This interesting book features an examination of the four major groups of fungi: yeasts, toadstools, chytrids, and bread molds. Special sections explore varieties that feed on dead and decaying matter, parasites, and species that form relationships with other species. Case histories involving fungi include penicillin and the fight against disease, and genetically modified (GM) products in food technology.
This book examines bacteria that are found in virtually every environmentincluding those that are characterized by extreme heat, cold, and depthand, of course, bacteria that are found inside our bodies. Case studies examine the development of new vaccines against bacterial diseases and the use of bacteria to help fight pollution.
Some Archaea thrive in extreme places such as in thermal pools, hot vents at the bottom of the sea, extremely salty water, and even in underground oil reserves. This book examines the diverse Archaea kingdom and the division of these organisms by their unusual biology into three main groups. It also explains why little in general is known about them, and why further classification of Archaea is so difficult.
How in the world do you classify the more than one million species in the animal kingdom? This fact-packed book divides animals into the major phyla, classes, and critical features. Fascinating case histories examine the discovery of new mammal species, the need to conserve endangered species, and using natural predators to control populations and preserve species and their environments.
Snails and sea slugs use Sea Slime. But, did you know that coral and clownfish need slime too? Marine scientist Ellen Prager takes us deep into the sea to introduce us to fascinating and bizarre animals that use slime to capture their food, protect themselves from harm, or even move from place to place in their underwater environment.
Why are ravens black? Why do screech owl eyes look red in light? How did we get fire? You'll find the answers to those questions in this retelling of a Cherokee "pour quoi" folktale. The earth was cold and dark but the animals could see fire coming from the tree on the island. They tried to fly or swim to the island to bring back the fire heat and light. What happened to some of the animals? Which animal brought it back and how?
Polar bears and penguins may like cold weather but they live at opposite ends of the Earth. What do these animals have in common and how are they different? You might see them near each other at a zoo but they would never be found in the same habitats in the wild. Compare and contrast these polar animals through stunning photographs.
Follow the rescue of orphaned polar bear Kali (pronounced Cully) from the Inupiat village of Kali (Point Lay in English) to the Alaska Zoo in Anchorage to his new home at the Buffalo Zoo in New York with Luna, a female polar bear. This photographic journey beautifully captures the remarkable development of the cub, who initially drinks from a baby bottle, sucks his paw for comfort, and sleeps with a blankie as he rapidly grows into the largest land carnivore on earth.
Along a stream a dam pops out of the water. Beavers are busy at work! These aquatic mammals have unique traits that aid them in building the perfect lodge to raise young beavers and keep predators away. Mary Hollands vibrant photographs document the beavers activities through the course of a year. Do these beavers ever take a break? Follow along as they pop through the winter ice to begin the busy year of eating bark, building dams and gathering food just in time for winter to come again.
When summer heats up, animals find ways to stay cool. In A Cool Summer Tail animals wonder how humans stay cool too. Do they dig under the dirt, grow special summer hair, or only come out at night? This sequel to the popular A Warm Winter Tail features many of same animals but this time, with their summer adaptations, offering an important compare and contrast opportunity.
Energy is all around us. Food and sleep are the fuels our bodies use to create the energy we need to move, talk, and think. But scientists tell us some of the fuels that keep our homes and businesses running, power our transportation, and keep us safe are hurting Earth. Learn why energy companies are working to come up with cleaner ways to supply oil and gas, how fuels in the future will be safer for Earth, and what you can do now to use energy wisely. Book features: Table of Contents; Glossary; For More Information including books and web sites; Index; photos and captions; charts and graphs; source notes.
You know the 3Rs: reduce, reuse, and recycle. But what does it really mean and why is it important to cut back on waste? Each year, businesses and homes in the United States throw away enough garbage to equal 251 million elephants. Where would we keep that many elephants? More to the point, where does all that garbage go? Discover why waste is creating problems for Earth and how you can reduce, reuse, and recycle now. Book features: Table of Contents; Glossary; For More Information including books and web sites; Index; photos and captions; charts and graphs; source notes.
