Search

An informative and gorgeously illustrated field guide for butterfly enthusiasts everywhere!Butterflies and moths have fascinated people for centuries. Their bright colors, varied wing shapes, and endless patterns capture the imagination, making them the stuff of myth and folklore. Today, butterfly watching—or “butterflying”—has become a popular hobby with numerous clubs and festivals devoted to it.In The Exquisite Butterfly Companion, Hazel Davis of the American Museum of Natural History presents an engaging introduction to these fascinating insects. An opening chapter discusses butterfly and moth basics, such as their taxonomy, life cycle, migration, and more. Then follows a lushly illustrated catalogue of butterfly and moth species, offering detailed information on their unique colorings and habitats.

Even though contemporary biology and mathematics are inextricably linked, high school biology and mathematics courses have traditionally been taught in isolation. But this is beginning to change. This volume presents papers related to the integration of biology and mathematics in high school classes. The first part of the book provides the rationale for integrating mathematics and biology in high school courses as well as opportunities for doing so. The second part explores the development and integration of curricular materials and includes responses from teachers. Papers in the third part of the book explore the interconnections between biology and mathematics in light of new technologies in biology. The last paper in the book discusses what works and what doesn't and presents positive responses from students to the integration of mathematics and biology in their classes.

Provide the support for successful and in-depth study, with chapters presented in syllabus order, past IB exam paper questions and links to Theory of Knowledge.Material for Higher Level and Standard Level is clearly identified and key terms are simply defined, with examples drawn from a wide range of international sources.Chapters open with a list of'Starting points'that summarise essential concepts. Photographs, electron micrographs and full-colour illustrations complement the text, and illustrate principles and processes in context. Topics and Options coverage accurately reflect the Objectives and Command terms in which syllabus assessment statements are phrased.- Improve exam performance, with plenty of questions, including past paper exam questions- Link to Theory of Knowledge and provide opportunities for cross-curriculum study- Stretch more able students with extension activities- Teach all the Options with additional content on the CD-ROM

An informative, richly illustrated book about eighty of the world's most important and remarkable treesOur planet is home to some three trillion trees—roughly four hundred for every person on Earth. In Trees of Life, Max Adams selects, from sixty thousand extant species, eighty remarkable trees through which to celebrate the richness of humanity's relationship with trees, woods, and forests.In a sequence of informative and beautifully illustrated portraits, divided between six thematic sections, Adams investigates the trees that human cultures have found most useful across the world and ages: trees that yield timber and other materials of immense practical value, trees that bear edible fruits and nuts, trees that deliver special culinary ingredients and traditions, and trees that give us dyes, essences, and medicines. In a section titled “Supertrees,” Adams considers trees that have played a pivotal role in maintaining natural and social communities, while a final section, “Trees for the Planet,” looks at a group of trees so valuable to humanity that they must be protected at all costs from loss.From the apple to the oak, the logwood to the breadfruit, and the paper mulberry to the Dahurian larch, these are trees that offer not merely shelter, timber, and fuel but also drugs, foods, and fibers. Trees of Life presents a plethora of fascinating stories about them.

A captivating A–Z treasury for the tree hugger in all of usTreepedia is an entertaining and fact-filled illustrated compendium of tree lore. Featuring nearly 100 entries—on topics ranging from tree ecology and conservation to the role of trees in religion, literature, art, and movies—this enticing collection is a celebration of all things arboreal.In this charming book, Joan Maloof explains the difference between a cedar and a cypress, and reveals where to find the most remarkable trees on the planet. She tells the story behind the venerable Bodhi Tree, and describes peculiar species like baobabs and Fitzroya. Maloof profiles legendary conservationists such as Julia'Butterfly'Hill, John Muir, Wangari Maathai, and Ken Wu. She discusses reforestation, proforestation, emerald ash borers, the ents from The Lord of the Rings, culturally modified trees, the ill-fated and controversial Redwood Summer, and much more. The book's portable size makes it the perfect travel companion no matter where your love of the forest may lead you.With enchanting illustrations by Maren Westfall, Treepedia is a fun and informative book that is guaranteed to inspire anyone who has ever enjoyed a walk in the woods.Features a cloth cover with an elaborate foil-stamped designUses 100 percent recycled, uncoated, wood-free paper

This volume comprises original research papers reporting findings collected by participants of the International Workshop on the Mangrove Ecosystem of Deep Bay and the Mai Po Marshes, jointly organized by the University of Hong Kong and World Wide Fund for Nature Hong Kong and held at the Mai Po Marshes in September 1993. The papers cover a wide range of topics relevant to the future conservation and management of the threatened ecosystem, ranging from the flora and fauna of the mangrove forests and inner Deep Bay to pollution levels in the biota.

