Books
by Carl Zimmer
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At The Waters Edge: Fish With Fingers Whales With Legs . . . |
Whales were a conundrum for Darwin but provide a fascinating detective story in this absorbing account of evolution. After struggling to evolve legs, what was it that prompted one particular group to return to the sea? Why, unlike their reptile predecessors, did whales develop sonar, filter krill with baleen, and have an up/down tail movement? Surprisingly much comes down to the teeth and skull of their ancient wolf-like ancestor Pakicetus. Big changes from small differences... (Clive)
(Clive Yelf - bwl 53 September 2009) |
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