Kirk R. Johnson is the Sant Director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. He received his PhD in geology and paleobotany from Yale University in 1989, and did postdoctoral research in the rainforests of northern Australia before joining the Denver Museum of Natural History in 1991, where he directed the installation of the museum's Prehistoric Journey exhibit. His research focuses on fossil plants, the environmental effects of the dinosaur-smiting asteroid, and the birth and death of biomes. Johnson lives in Washington, D. C.
Sponsored by a grant from the National Science Foundation to the Denver Museum of Natural History. Ever wondered what the ground below you was like millions of years ago? Merging paleontology, geology, and artistry, Ancient Wyoming illustrates scenes from the distant past and provides fascinating details on the flora and fauna of the past 300 million years. The book provides a unique look at Wyoming, both as it is today and as it was throughout ancient history—at times a vast ocean, a lush rain forest, and a mountain prairie.
"A paleontological odyssey that manages to be informative, witty, educational—and enormous fun." —Simon Winchester, author of The Map That Changed the World, Krakatoa, and A Crack in the Edge of the World
An epoch tale of a scientist and an artist on the ultimate 5,000-mile paleo road trip.
Cruisin' the Fossil Freeway follows the most unusual travels of a paleontologist and an artist as they drive across the American West in search of fossils. Throughout their journey, they encounter "paleonerds" like themselves, people dedicated to finding everything from suburban T. rex to killer Eocene pigs to ancient fossilized forests. This updated editions brings the text up-to-date on new discoveries, new realizations, and new places, along with new art.
A fascinating travelogue, Cruisin' the Fossil Freeway shows us that fossils are everywhere if you learn to look for them—even at 65 miles per hour.
An illustrated companion map for Cruisin' the Fossil Freeway, which follows the zany travels of a paleontologist and an artist as they drive across the American West in search of fossils.
This is the story of the animals and plants that populated prehistoric Earth. It follows the journey of life from single-cell organisms to direct human ancestors.
Trees Are Made of Gas teaches young readers all about carbon dioxide, an invisible, odorless gas that is essential for plant growth—but is also responsible for global climate change. Kids learn both the science and impact of the massive release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, making a clear argument for conservation and clean up.
Providing simple explanations along with ways to reduce your own carbon footprint, this engaging book is sure to engage young environmentalists.
