From the first living cells to fearsome dinosaurs and giant mammals, take a journey through prehistory to find out about the supersized, the scary, and the downright bizarre animals and plants that inhabited Earth in ancient times. Broken down by animal or plant type, there are profiles on more than 40 key species. With famous favorites such as mighty Tyrannosaurus and huge woolly mammoths, as well as lesser-known organisms, including five-eyed Opabinia and airplane-sized pterosaur Quetzalcoatlus, children won't fail to be captivated by the amazing range of beasts on display. Learn about the primeval world itself and how the Earth has changed over time, why fossils form, and the arrival of early humans. Detailed artwork brings the past to life, while pronunciation guides help with tricky names, and a visual index provides a quick overview of every species in the book.