Riley Black
Writer, Salt Lake City, Utah
Riley Black is a science writer and author of several books, including Skeleton Keys (2019), Deep Time (2021) and The Last Days of the Dinosaurs (2022). Her bylines have also appeared in publications such as National Geographic, Slate, The Wall Street Journal and New Scientist, among others.
Written by Riley Black
essayPalaeontology
The dinosaurs didn’t rule
When we think of changes in Earth’s history as changes of dynasty we miss out on understanding how life really works
Riley Black
essayPalaeontology
This riotous life
There’s no rhythm to mass extinctions, no pattern to evolutionary recovery. Life bursts forth, in cacophonous adaptation
Riley Black
ideaEarth science and climate
Keeping kids frenetically entertained is ruining our museums
Riley Black
ideaGenetics
Extinction is forever: de-extinction can’t save what we had
Riley Black
essayBiology
Once and future cats
Sabercats were magnificent, powerful predators – what does their extinction tell us about the future of life on Earth?
Riley Black