Introduces the animal kingdom, describes the physical characteristics of invertebrates and vertebrates, and discusses how the different species are classified.
An amazing adventure of animal discovery Thirteen extraordinary habitats to explore. Thirteen unforgettable stories. Go on a journey that spans every corner of our planet. What do freezing mountain peaks, vast deserts, lush forests, and the deepest, darkest oceans have in common? They're all places that incredible animals call home. Through the Animal Kingdom invites you on a journey through these habitats to discover the secret lives of the animals that live there. Track a bald eagle as it soars majestically over the Rocky Mountains, follow migrating wildebeests across the Serengeti as they attempt a dangerous river crossing under the watchful eyes of hungry predators, or trace the tracks of the solitary amur leopard - the rarest cat on Earth - as it silently stalks its prey through the icy forests of the Siberian wilderness. Through the Animal Kingdom is the first installment in a new series aiming to reinvent early reference for a new generation of reader, and is perfect for adventurous animal lovers anywhere.
Although we often search social and historical documents for clues to our past, biological documents perhaps hold the most important evidence of our heritage. The traits we inherit from our parents and pass on to our offspring are encoded in our genes and DNA and reveal much about both our origins and our future. This volume examines the fascinating biology behind genetics and genetic disorders. It also carefully considers the principles of gene manipulation and genetic engineering whose potential to revolutionize medicine, industry, and agriculture is becoming increasingly evident with every new discovery.
For many of us, plants herald the change of seasons, represent the promise of nourishment, or serve as stunning visual reminders of Earths natural beauty. As vital components of nearly every ecosystem on the planet, plants play a fundamental ecological role in the lives of most organisms for their utility in food and clothing production, fuel, shelter, and a host of other activities. Complete with images and diagrams depicting the parts and growth stages of plants, this volume clarifies what defines a plant and introduces readers to the structures of various plants as well as their complex roles within our environment.
The life cycle of a plant can be truly remarkable to observe, and the energy of plant life can be truly mystifying; consider how certain environments are inhospitable to life, yet theyre sprinkled with various forms of vegetation. Plant reproduction can occur asexually or sexually; the method of reproduction sets the stage for the plants growth and maturity. This flourishing volume examines the processes of plant reproduction and the stages of plant life, while also spotlighting the role of plants in various ecological settings.
Formalizing study of the natural world may seem like a daunting task considering the sheer breadth and variety of living things that inhabit the planet. From the microscopic organisms in the worlds most remote locations to those in the human body, evidence of the intricate structures and mechanisms that enable life are ubiquitous and new discoveries constantly reveal new possibilities that demand to be examined. This volume surveys the multitude of subjects that comprise the field of biology and includes an overview of the development of biology, microbiology, and cell theory.