Ghosts of Gondwana - The History of Life in New Zealand

Have you ever wondered why New Zealand's plants and animals are so different from those in other countries? Why the kakapo is the only parrot in the world that cannot fly, or why the kiwi lives here and nowhere else? New Zealand is an extraordinary place, unique on earth, and the remarkable story of how and why life evolved here is the subject of Ghosts of Gondwana. The science that traces the history of life on earth is called historical biogeography, and it is the basis of this book. George Gibbs' very accessible story summarises exciting new research which leads to an understanding of where our fauna and flora come from and how they evolved to become some of the strangest in the world. It also reveals the landmark events in our deep history which have moulded the life of today, and presents a balanced view of the arguments which accompany this type of speculative science. Ghosts of Gondwana is a highly readable and engaging book. Heavily illustrated with photographs and illustrations, it is the only contemporary book on this subject, and is essential reading for anyone interested in New Zealand's natural history....

(2006 EDITION, 2007 Reprint)