Bioinformatics and Computational Biology is a compendium of articles and papers that were presented at BIOCOMP'16, an international conference that serves researchers, scholars, professionals, students, and academicians.

Endorsed by Cambridge Assessment International Education to support the full syllabus.The bestselling title, developed by International experts - now updated to offer comprehensive coverage of the core and extended topics in the latest syllabus.- Includes a student's CD-ROM featuring interactive tests and practice for all examination papers- Covers the core and supplement sections of the updated syllabus- Supported by the most comprehensive range of additional material, including Teacher Resources, Laboratory Books, Practice Books and Revision Guides- Written by renowned, expert authors with vast experience of teaching and examining international qualificationsAnswers to all questions can be found on the Teacher's CD Rom.

Endorsed by Cambridge Assessment International Education for full syllabus coverage.Foster a deeper understanding of theoretical concepts through clear guidance and opportunities for self-assessment throughout; fully matched to the Cambridge International AS & A Level Biology syllabus (9700).- Navigate the different routes through the course with ease with clearly divided sections for AS and A Level.- Focus learning with learning outcomes clearly defined at the beginning of each section- Test knowledge and understanding with past paper and exam-style questions- Address the Key Concepts in the syllabus, which are clearly highlighted throughout the courseThe Revision and Practice CD included with every Student's Book provides interactive tests, summaries of each topic and advice on examination techniques.

With an ordinary magnifying glass and this book as your guide, 50 adventures in close observation await you. These entertaining nature studies take you on field trips in and around your home, calling attention to interesting features of dozens of familiar or overlooked plants, insects, and other animals, and common materials like cloth, quartz, and the paper on which this book is printed.A great deal of basic natural-science theory and detail is presented in this delightful narrative. Flowers and grasses, fish scales, moth and insect wings, egg cases, buds, feathers, seeds, leaf scars, moss, molds, ferns, and common crystals are among the many structures examined, often comparatively. Many natural processes and behavior patterns are observed — seed dispersal and other methods of reproduction, protective coloration, rusting symbiosis, fertilization of the soil, breathing and case building of insects, and many others, all with only an inexpensive hand lens as equipment and with'specimens'you probably pass by going for a walk. More than 200 labeled illustrations accompany the text.The author is a former teacher and associate curator of the New England Museum of Natural History. No previous science background is assumed of readers, and curious readers of almost any age will find this book an interesting introduction to numerous facets of nature study.

All around us there are wild plants useful for food, medicine, and clothing, but most of us don't know how to identify or use them. Delena Tull amply supplies that knowledge in this book, which she has now expanded to more thoroughly address plants found in New Mexico and Arizona, as well as Texas. Extensively illustrated with black-and-white drawings and color photos, this book includes the following special features: Recipes for foods made from edible wild plants Wild teas and spices Wild plant dyes, with instructions for preparing the plants and dying wool, cotton, and other materials Instructions for preparing fibers for use in making baskets, textiles, and paper Information on wild plants used for making rubber, wax, oil, and soap Information on medicinal uses of plants Details on hay fever plants and plants that cause rashes Instructions for distinguishing edible from poisonous berries Detailed information on poisonous plants, including poison ivy, oak, and sumac, as well as herbal treatments for their rashes

There is a gap between the extensive mathematics background that is beneficial to biologists and the minimal mathematics background biology students acquire in their courses. The result is an undergraduate education in biology with very little quantitative content. New mathematics courses must be devised with the needs of biology students in mind. In this volume, authors from a variety of institutions address some of the problems involved in reforming mathematics curricula for biology students. The problems are sorted into three themes: Models, Processes, and Directions. It is difficult for mathematicians to generate curriculum ideas for the training of biologists so a number of the curriculum models that have been introduced at various institutions comprise the Models section. Processes deals with taking that great course and making sure it is institutionalized in both the biology department (as a requirement) and in the mathematics department (as a course that will live on even if the creator of the course is no longer on the faculty). Directions looks to the future, with each paper laying out a case for pedagogical developments that the authors would like to see.

