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What Dinosaurs Teach Us About Survival
What if dinosaurs could help us prepare for the future? In Surviving Climate and Chaos, paleontologist and science communicator Evan Jevnikar reveals how the prehistoric past holds critical lessons for understanding modern climate change, extinction, and survival.
Dinosaurs weren’t just ancient curiosities—they were vital parts of ancient ecosystems whose rise and fall mirrors many of the patterns scientists see in today’s rapidly changing world. With a blend of cutting-edge science, fascinating fossil discoveries, and philosophical reflection, Jevnikar explores how the extinction of these giants can help us confront humanity’s future.
From mass extinctions and ecosystem collapse to resilience and adaptation, this book makes the case that dinosaurs still have much to teach us. Whether you’re a lifelong dino fan, a science reader, or someone curious about how Earth’s past predicts its future, Surviving Climate and Chaos is an essential and captivating read.
Inside, you’ll find:
- How ancient ecosystems reveal patterns in today’s climate change
- What dinosaur fossils teach us about survival and extinction
- How to apply lessons from prehistory to modern environmental challenges
If you liked The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs, Locked in Time, or Weird Universe, you’ll love Surviving Climate and Chaos.
“When there is a global effort by the reckless right to promote fossil fuels over renewable energy, Evan Jevnikar’s Surviving Climate and Chaos is a cautionary tale of how another time the atmospheric CO2 levels rose to exceptional levels, the result was disastrous—including for the mighty dinosaurs Tyrannosaurus and Triceratops among them.”
—Dr. Gregory Paul, author and illustrator of The Princeton Field Guides to Dinosaurs
“In accessible language, Evan Jevnikar narrates how life on our planet evolved and changed in response to changing climates over the last half billion years. By deftly weaving between ancient environments and their plant and animal inhabitants and the present day, Jevnikar demystifies the science behind climate change by explaining its underlying drivers and ancient roots using relatable metaphors and examples. This is an engaging and fun read for anyone curious about Earth’s geological, biological, and climate history, and how those bear on present-day challenges.”
—Dr. Peter Makovicky, professor at University of Minnesota
“A brilliant blend of adventure and evidence. Evan Jevnikar makes the age of dinosaurs speak directly to today’s climate crisis. A must-read for all lovers of prehistoric life!”
—Joshua Jung, paleoartist (@Ingen_fx)
“A fascinating blend of deep-time paleontology and modern climate science. Jevnikar shows us the past to help us navigate the future. There is hope for a better tomorrow if we act today.”
—Dr. Brian Curtice, founder of Fossil Crates
“A lively account of how changing climates have influenced the history of life on Earth.”
—Dr. Mike Benton, professor at University of Bristol and author of Extinctions: How Life Survives, Adapts and Evolves
Introduction Answers to the Future Found in the Past
Part 1 End Permian and Early Triassic: The End of the World
Part 2 Late Triassic: Journey Through the Desert
Part 3 Early Jurassic: Manifest Destiny
Part 4 Mid-to-Late Jurassic: Empires Arise
Part 5 Early Cretaceous: Reflections in the Past
Part 6 Late Cretaceous: Pax Dinosauria
Conclusion Altered Place
Further Reading
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Index