How Long to Read Beasts Before Us

How Long Does it Take to Read Beasts Before Us?

It takes the average reader 5 hours and 22 minutes to read Beasts Before Us by Elsa Panciroli

Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more

Description

For most of us, the story of mammal evolution starts after the asteroid impact that killed the dinosaurs, but over the last 20 years scientists have uncovered new fossils and used new technologies that have upended this story. In Beasts Before Us, palaeontologist Elsa Panciroli charts the emergence of the mammal lineage, Synapsida, beginning at their murky split from the reptiles in the Carboniferous period, over three-hundred million years ago. They made the world theirs long before the rise of dinosaurs. Travelling forward into the Permian and then Triassic periods, we learn how our ancient mammal ancestors evolved from large hairy beasts with accelerating metabolisms to exploit miniaturisation, which was key to unlocking the traits that define mammals as we now know them. Elsa criss-crosses the globe to explore the sites where discoveries are being made and meet the people who make them. In Scotland, she traverses the desert dunes of prehistoric Moray, where quarry workers unearthed the footprints of Permian creatures from before the time of dinosaurs. In South Africa, she introduces us to animals, once called 'mammal-like reptiles', that gave scientists the first hints that our furry kin evolved from a lineage of egg-laying burrowers. In China, new, complete fossilised skeletons reveal mammals that were gliders, shovel-pawed Jurassic moles, and flat-tailed swimmers. This book radically reframes the narrative of our mammalian ancestors and provides a counterpoint to the stereotypes of mighty dinosaur overlords and cowering little mammals. It turns out the earliest mammals weren't just precursors, they were pioneers.

How long is Beasts Before Us?

Beasts Before Us by Elsa Panciroli is 321 pages long, and a total of 80,571 words.

This makes it 108% the length of the average book. It also has 98% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read Beasts Before Us Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 7 hours and 20 minutes to read Beasts Before Us aloud.

What Reading Level is Beasts Before Us?

Beasts Before Us is suitable for students ages 12 and up.

Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.

When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.

Where Can I Buy Beasts Before Us?

Beasts Before Us by Elsa Panciroli is sold by several retailers and bookshops. However, Read Time works with Amazon to provide an easier way to purchase books.

To buy Beasts Before Us by Elsa Panciroli on Amazon click the button below.