How to use this lesson planner This course is intended to help a student assess information about evolution and creation, and based on the information provided for each, form his or her own understanding of this issue. The author spent 30 years in a challenge to prove evolution, yet the more he learned, the more the truth of God's Word became apparent in the evidence and interviews he found while travelling the world speaking to scholars, museum officials, and viewing artifacts. While originally designed for classroom use, this course represents substantial value and flexibility for those who choose to home educate. The content and organization of the teacher manual, means that this course can be used by more than one student at a time, or even multiple times for a single student without reusing course testing materials. Chapter Objectives:These are presented in a way that is perfect for students to answer in a notebook – having students copy the question and then answer in the notebook is even more helpful by putting the question and answer in proximity and context. These notes in combination with the chapter tests are excellent resources for preparing for sectional tests (if given) or a final exam at the end. Chapter objective can be shared with a student or students, and then kept in a binder for future use if needed. Students are also encouraged to keep these questions and answers for pre-test studying. Chapter Exams: For each chapter, an A, B and C test is provided in the teacher's manual. Here is how you can extend your use of this material: Option 1: You can follow the instructions in the book which are designed for one student. Or you can modify one of the following options for your student, and still have enough course materials to use the course multiple times. Option 2: You could have up to three students taking the course at the same time, with each student having different tests if you assign each Test A to one student, Test B to another, and Test C to a third. This insures each student has a different test and educators can better assess each student's individual understanding of the material at each point. Alternate sectional and final exams are included in this manual for your convenience. Option 3: Adjust the testing and materials to your educational program. For example, each chapter test could be used as additional worksheet material for one or more students, with only the included sectional exams to be administered. Or even just use a final exam for testing comprehension of material if you wish to assign several essays, project, or a term paper based on individual questions of your choice from the exams and objectives or based on a chapter topic. This option would allow for additional writing and research opportunities and for some students, while engaging them more fully in comprehension and application of knowledge for this educational material. Sectional Exams: If used for a single student, a combination of “B” tests from the teacher's manual form the basis of a sectional exam. Alternate sectional exams are included in this package to give you added flexibility in using this course per your own educational program needs whether are teaching one or multiple students at one time, or for future use. Final Exam: “C” tests form a 190 page final exam if you are using the book per its instructions. If you are choosing one of the alternate options discussed, you will find an alternate final exam in this packet for your convenience.

Biological network analysis is a fast moving science. Many core scientific issues; for example, ecological structure, coevolution, coextinction and biodiversity conservation in ecology, cancer development and metabolic regulation in health science, etc., are expected to be addressed by network analysis. Network analysis is becoming the core methodology to treat complex biological systems. With the quick development of this science, more and more papers on biological networks are published. This book includes such theories and methods of network biology as methodology of social network analyses, construction of statistic networks, phylogenetic networks, multi-stable and oscillatory biological networks, creation of real networks with expected degree distribution, forest ecosystem model, etc. Chapters are contributed by 15 scientists from the USA, Canada, New Zealand, China, Sweden, and Spain, in the areas of computational science and life sciences. It will provide researchers with various aspects of the latest advances in network biology. It is a valuable reference for scientists, university teachers and graduate students in biology, health science, ecology, social science, applied mathematics and computational science.

This book is a compendious collection of papers designed to expose the current trends in mathematical modeling. It details current research on models of in-host dynamics, epidemics, population dynamics and psycho-social dynamics. The chapters are written in a simple and concise way for readers who are familiar with basic mathematical modeling offered in undergraduate courses. The main objective of this book is to detail various applications of mathematics in biomedical sciences, resources management and social settings. Many of the book chapters contain current contentious issues in mathematical modeling and as such, the book can be used to generate projects for bio-mathematic students. Graduate students wishing to acquire and consolidate knowledge in mathematical modeling will find this an excellent text for their research.

With a simple microscope and this book, you can embark on 59 wonderful adventures in the natural world — make discoveries about the structures of numerous microscopic animals; find out what everyday objects and foods really look like at the cellular level; gain an understanding of how to prepare specimens and slides; and learn about many scientific phenomena such as how a fly can walk upside down on the ceiling. It's all here in simple-to-understand language and 142 clear line drawings.The author first examines under the microscope such everyday objects as a human hair, air bubble, scale of a herring, poppy seed and sugar crystal, and then offers through-the-microscope views of such creatures and objects as the water flea, hydra, house fly, amoeba, euglena, volvox, diatoms, desmids, algae, blood corpuscles, honey bee, rotifer, water-mites, potato starch, and other food substances, lichen, paramecium, coffee, sponge, chalk, yeast, bacteria, mustard, pepper, bryozoan, moss, mushroom, molds, cotton, and other textile fibers, ferns, dragon-flies, flea, spider, roots, and other plant structures, paper, aphid, fingerprints, nervous system of the grasshopper, and more.Richard Headstrom, formerly associated with the New England Museum of Natural History and an experienced teacher and writer on natural science for young people, has made this book simple enough for any beginner at home as well as interesting for more experienced students and lay readers. Enjoyable and instructive, these adventures with a microscope will appeal to all who are curious about what there is to see beyond the range of the naked eye.

