Evolutionary Catastrophes: The Science of Mass Extinction (Hardcover)

One of the greatest "detective" stories in the history of the Earth is the dinosaur "whodunnit". For a long time it has been known that dinosaurs, pterosaurs (flying reptiles) and several groups of marine reptiles all died out at the end of Cretaceous times 65 million years ago. There are many questions about this extinction event. For instance, what caused their demise?

Over the last decade the most fingered culprit has been an extra-terrestrial--an asteroid that whammed into Mexico's Yucatan peninsula at just the right time. A simple and spectacular resolution, you would think the outcome of the trial would be a forgone conclusion. But when the expert witnesses are called it all begins to become less clear cut.

Whilst there is no doubt an asteroid did hit the Earth at the time, the effects of its impact do not seem to amount to as much as was originally thought. However, there were plenty of other possible perpetrators around at the time which were powerful enough to cause global mayhem.

Evolutionary Catastrophes is a translation and update of an excellent presentation of the case for the most likely accomplice or perhaps main perpetrator--cataclysmic volcanism. Outpourings of "greenhouse" gases and volcanic dust cause climate change which has a knock-on effect through the plants, plant eaters to the meat eaters, through the whole food chain. As a professor of geophysics in the University of Paris, Vincent Courtillot is an expert witness and well placed to guide us through the more arcane aspects of the "palaeoforensics" of the case. He manages to make his statement in language suitable for the general reader and there is an excellent glossary and index to help with more technical matters.

Courtillot extends his analysis to the other major extinction events in Earth's history and shows how massive outpourings of lavas coincide with them all, especially the biggest of all the Permian/Triassic extinction around 250 million years ago. Arguments over the interpretation of the palaeoforensic details will go on. As Vincent Courtillot says "no doubt the party will go on" and "many secrets remain to be brought to light". To get the argument in favour of extra-terrestrial impacts as the cause for most extinction events see Charles Frankel's The End of the Dinosaurs. --Douglas Palmer

‘… a beautifully written little book that, once picked up, is impossible to put down.’ Geoscientist

‘ … watch this space and read this book.’ Bob White, New Scientist

‘The book is very readable and provides a clear and concise picture for anyone interested in the subject. The text is well written and supported by clear footnotes where necessary and a comprehensive glossary … [I] recommend this book for those at any stage in their studies or knowledge. It is written for a general audience but should not be missed by professionals.’ Mike Hermolle, Open University Geological Society Journal

‘[Vincent Coutillot] has done a superb job! A balanced and fair treatment of a complex of information, misinformation, and perhaps even disinformation. Although written for a general audience, this book should be obligatory reading for all professionals involved in the controversies surrounding the causes of mass extinction. Even the most committed will find their outlook broadened.’ David M. Raup, Formerly Professor of Paleontology, University of Chicago, and author of Extinction, Bad Genes or Bad Luck? (Norton, 1991)

Praise for the original French edition: ‘A real scientific thriller … Vincent Courtillot brilliantly presents the stormy genesis of an original, unifying theory on the origin of the great biological extinctions which have marked the history of the earth.’ Pascal Tassy, La Recherche

Praise for the original French edition: ‘… a vividly written book which … clarifies many points that have been shrouded in darkness up until now’. French Edition of Scientific American

Praise for the original French edition: ‘… a science book and an adventure book’. Ciel et Espace

Praise for the original French edition: ‘To be read by all paleontology, geology and ecology enthusiasts.’ Sciences et Avenir

‘Courtillot makes an excellent case for other mass extinctions being almost certainly related to cataclysmic volcanism. A well-written and well-reasoned book, essential for any library.’ M. A. Wilson, Choice

‘It is rare to find a first-rate geoscientist who can write a first-rate popular book on science, but Professor Courtillot is one such … a lively exposition of the idea that mantle processes cause major stress to ecosystems. It is beautifully written … The pace is fast, but the data well explained and authoritatively considered … Anyone with an interest in mass extinctions or in the episodic and catastrophic nature of teh Earth’s internal processes should rush out and read this book. It is a rewarding experience.’ Dr Susan Rigby, University of Edinburgh

'The description of how the conclusions were reached and confronted with views of the extraterrestrial party is vivid and instructive to non-geophysicists (I am among them).' Journal of Sedimentary Research

‘Read and enjoy this book … It represents a pleasantly argued counterpoint to the rather shrill and abrasively dismissive ‘impacticist’ views.’ David Norman, Times Higher Education Supplement

‘… covers the topic brilliantly. You can easily read Evolutionary Catastrophes in one weekend, particularly because uou will not want to put it down.’ Willis Hames, Auburn University

‘ … well-argued taste of the debate for the general reader.’ Nature

'… professionals … will read it with the same pleasure as non-specialists.' Zentralblatt fur Geologie und Palaontologie