Lean about the similarities between radar technology and a bat's built-in echolocation system.
When we think of wild animals, we don't immediately associate them with the cities we live in. But a closer look soon reveals that we share our urban environment with a great many untamed creatures. Heavily illustrated and full of entertaining and informative facts, City Critters examines how and why so many wild animals choose to live in places that, on first glance at least, seem contrary to their needs. How do those deer, raccoons, squirrels, skunks, coyotes, crows, gulls and geese-not to mention the alligators, eagles, otters and snakes-manage to survive in the big city? What special skills do city critters have that many of their wilderness cousins lack? Why have they developed these skills? And what are our responsibilities in ensuring that these animals can continue to share our city lives?
Extensively illustrated with Ian McAllister's magnificent photographs, The Salmon Bears explores the delicate balance that exists between the grizzly, black and spirit bears and their natural environment, the last great wilderness along the central coast of British Columbia. Key to this relationship are the salmon that are born in the rivers each spring, who then go out to sea as juveniles and return as adults to spawn and die, completing a cycle of life that ensures the survival of not only their own species but also virtually every other plant and animal in the rainforest. In clear language suitable for young readers, the authors describe the day-to-day activities that define the lives of these bears through the four seasons. But this is also very much the story of the Great Bear Rainforesta vast tract of land that stretches from the northern tip of Vancouver Island to the Alaska border and contains some of the largest stands of old-growth forest left on the West Coast. The Salmon Bears focuses on the interconnectedness of all life in the rainforest and makes a strong case for the importance of protecting this vital ecological resource.
The Sea Wolves sets out to disprove the notion of "the Big Bad Wolf," especially as it is applied to coastal wolvesa unique strain of wolf that lives in the rainforest along the Pacific coast of Canada. Genetically distinct from their inland cousins and from wolves in any other part of the world, coastal wolves can swim like otters and fish like the bears with whom they share the rainforest. Smaller than the gray wolves that live on the other side of the Coast Mountains, these wolves are highly social and fiercely intelligent creatures. Living in the isolated wilderness of the Great Bear Rainforest, coastal wolves have also enjoyed a unique relationship with man. The First Nations people, who have shared their territory for thousands of years, do not see them as a nuisance species but instead have long offered the wolf a place of respect and admiration within their culture. Illustrated with almost one hundred of Ian McAllister's magnificent photographs, The Sea Wolves presents a strong case for the importance of preserving the Great Bear Rainforest for the wolves, the bears and the other unique creatures that live there.
This overview of insects describes their basic characteristics and life cycles. Reading Essentials in Science.
This book looks at the way plants and animals in a particular habitat are connected and explains how plants begin all food chains and all animals depend on plants for survival. Reading Essentials in Science.
This book explains how plants and animals are classified. Reading Essentials in Science.
This book introduces amphibians and reptiles, including information about the characteristics they share and those that are different. Reading Essentials in Science.
This book is an overview on birds and how they are grouped according to common characteristics, including songbirds, waterbirds, flightless birds, fowl, and birds of prey. Reading Essentials in Science.
This book introduces the various types of environments in an ocean and along an ocean's shore, including rocky cliffs where hardy plants grow and the underwater communities of the coral reefs. Reading Essentials in Science.
This book explains how species have adapted to their environment over time in order to survive. Reading Essentials in Science.
Crustaceans, arachnids, and insects are part of the arthropod family. Reading Essentials in Science.
Wildebeests, zebras, and other African animals live in danger of being strangled to death by an African lion. Even people in small villages face the threat of an attack from a ruthless lion! You will be terrified as you read about these ferocious cats with appetites for human flesh!
Unpredictability is dangerous! That is why the Cape buffalo is an animal to avoid at all costs. Though this buffalo may appear mellow and seem to be minding its own business, it can charge at any moment. Encounter the brutal beast that is the Cape buffalo in this title.
The Friesian horse may be large and powerful, but it is also quick and graceful. A champion at both dressage and driving, the breed is also known for excellent pleasure riding. Hop on a Friesian and learn its nature, history, and where it excels in the equine world today!
There is an animal in Asia with enough venom in its bite to kill 20 people! It is the king cobraa snake that lifts its body off the ground, spreads its hood, and hisses violently before attacking. The king cobra has killed many people. Those that have survived attacks are lucky. Read a survival story and learn how to avoid attacks in this thrilling book.
Deep in the forest, hikers must watch where they step. Fresh tracks could mean a run-in with a grizzly! This aggressive bear is fiercely protective of its cubs and always ready to stand its ground. After reading this book, the roar of a grizzly will send shivers down your spine!
Animals lucky enough to survive the attack of a Komodo dragon usually die hours later from blood poisoning. The animal has deadly saliva that is full of harmful bacteria! Children will be interested to read about the characteristics, habitat, and hunting methods of this dominant predator.
A poison dart frog's colorful body warns other animals to stay away. The bright colors reveal that the frog can kill with its powerful venom. In this book, young readers will learn why they should keep their distance from this small, poisonous amphibian.
A hippopotamus is quick to fight. When provoked or threatened, the beast will open its large mouth, show off its canines, and grunt or roar! The animal never retreats from battle, willing to fight to the death. In this book, young readers will discover the hippopotamus' violent side.
One pounce from a Bengal tiger can be deadly! The tiger has a strength that few animals can rival and people should fear. In this title, children will learn how a Bengal tiger stalks its prey before it fatally attacks in a split second.
The American Quarter Horse got its name from its ability to run a quarter mile race faster than almost any other breed. It has recorded speeds up to 55 miles per hour! Read all about this fast horse and what makes it one of the most popular breeds in the United States today.
Weighing as much as 16,000 pounds, the African elephant is a huge, dangerous animal. Its massive body can crush anything in its way! After reading this book, children will understand why a charging African elephants is something to fear.
Fifteen-year-old Tim loves his job at his dad's pet store, partly because he gets to spend time with his best friend, a black cockatoo named Elmo. But things at work have been tense since the store moved to a larger, more expensive location. To make extra money his father rents out the store's exotic birds for parties and Tim is furious at this exploitation of his friend. When Elmo is stolen from one of the parties, the police are unconcerned about the theft. Tim and his new human friend, Sapna, set out to find Elmo and discover that Elmo is more valuable than they'd ever imagined.
Discover the vital role of disappearing wetlands and what can be done to protect and restore this resource.