For the first time, a book exists that compiles all the information candidates need to apply for their first Biochemist Biophysicist Zoologist and Biological Science Services job, or to apply for a better job. What you'll find especially helpful are the worksheets. It is so much easier to write about a work experience using these outlines. It ensures that the narrative will follow a logical structure and reminds you not to leave out the most important points. With this book, you'll be able to revise your application into a much stronger document, be much better prepared and a step ahead for the next opportunity. The book comes filled with useful cheat sheets. It helps you get your career organized in a tidy, presentable fashion. It also will inspire you to produce some attention-grabbing cover letters that convey your skills persuasively and attractively in your application packets. After studying it, too, you'll be prepared for interviews, or you will be after you conducted the practice sessions where someone sits and asks you potential questions. It makes you think on your feet! This book makes a world of difference in helping you stay away from vague and long-winded answers and you will be finally able to connect with prospective employers, including the one that will actually hire you. This book successfully challenges conventional job search wisdom and doesn't load you with useful but obvious suggestions ('don't forget to wear a nice suit to your interview,'for example). Instead, it deliberately challenges conventional job search wisdom, and in so doing, offers radical but inspired suggestions for success. Think that'companies approach hiring with common sense, logic, and good business acumen and consistency?'Think that'the most qualified candidate gets the job?'Think again! Time and again it is proven that finding a job is a highly subjective business filled with innumerable variables. The triumphant jobseeker is the one who not only recognizes these inconsistencies and but also uses them to his advantage. Not sure how to do this? Don't worry-How to Land a Top-Paying Biochemist Biophysicist Zoologist and Biological Science Services Job guides the way. Highly recommended to any harried Biochemist Biophysicist Zoologist and Biological Science Services jobseeker, whether you want to work for the government or a company. You'll plan on using it again in your efforts to move up in the world for an even better position down the road. This book offers excellent, insightful advice for everyone from entry-level to senior professionals. None of the other such career guides compare with this one. It stands out because it: 1) explains how the people doing the hiring think, so that you can win them over on paper and then in your interview; 2) has an engaging, reader-friendly style; 3) explains every step of the job-hunting process - from little-known ways for finding openings to getting ahead on the job. This book covers everything. Whether you are trying to get your first Biochemist Biophysicist Zoologist and Biological Science Services Job or move up in the system, get this book.

In recent years, numerous research papers have considered the problem of privacy protection in biometric authentication systems. When someone wants to authenticate himself, the fresh biometric data he presents has to match with the reference related to the one he claims to be. Many proposals have been made to ensure the confidentiality of the biometric data involved during this verification. Also discussed in this compilation, is the problem of finding a face recognition system that works well both under variable illumination conditions and under strictly controlled acquisition conditions. Information fusion techniques are also explored and have been widely developed in the community of voice biometrics along with several uni-modal speaker recognition algorithms.

The book includes 20 research and review articles on various aspects of Biological Sciences written by leading experts. The first article is on M6P/IGF-IIR protein. It is followed by two articles on VAM Fungi. The following two articles are on antimicrobial activity of medicinal plants. Chapters 6 and 7 deal with the toxicity of fungal infections. Airborne bacteria is given in the following chapter. Cyanobacterial diversity is described by Gupta in the next chapter. Adoptional behaviour of Sericulturists is discussed in chapter 10. Spermoderm paterns have been described in the next followed by a review article on Phyto-pharmacology of Plumbago zeylanica. Subsequent article is on Biosystematic studies of Chloris. Karuppasamy et al. give the details of Plant diversity in Sirumalai hills in Chapter 14. Prof. P.N. Rao discusses Taxonomy in the service of man in the following. This is followed by a paper on Freerea indica, an endangered taxon. Conservation of Mangrove forests in Bhitarkanika is given in Chapter 17. Last three articles are on tissue culture studies of Acacia concinna and Bixa orellana.

Papers presented at the National Symposium on Science in 21st Century, held at Anantapur in February 2008.

Edexcel Biology for AS is a full colour textbook with supporting Dynamic Learning website, written specifically for the new Edexcel specification. To help students make the transition from GCSE Additional Science, each topic starts at the level required for a Grade C pass and gradually builds up to the depth of coverage required for AS.All chapters begin with Starting points, which summarise the basics to be covered.Throughout the text there are a wide range of self-assessment questions to encourage comprehension and research, as well as recent past paper Examination questions to help students prepare for the new examination.The chapters follow the order suggested by the concept approach to the course.The Dynamic Learning website additionally provides - Extension questions to stretch the most able and extension material explaining some ideas in greater depth- How Science Works material - Additional activities - Useful websites linked to each section

One cannot help being struck with wonder at the vivid pink of 10,000 flamingos rising from Lake Nakuru or the glowing red gorget of a ruby-throated hummingbird feeding outside the kitchen window. How birds produce the brilliant and striking coloration of their feathers and other body parts is the focus of this first volume of Bird Coloration. It has been more than 40 years since the mechanisms of color production of birds have been reviewed and synthesized and in those 40 years new pigments have been discovered, new genetic mechanisms have been described, new theories have been developed, and hundreds of new experiments have been conducted.Geoffrey Hill and Kevin McGraw have assembled the world's leading experts in perception, measurement, and control of bird coloration to contribute to this book. This sumptuously illustrated volume synthesizes more than 1,500 technical papers in this field. The focus is on the three primary mechanisms of color production—melanin pigmentation, carotenoid pigmentation, and structural coloration—but less common as well as newly described mechanisms of color production are also reviewed in detail. The visual perception of birds and the best ways to collect and analyze color data are, for the first time, presented as part of the review of mechanisms of coloration. This book will be essential reading for biologists studying animal coloration, but it will also be treasured by anyone curious about how birds produce and perceive their bold and brilliant color displays.

