Egypt's Prehistoric Fauna

At the World Heritage site of Wadi al-Hitan, or the Valley of the Whales, in Egypt's Western Desert, an ecotour in the desert reveals a site of invaluable prehistoric fossils, from whales and rays to sea turtles and crocodiles. Forty million years ago, this region in Egypt was submerged under the ocean, with a coastline of mangrove swamps. Yet while this site reveals incredible steps in the evolution of some species, it also proves the extraordinary perfection of others: crocodiles, sea turtles, and even bats have changed very little over the course of millions of years! Today, their descendants can still be found in Egypt, struggling to survive a much greater challenge than they faced with the dinosaurs: people. Water-resistant and compact, filled with colorful illustrations and photographs, comprehensive text, diagrams, and maps, this foldout guide is the perfect travel companion through geological time. - Chart of prehistoric animals and their Egyptian contemporaries, including whales, crocodiles, dugongs, sea turtles, fruit bats, and lizards. - Map of Egypt today with contrasting image of the continent 40 million years ago.