by Carl Zimmer
First published 1998
At the Water's Edge dives into two epic journeys of macroevolution. First, the descendants of an ancient lineage of fish ventured onto land 360 million years ago, evolving into the diverse creatures of the continents. Then, around 50 million years ago, one branch of these land-dwelling creatures crept back into the water, transforming into the majestic whales and dolphins we know today. Zimmer escorts us through this odyssey, from the early fossil discoveries to modern breakthroughs in paleontology, ecology, and genetics that continue to unveil the secrets of these remarkable evolutionary transitions.
Genres: science, evolution, non-fiction, biology, academic, science-nature
Vibes: intimate, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: epic, odyssey
Period: 360 Million Years Ago, 50 Million Years Ago
304 pages · Hardcover · Free Press