Strange animals from long ago linked to their unexpected modern relatives.

It's hard to imagine, but about 99% of all the species that ever lived are already extinct. Some died off suddenly during global catastrophes, while others gradually disappeared as the world evolved. But some animals didn't vanish altogether, and their distant relatives live among us today.

What were these ancient animals like? In a word, surprising. Ground-dwelling sloths were so tall they could nibble the leaves in treetops. Rabbit-sized camels scampered through the underbrush. Giant dragonflies the size of hawks were masters of the skies, swooping down on flies as big as chickadees.

These six modern animals are compared to their ancient ancestors:

• Dragonfly
• Beaver
• Armadillo
• Crocodile
• Camel
• Sloth.

Why did these fabulous creatures change? What did their world look like? How do scientists make the connection to each one's extraordinary past?

Author Claire Eamer distills millions of years of global history on the astonishing evolution of six modern-day animals. At the same time, readers are treated to a visual feast of artists' colorful renderings of the ancients, together with color photographs of their modern-day counterparts.