useful popular book for the intended audience. Choice 2010 Goff combines teaching and research to create a novel way of looking at athletics. Choice 2010 A comprehensive account, with full-coloured photographs and clear drawings that are very useful for teachers and students. -- Evelyne Bremond-Hoslet & Christian Denys Mammalia 2011



Book Information
ISBN 9780801893735
Author Jens Lorenz Franzen
Format Hardback
Page Count 224
Imprint Johns Hopkins University Press
Publisher Johns Hopkins University Press
Weight(grams) 907g
Dimensions(mm) 254mm * 203mm * 19mm