Elephants and Their Fossil Relatives

The ultimate illustrated guide to elephants and their prehistoric relativesToday, only three species of elephants survive—the African savanna elephant, the African forest elephant, and Asian elephants. Yet the true scale of the proboscidean order, which includes living elephants and their extinct relatives, is far more expansive, spanning 60 million years of evolution and five continents. This book provides a comprehensive look at proboscidean biology and evolutionary history, describing the characteristics of every known species and revealing an incredible array of adaptations, from variations in tusks and trunks to specialized teeth. With stunning illustrations by Shu-yu Hsu, Elephants and Their Fossil Relatives is the essential reference guide to the most remarkable animals ever to walk the earth.Brings together all known elephant species and their fossil relatives in a single volumeCovers more than 230 extinct species ranging in size from creatures no larger than a chihuahua to colossal giants weighing up to three times the mass of modern elephantsFeatures hundreds of stunning full-color illustrations and cutting-edge 3D reconstructions—many restored for the first timeDelves into the biology and behavior of modern elephants, answering key questions about their anatomy, behavior, and profound impact on human cultureDraws on groundbreaking studies of ancient proteins, isotopes, and DNAA must-have for elephant lovers everywhere