Walking Whales: From Land to Water in Eight Million Years

Hans Thewissen, a renowned whale paleontologist, shares his discoveries of the early fossil record of whales, revealing their evolution from herbivorous ancestors to carnivorous monsters. He explores India, Pakistan, Japan, and Alaska to study whales and wild dolphins, combining anatomy, fossil analysis, and embryology to understand their lives. Thewissen advocates for using all scientific fields to study whale evolution.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2019
Publisher: University of California Press

Whale paleontology and anatomy expert Hans Thewissen provides a comprehensive first-person account of the discoveries that have illuminated the early fossil record of these magnificent creatures. As evidenced in the record, whales have undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from herbivorous forest-dwelling ancestors resembling tiny deer to carnivorous monsters that stalked lakes and rivers, and even serpent-like denizens of the coast.

Thewissen's journey to the wilds of India and Pakistan, where he conducted his groundbreaking research, is vividly recounted in the book. He weaves a narrative that not only sheds light on the day-to-day adventures of fossil collection but also incorporates local flavors from South Asian culture and society. The reader is transported to the sites of the digs, experiencing the excitement and rigors faced by scientific researchers as they uncover new insights that raise even more questions.

In his quest to gain a deeper understanding of how modern whales live their lives, Thewissen also travels to Japan and Alaska to study whales and wild dolphins. He employs a multidisciplinary approach, studying the anatomy of otters and porpoises, examining whale embryos under a microscope, and analyzing fossil records.

In the book's final chapter, Thewissen advocates for using the most powerful tools available to study whale evolution and for combining all fields of science in pursuit of knowledge. He emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary research and collaboration in unraveling the mysteries of these ancient creatures.

Hans Thewissen's book is a captivating and informative journey into the world of whale evolution, offering a wealth of insights and perspectives that will captivate readers of all ages. It is a testament to the power of scientific discovery and the enduring fascination with these magnificent mammals.

Weight: 408g
Dimension: 144 x 225 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520305601