Lebanese amber

"One of the earth's oldest natural treasures, Lebanese amber unlocks the secrets of a little-known world populated by dinosaurs, pterosaurs, and cycads. Dating back some 135 million years to the early Cretaceous, the amber contains the earliest known representatives of many insect groups. It was formed in a wet, tropical kauri pine forest long before Earth's continents reached their present positions.". "This illustrated book, the first major review of Lebanese amber, covers all aspects of this rare and highly valued resin, including its origin and its role as a commodity in ancient cultures. The authors discuss each plant and animal fossil thus far recovered from the amber, including nematodes, snails, mites, spiders and insects, and the earliest complete feather.". "Paleontologists, biologists, and evolutionists will appreciate the book's new information, along with its summary of early research and its analysis of how these amber fossils can increase our understanding of insect diversification, biogeography, extinction, and survival. With its descriptions of the origins, characteristics, and ancient uses of Lebanese amber and other Near Eastern resins, the book will appeal to readers of natural history and amber and gem collectors as well."--BOOK JACKET.