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Summary
Summary
Seventy million years ago, deep in the ocean, a bluish fish hovers in a cave. Like the dinosaurs, the fish's kind is about to become extinct. Or is it? Millions of years later, a bizarre blue fish is caught near East London, South Africa. To the museum curator who first studies it, it looks like an ancient fossil fish. But it can't be. The fossil fishes have all been extinct for eons... So begins the story of the coelacanth, a fish that survived the wave of extinction that killed the dinosaurs. From underwater quests for hidden populations to the dissection of the coelacanth's unique organs, this gripping scientific drama brings to life the thrill of discovery.
Reviews (4)
Horn Book Review
(Middle School, High School) In December 1938, an odd-looking fish was brought in to a South African museum. Its identification as a coelacanth, previously thought to be extinct, caused a sensation in scientific and public circles and touched off a decades-long search for more specimens. Walker's tale of scientists and the coelacanths is exciting even as it moves from historical accounts to discussions of fish facts to coverage of current events in the search to find new species. In telling the story, Walker reveals how science is affected by forces as powerful as international conflicts and as simple as being in the right place at the right time. The discovery of each new fish advanced some theories and changed others as scientists worked with more and more dead specimens and then finally observed living coelacanths in their deep ocean habitats in 1987. Even now scientists are working hard to find coelacanth young and to figure out the details of the coelacanth life cycle. The story is enhanced by the sharp layout that easily integrates within the text color diagrams, historical and recent photographs, and biological illustrations. The book is a fine example of scientific discovery told as an unfolding drama, situated within the social and historical contexts of its practice. Appended are source notes and a map, timeline, bibliography, glossary, and index. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
Gr. 5-8. Walker tells the story of the coelacanth, an ancient fish with a distinctive tail, four stubby bottom fins, and spines on its scales. Known from its fossil remains, this type of fish was thought to be extinct until a scientist discovered one in a South African fisherman's catch in 1938. The hunt was on, and since that time other coelacanths have been found in a few other parts of the world and observed in their habitats deep below the surface of the ocean. Walker writes well, making this relatively unknown area of science history an exciting story of exploration and discovery. Excellent, full-color photos illustrate the text. A behind-the-scenes look at the scientists intently engaged in the study of biology. Carolyn Phelan.
School Library Journal Review
Gr 5-9-Walker traces the scientific detective work that led to identification of this species, long thought to be extinct, then describes the subsequent investigations of its physiology, habits, and habitat. In words and photos, she introduces the scientists and fishermen involved in the search as well as the rare specimens, which have not survived in captivity and were so difficult to preserve until mid-century. The author mentions the international politics involved in the ownership of the fish as well as misinterpretations of scientific data. As the text moves through the 20th century to recent discoveries in 2001, the photos change from black-and-white shots to color photos enhanced by modern underwater technology. The author ends by cataloging the questions still to be answered. An outstanding history of scientific inquiry, this title will appeal to future oceanographers and excite them with the news that there is still important research to be done.-Ellen Heath, Orchard School, Ridgewood, NJ (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
Walker (Seahorse Reef, 2001, etc.) imbues a still-ongoing scientific treasure hunt with all the suspense and excitement it deserves. Drawing information from both published sources and private interviews with research scientists, she chronicles the modern rediscovery of this lumpish, rugged-looking fish, once thought extinct for 70 million years. Her account covers its chance 1938 appearance in a fisherman's net to finds within the last five years that have extended its range to Indonesia and several spots along Africa's eastern coast. Enhanced by lucid art and sharp color photos, and backed up with helpful book and Web site lists, she produces an engrossing tally both of what we know about coelacanth anatomy and behavior, and what remains mysterious. No captured specimens have yet survived more than a few hours, no young have ever been observed, and the purpose of certain organs is still unknown. She makes it easy to understand why, though "it's usually people that catch coelacanths, something about coelacanths also catches' people." Science-writing at its finest, sure to net plenty of young readers. (Nonfiction. 11-13)
