Darwin's theory of evolution, published in 1859, shook up the field of paleontology, the study of ancient plants and animals. Othniel Charles Marsh and Edward Drinker Cope, enthralled with these new ideas, discoveries, and developments, became determined to become world-famous paleontologists. When they met in 1863, they started off as friends. But within a few years, competition drove them apart. Each fought bitterly to discover more fossils, name more species, and publish more papers than the other. In their haste to outdo each other, they both produced some shoddy work. The resulting confusion took many years to correct, and their toxic relationship crippled the field of paleontology for decades afterward. However, the competition also produced a wealth of fossils, laying a firm foundation for future paleontologists and supporting Darwin's theory, as well as generating keen public interest in prehistoric life.--From publisher description.