At the Foot of the Himalayas

Paleontology and Ecosystem Dynamics of the Siwalik Record

David Pilbeam editor Michèle E Morgan editor Catherine Badgley editor

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Johns Hopkins University Press

Publishing:28th Feb '25

£116.00

This title is due to be published on 28th February, and will be despatched as soon as possible.

At the Foot of the Himalayas cover

This comprehensive volume compiles decades of research on the Siwalik fossil record, exploring ancient ecosystems, climate changes, and species interactions, offering valuable insights for future ecologists and paleontologists.

*At the Foot of the Himalayas* offers a comprehensive exploration of one of the longest terrestrial fossil records in existence, focusing on the Siwalik sequence of sediments at the base of the Himalayas. This region has provided a rich source of information for paleontologists for millions of years, revealing a remarkable 20 million years of fossilized ecosystems. The book paints a vivid picture of a once-thriving forest ecosystem, inhabited by a diverse array of species, including large relatives of elephants, rhinoceroses, and sabertooth cats, alongside smaller animals like mongooses and swamp rats.

The authors, Catherine Badgley, Michèle Morgan, and David Pilbeam, collaborate with a host of esteemed scholars to present an interdisciplinary analysis of the fossil record. They delve into the effects of climate change on the landscape and the resulting shifts in vertebrate species diversity. This inquiry tackles a fundamental question regarding biodiversity: to what extent have evolutionary changes been driven by climate shifts versus species interactions? Their findings provide significant insights into the complex dynamics that shaped past ecosystems.

Through over 40 years of international research, *At the Foot of the Himalayas* sheds light on a vibrant and intricate paleontological history. The book not only enhances our understanding of ancient ecosystems but also raises critical questions about the fragility of our current environments. It serves as a valuable resource for ecologists, evolutionary scientists, and paleontologists, offering pathways to further knowledge and understanding of biodiversity in both past and present contexts.

ISBN: 9781421450278

Dimensions: 279mm x 216mm x 38mm

Weight: 2313g

576 pages