Have you thought about where your food comes from? Do you know the difference between organic and nonorganic foods, and is organic always a more healthful choice? Some farmers have opened their farms to the local community to help grow and pick crops. In this book, you'll read why community-supported agriculture is growing fast and how the choices you make at the grocery store can make a big difference in Earth's health as well as your own. Book features: Table of Contents; Glossary; For More Information including books and web sites; Index; photos and captions; charts and graphs; source notes.
How many places do people go in a day? People are always on the go between school, work, shopping, and activities. But how we go can be just as important as where we go. Learn about different ways people move from one place to another, how transportation affects our air, land, and water -- and how you can get there green now to make a difference for Earth. Book features: Table of Contents; Glossary; For More Information including books and web sites; Index; photos and captions; charts and graphs; source notes.
The quiet nature of trees hides the fact that trees are always working for us and for Earth. Trees give us goods to meet our basic needs. Trees are home to animals, insects, and birds. But their biggest and most important job is playing a role in making Earth and our environment healthy. Learn some of the ways trees help, why they are in danger, and what you can do to help protect them now. Book features: Table of Contents; Glossary; For More Information including books and web sites; Index; photos and captions; charts and graphs; source notes.
Under the algae that carpets the swamp, near the duck who paddles in ooze, close to the turtle who takes a snooze...hides a gator! Still as a log, only his watchful eyes can be seen. But when gator moves, he really moves! What happens to the duck, the turtle, the egret, the deer, and the many other critters of the swamp when gator makes his move?
A young mouse quickly comes of age as he sets out to explore his meadow. There he meets many remarkable creatures. Spider has tangled intentions. Firefly really knows how to put on a show. Mother rabbit is kind. Turtle is wise. Others would have him for lunch! Fortunately, help arrives just in time.
This book is the record of a miracle. The metamorphosis of a tiny egg to a caterpiller, then to a chrysalis, and finally to a beautiful butterfly is one of nature's most astonishing miracles. The stunning pictures in this book - many taken with a microscopic lens - will guide you and your child or student to record and understand the progress of the miracle that takes place in your hands, with your own caterpillar/butterfly. More than 140 photographs capture rare sequences: the hatchling eating its way out of the egg; the first green meal moving through the caterpillar's intestines; and a caterpillar shedding its skin. Ample space for notes, drawings and progress charts encourage children to be scientists - and in the process, gain a profound appreciation for these remarkable tiny beings. The book includes 20 pages of teacher information, including answers to questions, charts, tips for teachers, and pages of resources.
In this new millennium, we are faced with a critical question: are we willing to work together to ensure the survival of the planet? Eleven ancient stories address this challenging issue through tales of natural elements such as Sun, Moon, Stars, Ocean, Wind, Fire, Mammals, Reptiles, Birds, Insects, Rocks, Trees, and Humans.
This collection of traditional tales and proverbs from over twenty ethnic groups touches upon both human and ecological themes such as environmental protection, the care of other creatures, and the connection of all things in nature.
The Earth system comprises diverse components that interact in complex ways. Earth science includes the study of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, oceans, and biosphere, as well as the solid earth. The reproducible activity pages supplement earth science textbooks with stand-alone or coordinate one-page lessons. Sample activities include: Cenozoic Era, Comparing Types of Rocks, Eclipses, Formation of Coal, Glacial Landforms, Global Heat Budget, How Minerals Form, Igneous Rocks, Waves, and More!
Get the creepy but cool facts on spiders. From the tiny jumping spider to the world's largest spider, find out what spiders like to eat and the ingenious ways they have to catch their prey.
Simple text and up-close photography will give you all the slithery science info you can handle about these creepy but cool predators.
Polly 'Possum is looking for a new home to raise her expected babies. Along the way, she meets a wide variety of diurnal and nocturnal animals. She learns how they build and live in webs, nests, hives, shells, burrows, lodges, dens, caves, dreys, and even hollows. While those homes are perfect for those animals, they aren't right for her. How does Polly find a home and will she find it in time?
Step back in time and follow dinosaur tracks around the world. Whether made by a few dinosaurs or large groups, these tracks provide clues to the movement and behavior of these lovable ancient creatures. What dinosaurs made the tracks and what do scientists think they were doing when they made them? The author tells the story in rhythmic rhyme that may be sung to the tune of Over the River and Through the Woods.
