Richard Monastersky
is a staff writer at Science News magazine in Washington, D.C. Since 1987 he has traveled from the South Pole to Greenland covering research on earth science and paleontology. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate in physics from Wesleyan University, Monastersky cowrote Nature on the Rampage (Smithsonian Books, 1994). He has published articles and photographs in Discover, Earth, Science World, Encyclopaedia Britannica, and text books. His article “Life Grows Up,” a follow-up to “The Rise of Life on Earth,” will appear in the April 1998 issue of NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC magazine.

Due to the immediate nature of this medium, National Geographic Online does not review, censor, approve, edit, or endorse information placed on this forum. Discussion boards on National Geographic Online are intended to be appropriate for family members of all ages. Posting of indecent material is strictly prohibited. The placement of advertisements or solicitations also is prohibited. National Geographic Online shall review information placed on this forum from time to time and delete inappropriate material that comes to its attention as soon as it is practicable, but cannot guarantee that such material will not be found on the forum. By posting material on this discussion board you agree to adhere to this policy prohibiting indecent, offensive, or advertising material, and to legally assume full and sole responsibility for your posting.