Data Acquisition and Processing in Biology and Medicine, Volume 3, documents the proceedings of the 1963 conference at the University of Rochester. The volume begins with the keynote address of the Frank W. McKee of the University of Rochester Medical Center that focused on the issue of continuing education, and the keynote address of Max A. Woodbury, Professor of Experimental Neurology, New York University Medical School, about the impact of biological computation. This is followed by the papers presented during the six sessions held during the conference. Session I contains papers on the value of computers to physicians and hospitals. Session II deals with on computer diagnosis. Session III is devoted to computer applications in psychiatry and psychophysiology. Session IV focuses on information retrieval. Session V covers the potential and limitations of computer processing and analysis. Session VI includes studies on modeling and pattern recognition. Transcripts of discussions of the papers presented during each session are also provided.

Methods in Neurosciences, Volume 3: Quantitative and Qualitative Microscopy is a collection of papers that deals with microscopic techniques in statistical measures. This volume describes microscopy using sophisticated stains and dyes to advance observation of tests and experiments. Section I describes autoradiography including micro chemical methods, high-resolution autoradiography, and single- or double-label quantitative autoradiography for use in imaging of brain activity patterns or determining cerebral physiology. Section II discusses the quantification of structures through statistical and computational methods including dynamic video imaging technology. Section III explains the use of tracers, toxins, or dyes in tracing neuronal connections. One paper addresses the use of small injections of axonally transported fluorescent tracers. Section IV explains staining technology such as using the silver impregnation method for frozen sections of human nervous tissue that are gathered from tissues preserved in formalin. Section V addresses freezing techniques and those using freeze-fracture methods in neurobiology. The text also discusses cryoprotection and other freezing methods to control ice crystals found in fixed or unfixed brain tissues. Section VI presents the combined and high-resolution methods in polarization microscopy and microscopic investigations. Cellular biologists, micro-chemists, and scientific researchers in the field of micro- and cellular biology will appreciate this book.

This volume contains papers presented at the BCEC97 conference, held in Skövde, Sweden, in September 1997. The conference brought together researchers from biology and computer science to discuss the use of computational techniques in biology, as well as the use of biological metaphors in computing. Examples of the work presented in these papers include computer simulations of embryogenesis; algorithms for protein folding prediction; problem solving using DNA computation; neural-network learning in retina implants; and optimisation algorithms inspired by natural evolution.

A spectacularly illustrated field guide to the amphibians and reptiles of CaliforniaCalifornia is home to more than 200 species of reptiles and amphibians that can be found in an extraordinary array of habitats, from coastal temperate rainforests with giant redwoods to southeastern deserts offering dazzling wildflower displays each spring. California Amphibians and Reptiles covers every species and subspecies in this biodiverse region of the United States, with outstanding color photography and in-depth species accounts that draw on the latest findings on taxonomy and distribution. Setting a new standard for regional field guides, this state-of-the-art guide will serve as the definitive reference for California's amphibian and reptile fauna for many years to come.Covers all 209 species of amphibians and reptiles found in CaliforniaFeatures hundreds of stunning photos that illustrate geographic and within-species variation as well as differences among males, females, and youngIncludes first-ever color images and species accounts for newly discovered speciesShows every species and subspecies in full color on a white backgroundDepicts all amphibian larvae in breathtaking colorDetailed species accounts describe key identification features, similar species, habitat, range and elevation, activity and behavior, diet, reproduction, and conservationProvides updated status of all threatened, endangered, nonnative, and special concern speciesAccurate range maps reflect contemporary and, where applicable, historical distributions in light of significant habitat loss across the stateAn invaluable resource for amateur naturalists, resource managers, and professional herpetologists

Included are over 700 color photographs, depicting the different species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and fish, while offering over 600 range maps to show their territory, along with basic information for the biology of each animal, Indiana's wildlife has always played an important role in the history of human beings inhabiting the state. Although the state's wildlife is still an important resource for human consumption, wildlife is also increasingly important in today's culture for its intrinsic, aesthetic value. For many Hoosiers, the age-old traditions of hunting and fishing have been replaced by a desire to simply observe wildlife and experience nature. But most Indianans are largely unaware of the diversity of species inhabiting their state. This volume is intended to provide an introduction to the state's fresh water fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. In Indiana Wildlife Encyclopedia, nationally known naturalist Scott Shupe has collected information on all the native wildlife that reside in the Hoosier State. The fifth in a series of state wildlife encyclopedias, this book will be a handy, usable, layman's guide to Indiana's native wildlife. Shupe includes the size, habitat, and abundance of each species located in the state. Whether you're a lover of the outdoors, photography, or are looking to learn more about your state, this comprehensive guide will teach you about the wonderful wildlife that covers the water, earth, and skies of Indiana.

