Last of the Giants: The Rise and Fall of Earth's Most Dominant Species

Gr 9 Up—The extinctions of giant (both in size and number) species at the mercy of nature and humanity turn out to be a fascinating and jarring lesson for our present. Chronicling the fates of aurochs, moa, passenger pigeons, and sea cows, alongside the unresolved destinies of today's lions and tigers, this work gazes back at evolutionary history through a retrospect that, with the aid of Campbell's humorous and scientific tone, is truly 20/20. Thankfully, the text's explorations of these annihilated species are complex and perceptive and go beyond the usual worn conclusion of human-wrought woe. Mixing geology, ethnography, history, zoology, biology, industry, and sociology, Campbell demonstrates how interconnected Earth's species and societies—human and nonhuman—are. By examining the complex web of evolution through the misfortunes of these lost species, the author drives home that our present is not a final, linear result of history but rather an ever-evolving system that needs care and attention. To that end, a "Call to Action" section laden with resources for the aspiring activist appears at the end; though there is no index, an extensive list of works cited illuminates a path for those who wish to read further.