Dinosaurs, Spitfires, and Sea Dragons

by Christopher McGowan

Christopher McGowan sets out to solve some of the enduring mysteries about dinosaurs and other prehistoric reptiles. He makes fascinating comparisons between living and extinct animals while presenting topics that range from gigantism to intellect. In addition to exploring the natural history of the Mesozoic Era, McGowan draws on science and engineering concepts to explain curiosities such as the similarities between the aerodynamics of pteranodons and Spitfire planes.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Evolution, Palaeontology

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[RYD · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book after going to the American Museum of Natural History in New York and wondering, "Why are dinosaurs so big?" Christopher McGowan didn't exactly answer my question, though he gave insight into the advantages of gigantism in general (greater relative energy efficiency and less relative locomotive costs). But McGowan offered a number of insights into both dinosaurs and animals in general that taught me a lot. I especially enjoyed his comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of warm-blooded versus cold-blooded.

Most importantly, the book gave scientific backing to a theory I've argued at least a few times, tongue in cheek: that elephants are a really boring animal to observe.

Here's what he had to say: "Elephants resolve much of the problem of supporting such a large body weight through their behavior. They live unhurried lives and seldom do anything quickly. They walk rather ponderously, keeping their legs relatively straight throughout, and though they can run at a fair pace, easily outrunning a man, their speed is achieved by virtue a long stride, not by rapid movement. Their run is a relatively straight-legged amble and they unable to gallop. Nor do they go in for jumping, bounding, or similar athletic activities. And although wild elephants sometimes rear up on their hind legs to reach up higher into trees, and captive ones can perform some unusual feats at the circus, they do all these things rather slowly and deliberately."

[Ryan McArthur · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting book, goes into a lot of detail about things like bone density, how wings work, and comparative biology.

[Cody A · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I learned more about what paleontologists actually do and how they think, than I did about dinosaurs from reading this book.

[April Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

What ages would I recommend it too? – Twelve and up.

Length? – Several day’s read.

Characters? – Memorable, several characters.

Setting? – Real World 1980's study of dinosaurs.

Written approximately? – 1991.

Does the story leave questions in the readers mind? – Yes. What changes have been made.

Any issues the author (or a more recent publisher) should cover? Yes. The Caldera fund in Mexico, and few other updates. Not sure the komodo dragon specifics are correct. Enlarge and darken font to be more readable.

Short storyline: A study of dinosaurs, combines with knowledge of modern animals and man made machines (pre- 1990).

Notes for the reader: This book is almost a quarter of a century out of date, and yet it s still a fascinating read and understanding of early dinosaur research.

[Apostate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a new take on prehistoric life for me, analyzing & explaining the creatures from engineering (design) or materials science POV. It was all I enjoy reading about regarding natural history, with a novel twist, perspective-wise.

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fascinating. I should look and see if he has written something else.