The Raptor and the Lamb: Predators and Prey in the Living World

by Christopher McGowan

Based on an up-close examination of fossils, a study of predator-prey relationships explores the vast interdependent chain of existence that has existed throughout natural history. 10,000 first printing.

Genres: Science

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[John Ingham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite in-depth but generally accessible. Got bored a bit on last couple of chapters on plankton, dinosaurs and plants but on the whole very interesting and engaging.

[Rajiv Chopra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up from the local library, and read this book two chapters a day. Each chapter stands alone in itself, and therefore the book can be read in any order you choose.
The descriptions of the hunts, followed by detailed behavioral explanations, with drawings to explain the anatomical differences between species is fascinating.

For me, once again, it did the service of helping me understand our fellow creatures, and marveling at the wonderful diversity that surrounds us. While I cannot travel into these places to see the animals, at least when I see them in zoos, I shall look at them with more care, wonder and respect.

This book does a great service to normal people like me who want to learn more about the world we live in.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this book I realized that there is a canon of basic zoological examples common to most popular zoology books. Some themes were similar to Carl Zimmer's "Evolution: The Triumph of an Idea." The writing is a mess, but it's an interesting read nonetheless.

[JP · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly insightful exploration of the variety of techniques and features used in the great struggle between predator and prey.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting.