"This text is a superb combination of accessibility, integration, and soundness. Most importantly, it employs a powerful educational strategy. Ecology, Second Edition, is one of the most compelling textbooks I have seen."

"An excellent addition, complementing Gee's earlier book Before the Backbone, which provided a historical perspective on ideas surrounding vertebrate origins. Gee addresses an important topic for biologists and zoologists about vertebrates' place in the 'grand scheme.' We are familiar with vertebrates, or think that we are. However, Gee shows beautifully, as a group  we are just as strange in many ways as other groups appear to us. Across the Bridge takes on a very esoteric subject and is genuinely witty and charming. The book really is magnificent."