The cult of performance leads our society to emphasise the values of success and continuous optimisation in all areas. Slowness, redundancy and randomness are therefore negatively perceived. Olivier Hamant, in his book, reclaims them by his knowledge of biological processes.What can we learn from life sciences? While some biological mechanisms certainly boast formidable efficiency, recent advances instead highlight the fundamental role of errors, incoherence or slowness in the robustness of living organisms. Should life be considered suboptimal? To what extent could suboptimality become a counter-model to the credo of performance and control in the Anthropocene?In the face of pessimistic observations and environmental alerts, the author outlines solutions for a future that is viable and reconciled with nature.Key Features: Solidly documents with a grounding in scientific facts focusing on solutions Explores a pragmatic way towards robustness, moving the debate beyond performance, technolatry or degrowth Responds to eco-anxiety by providing an engaging and viable way forward

The definitive photographic guide to North American gullsGull identification can be challenging for even the most seasoned birder. While these birds are common to coasts, lakes, and rivers, they exhibit remarkable plumage changes related to age, which is sometimes complicated by similarities between species and a readiness to hybridize. This book provides an invaluable identification guide to all regularly occurring gull species and subspecies throughout North America. It is packed with the very latest research on field identification, updated taxonomy, current distribution trends, color maps, and helpful notes on natural history, aging, and molt. The Gull Guide integrates the essential elements that are critical to understanding gulls, setting an entirely new standard for identifying and enjoying these marvelous birds.Features more than 1,800 superb color photosCovers 36 gull species as well as 7 of the most commonly encountered hybrid gullsGives equal attention to rarities from Asia, Europe, and South AmericaDescribes the key characteristics of all age groups, from juvenile through adult plumagesInnovative photo collages give side-by-side comparisons, enabling readers to distinguish between similar species and avoid common pitfalls associated with gull identificationComes with a one-of-a-kind “cheat sheet” describing key features of select Larus speciesA must for the bookshelf of every birder and ornithologist

A comprehensive illustrated field guide to the birds of Greater Southern AfricaThe vast region of Greater Southern Africa—which includes Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe—is home to a truly extraordinary diversity of birds. This spectacular field guide covers all of the region's bird species—resident, breeding, migrant, and vagrant.Covers all 1,198 species recorded in the region, including details of all the plumages and races likely to be seenFeatures 272 color plates with more than 3,300 illustrationsIncludes concise species accounts that describe key identification features, racial variation, status, range, habitat, and voiceProvides an up-to-date distribution map for each species

A marvelously illustrated guide to color in the natural worldRecent years have seen tremendous strides in the fields of vision, visual ecology, and our own multilayered experience of color in life and the world. These advances have been driven by astonishing discoveries in neuroscience and evolutionary biology as well as psychology and design. This beautifully illustrated book unlocks nature's colorful purpose, revealing how creatures see color as well as shedding light on the important part that it plays in animal behavior, from reproduction and communication to aggression and defense. Color in Nature also places the human experience and uses of color in the context of all the colors around us, both in the natural world and in the world that we humans create for our own pleasure and purpose. A wide-ranging survey of a vibrant and compelling topic, Color in Nature will open your eyes to new ways of perceiving the world.Features a wealth of stunning color illustrationsExplains what color is and how it happensCovers the physics, genetics, chemistry, physiology, and psychology of animal color perceptionDiscusses colors humans don't see or rarely useSheds light on the evolution of colors for mating, hunting, fighting, deceiving, and hidingProvides insights into color blindness, bio-inspired colors, and people's appreciation for art and design

A comprehensive, fully illustrated guide to every dragonfly species found in North AmericaDragonflies are large and beautiful insects, diverse in color and pattern. This premier field guide provides all the information you need to identify every male and female dragonfly found in North America, whether in the field, in the hand, or under the microscope. The extensive illustrations are the heart of the book. Close-up color portraits of each species, often several times life size, show the best possible specimens for close examination. Each sex is depicted using multiple images, with postures and viewpoints consistently maintained to aid comparison. Dragonflies of North America is the ultimate guide to these extraordinary insects.Covers all 329 North American species, including distinctive subspecies and variationsFeatures nearly 1,900 highly detailed paintings and drawings, providing clarity and consistency that photographs cannot matchIllustrates each species with multiple views for easy identification and comparisonGives an invaluable introduction to dragonfly anatomy, behavior, and life cycleOffers additional guidance for the most challenging species that defy field identification, highlighting anatomical characteristics to aid identification in the handIncludes a distribution map for every species

