Remnants of Ancient Life

The New Science of Old Fossils

By: Dale Greenwalt

Narrated by: Christopher Ragland

Length: 7 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

This audiobook narrated by Christopher Ragland describes the revolution in science that is transforming our understanding of extinct life

We used to think of fossils as being composed of nothing but rock and minerals, all molecular traces of life having vanished long ago. We were wrong. Remnants of Ancient Life reveals how the new science of ancient biomolecules—pigments, proteins, and DNA that once functioned in living organisms tens of millions of years ago—is opening a new window onto the evolution of life on Earth.

Paleobiologists are now uncovering these ancient remnants in the fossil record with increasing frequency, shedding vital new light on long-extinct creatures and the lost world they inhabited. Dale Greenwalt is your guide to these astonishing breakthroughs. He explains how ancient biomolecules hold the secrets to how mammoths dealt with the bitter cold, what colors dinosaurs exhibited in mating displays, how ancient viruses evolved to become more dangerous, and much more. Each chapter discusses different types of biomolecules and the insights they provide about the physiology, behavior, and evolution of extinct organisms, many of which existed long before the age of dinosaurs.

A marvelous adventure of discovery, Remnants of Ancient Life offers an unparalleled look at an emerging science that is transforming our picture of the remote past. You will never think of fossils in the same way again.

©2023 Dale Greenwalt (P)2023 Princeton University Press

Critic reviews

“When you think of fossils, your mind likely goes straight to dinosaur skeletons and saber-toothed tiger skulls and ancient seashells. In this readable and engaging book, Dale Greenwalt introduces us to less heralded fossils: microscopic molecules like DNA, proteins, and pigment. Through his relatable prose and stories of discovery, Greenwalt convincingly argues that some of the smallest fossils have the biggest stories to tell.”—Steve Brusatte, New York Times bestselling author of The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs

“In Remnants of Ancient Life, Dale Greenwalt takes readers on a grand tour through our deepest history, guided by the tiniest of fossils. Engaging and personable, this book offers a fascinating discussion of the latest developments and discoveries in paleontology.”—Beth Shapiro, author of How to Clone a Mammoth

“If your perception of paleontology is stuck in the past, you need to read this book. Dale Greenwalt takes readers on a far-ranging expedition with biochemical fossil hunters who use trace elements, pigments, proteins, and DNA to reconstruct not only evolutionary lineages but the colors, diets, and behavior of long-vanished organisms—conjuring them out of rocks and back to life.”—Marcia Bjornerud, author of Timefulness

Interesting but not as compelling as I’d hoped

I’m no paleontologist but I am a scientist and enjoy these types of books. This one was just ok for me. The science is good and the subject matter is interesting but I felt like it spent half its time talking about studies which were inevitably disproven rather due to contamination or some other factor. I’m not really interested in all of that and would’ve preferred the book to focus solely on what IS known and where the latest advances have us currently.

Recommended.

Remnants of Ancient Life is an excellent, up-to-date review of the stories told by the biological molecules left by ancient life. Dozens of research projects and controversies are covered. I would put it on the level of books by Nick Lane, Daniel Dennett, Oliver Sacks or Simon Winchester for enthusiastic and intelligent discussions of fascinating subjects. Christopher Ragland is a great narrator. I read the audiobook twice and bought the Kindle version for illustrations, references and the search function. I wish books of this caliper were easier to find.

complex subject

the more biological/chemical background you have the easier it is to follow. Tons of information to review.

Fantastic

The topic of this book was very captivating! Enjoyed it from start to end! Listed at bed time and dis not want to sleep.