Aquagenesis: the Origin and Evolution of Life in the Sea.

RICHARD ELLIS 

In lucid and engaging prose, Ellis traces the history of life on Earth as animals moved from sea to land and back to sea again. He discusses not just how but why this journey occurred. By comparing creatures living in and around water today with those in the fossil record, he provides an overview of the prevailing theories of paleontology and evolutionary biology. In the process, he introduces a bevy of interesting creatures--living and extinct--and describes the physical attributes that enabled them to integrate themselves into their habitats. From accounts of the bacteria that prosper on the ocean floor to the giant crocodiles, turtles, and manatees that swam in the seas millions of years ago, Ellis imparts a thorough evolutionary history of the oceans. Originally published in hardcover in 2001. Penguin, 2003, 304 p., b&w illus., paperback, $15.00.