American Pronghorn: Social Adaptations And The Ghosts Of Predators Past; Author: Byers, John A.; Paperback

Author: Byers, John A.
Paperback; 41 Halftones, 111 Line Drawings, 4 Tables
316 pages
Published: February 1998
The University of Chicago Press
ISBN: 0226086992

Based on the behavior of American pronghorn antelope--which exhibit certain unexplainable defense characteristics--zoologist John A. Byers theorizes the animals' mystifying behaviors evolved in response to dangerous predators of their ancient past. Byers's provocative hypothesis suggests that other species' adaptations also are haunted by ghosts of predators past. 41 photos. 111 line drawings.Pronghorn antelope are the fastest runners in North America, reaching speeds of 100 kilometers per hour, yet none of their current predators can run so fast. This text argues that pronghorn shared their grassland home for nearly four million years with other, more dangerous predators.