The Life Cycle of a Flower looks at the growth of a flower from seed to the time it is a mature plant capable of producing new seeds. Delightful illustrations, stunning photographs and easy-to-read text help young readers learn how seeds are formed and what different types of seeds look like, the various ways flowers are pollinated, the conditions necessary for a seed to germinate and begin to make a new plant, and how flowering plants benefit animals, people, and the environment.
Although there are over 9,000 species of birds in the world, each develops from a single-celled egg, is incubated, hatches, and grows to adulthood. Some bird life cycles involve migration. The Life Cycle of a Bird focuses on the various stages and explains the differences in the length of time birds incubate their eggs and care for their young, the development of a chicken embryo and how a chick hatches, the dangers to nesting habitats, and the effects of pollution and how these affect the life cycle of birds.
These busy insects have intrigued people of all ages for thousands of years. The Life Cycle of a Honeybee describes each stage of a honeybee's life cycle from egg to adult. Full-color photographs, beautiful illustrations, and easy-to-understand text highlight how a queen lays eggs and forms a new hive, how eggs develop into workers, drones, or queen bees, how the body of a larva changes to that of an adult through metamorphosis, the roles of workers, drones, and queens in the hive, and how honeybees find food.
Frogs begin their lives as tiny tadpoles living in water. As adults, they live both on land and in the water. The Life Cycle of a Frog details the changes in a frog at the four stages: egg, tadpole, froglet, and adult. Illustrations, photographs, and easy-to-read text explain the facts about how the frog breathes and eats at each stage, the differences in the metamorphosis of frogs in southern and northern climates, and the dangers to frogs from pollution, pesticides, and destruction of habitat.
Hundreds of thousands of beetles live all over the world in habitats as diverse as swamps, rainforests, and deserts. The Life Cycle of a Beetle describes the growth and development of these fascinating insects from egg to adult. Full-color images of all kinds of beetles, from the familiar to the extraordinary, are included. Illustrations and photographs illuminate topics such as where beetles lay their eggs, the transformation from larva to pupa to beetle, differences between male and female beetles, how beetles defend themselves against predators, the dangers faced by beetles, and how children can help beetles.
Bears are some of the most loved animals on Earth. All over the world, however, bears are at risk. In Endangered Bears, kids will learn about the lives of these beautiful animals and why they are at risk of becoming extinct. Topics include a bear's life cycle, the many habitats in which bears live around the world, how bears communicate through body language and sounds, and threats from hunting, poaching, shrinking habitats and global warming.
The mountain gorillas of Central Africa are a critically endangered species because of poaching, hunting, habitat loss, exposure to human diseases, and war. Readers will find out more about how people are working together to save these animals through habitat conservation and education.
At one time, the howling of gray wolves was a common sound throughout North America. Readers will learn more about these pack animals and what brought them to the edge of extinction. They will also find out more about the steps that have been taken to reintroduce gray wolves to the territories where they once roamed freely.
With fascinating information and facts, alongside beautiful pictures, students will learn about the Karner Blue Butterfly, its status on the endangered species list, why it has become endangered, and how it is planning on staging a comeback on the road to recovery.
The graceful, little key deer lives in the Florida Keys. Readers will learn more about these deer, how they became endangered, and what conservation groups are doing to help them make a comeback.
The Mongolian wild horse was once considered extinct in the wild and only a few existed in zoos. Find out how scientists working together have reintroduced Mongolian wild horses to their former habitat and are helping them take their first steps on the road to recovery.
Gray whales live in the Pacific Ocean and can grow to be 50 feet (15 meters) long. Readers will discover how whale hunters brought these huge mammals to near extinction and how people are working together to help these giants of the sea fight for survival.
The whooping crane is a unique bird found only in North America and known for its whooping call great height for a bird. Readers will learn about the whooping crane's fight for survival as hunters killed them for their beautiful feathers and humans drained their wetland habitats to build houses.
The American bison was hunted to near extinction in the 1800s as settlers moved west across what is now the United States. Readers will learn about this animal that is a symbol of the American West and find out what steps were taken to help increase the American bison population.
Readers are introduced the habitat and lifestyle of the American Alligator and learn how the American Alligator is making a comeback from near extinction. Find out how people in the southeastern United States are learning to live with these amazing creatures.
An elephant seal has a thick layer of blubber that keeps it from freezing in cold northern waters. This protective layer of blubber was prized by hunters who killed so many elephant seals that there were fewer than 100 left alive. Discover how government leaders and others took action to save these sea mammals from extinction.
The small golden lion tamarin is known for its brownish-red mane, long tail, and territorial nature. Readers will learn about these creatures and how destruction of their coastal forest habitat almost led to their extinction. Find out how zoos and conservationists have collaborated to save the golden lion tamarin.
Many people are afraid of bats, but like every other living thing they play in important role in nature. Readers will learn about cave dwelling gray bats, how they became endangered, and how government leaders and scientists have teamed up to save these furry, flying creatures.
Asian carp have big appetites and can leap out of the water when startled. They were brought to the United States from their native Asian habitats to control algae growth on fish farms. Find out what happened when some of these big, jumping fish escaped and made their way up the Mississippi River.
American mink have beautiful, thick, glossy fur. At one time, many were exported to other countries where farmers raised them for their fur. Find out what happened to native species when fur went out of fashion and many minks were released into the wild.
Cane toads are known for their warty skin and poison glands. They were brought to Australia and other places to help control pests that were harming crops. Learn more about how the cane toad has gone from being farmer's friend to an unwanted pest.
Gray squirrels are known for their bushy tails and hoarding habits. These North American natives were imported to parts of Europe and South Africa as pets, but quickly went from pets to unwanted pests. Learn more about the problems caused by invasive gray squirrels and what can be done to solve them.
Emerald Ash Borers have shiny green bodies and an appetite for ash trees. This native Asian insect hitchhiked to North America and has killed millions of ash trees. Learn more about the emerald ash borer and what is being done to try to stop its spread.
Zebra Mussels are known for their striped shells and clingy habits. These natives of Europe and Asia traveled to North America in by ship. Learn more about why the zebra mussel poses a threat to native animals and the health of North American waterways.
The Florida panther once roamed as far west as Louisiana and as far north as Tennessee. Today, these cats are found in just four counties in southern Florida. How did the Florida panther become one of the most endangered animals in the world? Read this book to find out how hunting and other human activities brought the Florida panther to the brink of extinction. Learn what is being done to help it get on the road to recovery.
