A richly illustrated journey through the evolution of Africa's
extraordinary natural world across deep time
Origin Africa is a unique introduction to the natural history and
evolution of the most misrepresented continent on Earth. Celebrated
evolutionary biologist and artist Jonathan Kingdon, a leading expert on
the natural history of Africa, tells this extraordinary story as no one
else can. Featuring a wealth of photographs and illustrations, the book
is both a visual and narrative feast.
Africa is the richest continent, containing every habitat from desert to
tropical forest and the widest range of plants and animals found
anywhere. It has experienced extraordinary climate fluctuations, meteor
bombardment, and cataclysmic volcanic eruptions. Yet life has not only
survived but evolved almost countless species. One group of primates
evolved out of this crucible and moved out of Africa to dominate every
continent on Earth. Africa has properties that ensure that most of human
evolution couldn't have occurred anywhere else.
A fascinating story told as never before, Origin Africa chronicles how
the natural conditions of Africa enabled a spectacular evolution of
plants and animals, including Homo sapiens.