An indispensable illustrated source of information for hundreds of species of North American trees This authoritative reference on native and non-native trees of North America, by Smithsonian veteran W. John Kress, provides an unprecedented appraisal of more than 325 common species. More than a field guide, it includes ● over 300 range maps and 3,000 photographs of leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, and bark; ● an in-depth introduction to the biology of trees, their value, structure, evolution, classification, ecology, and conservation; ● descriptions of each species, organized by genus and family; ● a reflection on the consequences of environmental change on the health of trees, now and in the future; ● a presentation, based on the latest technologies, of North American trees in a planetary and evolutionary perspective. Smithsonian Trees of North America, ten years in the making, marries science and art to provide an insightful and compassionate exploration of the diversity, structure, form, and beauty of trees.

A visually stunning exploration of the artistic process by an award-winning nature artistDrawing Nature presents the creative process of an acclaimed nature artist, guiding readers from field sketches to finished art and demonstrating how science and the close observation of nature can be integrated into the artist's work to create dynamic, meaningful images. With chapters that flow from drawing basics to more advanced methods and concepts, this beautifully illustrated book is like a look inside the artist's sketchbooks to discover their secrets.Linda Miller Feltner demonstrates how observation and recording are sparks to creativity. Her journey from loose sketches and drawings to a completed work begins with observing a natural process, object, or interaction between organisms. Her curiosity generates scientific inquiry that, when researched, helps her to answer a question or make broad, often surprising connections. Blending examples of her stunning artwork with invaluable insights into time-honored art techniques, Feltner illustrates how sketching, developing an image, and scientific accuracy are essential to her art and encourages each of us to cultivate our own powers of observation and discover anew the world around us.Drawing Nature enables us to look at nature through an artist's eyes, draw inspiration from a place or a moment, and give expression to its beauty.

A richly illustrated guide to wasps around the worldWasps have been around since before the dinosaurs and are one of the world's largest insect groups. More than 150,000 species have been identified, and while the black-and-yellow insect with a cinched waist may be the most familiar, most wasps are tiny parasitoids that use other insects for food. Wasps of the World provides a breathtaking look at the diverse characteristics, habitats, and lifestyles of these extraordinary insects.Features more than 250 stunning color photos of numerous speciesProfiles more than 100 families, with absorbing commentary detailing the range, habits, and notable features of members of each familyEvery profile includes a distribution map and a table of essential facts about size, diet, reproduction, and habitatsDiscusses the evolution and biology of wasps, exploring the vital role they play in supporting healthy ecosystemsShows how scientific research is expanding our knowledge about wasps and their behavior

This reference work is the first English-language A-Z compendium on all topics related to deserts, including geography, geology, meteorology, climatology, hydrology, botany, zoology, anthropology, art, music, film, culture, sports, as well as the specific and diversely different deserts that one finds in all parts of the world. Definitions, explanations, and clarifications will be contained in more than 2,300 entries that vary in length from a brief sentence to detailed overviews of more complex subjects. The Desert Encyclopedia will be invaluable as a source of data and information, but it is also enjoyable to read straight through. It is also replete with line drawings, black-and-white illustrations, maps, and images from outstanding photographers.

A richly illustrated atlas of the world's deserts and drylands, their ecosystems, and their environmentsDeserts and drylands account for more than 40 percent of land on our planet. Characterized by a lack of water and extreme temperatures, they are the result of atmospheric stability, large landmass characteristics, rain shadows, and cold ocean currents. They appear harsh and hostile, but deserts and drylands are also exceptionally beautiful environments. Desert ecosystems often teem with diverse forms of life that exhibit astonishing ingenuity in the face of such forbidding conditions. The World Atlas of Deserts and Drylands takes readers on a guided tour of some of the most awe-inspiring desert environments on Earth, explaining their environmental and ecological dynamics and describing the techniques used to categorize and map them. From the ever-expanding Gobi of Mongolia and China to the ancient Namib of coastal Africa, this is the ultimate reference book for deserts.Features a wealth of color photos, maps, and infographicsDescribes the resilient and complex biodiversity of the world's desert and dryland terrainsCovers subtropical deserts, continental deserts, rain shadow deserts, and ocean margin desertsAddresses the challenges posed by global warming and human activity, and discusses solutions and opportunitiesWritten by a team of leading experts

A charming, richly illustrated, pocket-size exploration of dinosaursPacked with surprising facts, this delightful and gorgeously designed book will beguile any dinosaur lover. Expertly written and beautifully illustrated throughout with color photographs and original color artwork, The Little Book of Dinosaurs is an accessible and enjoyable mini-reference. It fits an astonishing amount of information in a small package, covering a wide range of topics—from dinosaur diversity and social behaviors to their extinction and rediscovery. It also includes curious facts and a section on dinosaurs in myths, folklore, and popular culture from around the globe. The result is an irresistible guide to the amazing world of dinosaurs.A beautifully designed pocket-size book with a foil-stamped cloth coverFeatures some 140 color illustrations and photosMakes a perfect gift

A charming, richly illustrated, pocket-size exploration of the world's fungiPacked with surprising facts, this delightful and gorgeously designed book will beguile any nature lover. Expertly written and beautifully illustrated throughout with color photographs and original color artwork, The Little Book of Fungi is an accessible and enjoyable mini-reference about the world's fungi, with examples drawn from across the globe. It fits an astonishing amount of information in a small package, covering a wide range of topics—from morphology, diversity, and reproduction to habitat and conservation. It also includes curious facts and a section on fungi in myths, folklore, and modern culture from around the world. The result is an irresistible guide to the amazing lives of fungi.A beautifully designed pocket-size book with a foil-stamped cloth coverFeatures some 140 color illustrations and photosMakes a perfect gift

The definitive field guide to all the sharks, rays and chimaeras of eastern North AmericaThe waters off the East Coast of North America are home to an amazing variety of sharks, rays and chimaeras. This groundbreaking, comprehensive and easy-to-use field guide covers all 173 species found along the eastern seaboard of the United States and Canada, including Bermuda and the Bahamas, and extending into the Gulf of Mexico to the Yucatan Peninsula. These are all the species that are encountered in the shallow waters of estuaries and coasts and in the open ocean, including rarely seen deepsea species.Lavishly illustrated throughout, this must-have guide includes detailed species accounts describing key identification features, habitat, biology and status. It also features illustrated key guides that enable users to accurately identify species, comparison plates of similar species, dentition plates and illustrations of egg cases, where known. This an essential guide for fisheries management, trade regulation and shark conservation.The first field guide to cover all 173 speciesFeatures hundreds of color illustrations and photosDescribes key features, habitat, biology and statusIncludes depth guides, at-a-glance icons and distribution mapsOffers illustrated key guides, species comparisons and dentition plates

An authoritative illustrated guide to the fearsome predators that dominated the Mesozoic world for 180 million yearsNew discoveries are transforming our understanding of the theropod dinosaurs, revealing startling new insights into the lives and look of these awesome predators. The Princeton Field Guide to Predatory Dinosaurs provides the most up-to-date and comprehensive coverage of the mighty hunters that ruled the earth for tens of millions of years. This incredible guide covers some 300 species and features stunning illustrations of predatory theropods of all shapes and sizes. It discusses their history, anatomy, physiology, locomotion, reproduction, growth, and extinction, and even gives a taste of what it might be like to travel back to the Mesozoic. This one-of-a-kind guide also discusses the controversies surrounding these marvelous creatures, taking up such open questions as the form and habitats of the gigantic Spinosaurus and the number of Tyrannosaurus species that may have existed.Features detailed species accounts of some 300 theropod dinosaurs, with the latest size and mass estimatesShares new perspectives on iconic predators such as T. rex and VelociraptorCovers everything from the biology of predatory dinosaurs to the colorful history of paleontologyFeatures a wealth of color and black-and-white drawings and figures, including life studies, scenic views, and original skeletal, skull, and muscle reconstructionsIncludes detailed color maps

An encounter with a spider will never be the same again …This warm-hearted book offers fascinating science and captivating storytelling to persuade readers to fall in love with—or at least tolerate—these eight-legged wonders.Eight-Legged Wonders unveils the remarkable lives of one of the most misunderstood and maligned creatures on the planet: the spider. With over 50,000 species, spiders play vital roles in our ecosystems and the vast majority are harmless to humans. With this in mind, shouldn't we at least try to set aside our creepy-crawly associations, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for these truly wonderful beings?Eight-Legged Wonders helps us do just that. In this affectionate and surprisingly giddy ode to spiders, James O'Hanlon, a scientist and spider expert, introduces spiders that we may never have noticed before, including spiders that cosplay as ants, balloon through the air, and scuba-dive. He describes the peacock spider's colorful dances and the Portia jumping spider's cunning hunting techniques. He dispels bite concerns, highlights groundbreaking research using spiders for human benefit, and aims to shift perceptions, ultimately revealing spiders as truly remarkable beings worthy of our admiration.

‘[T]he joyful verve with which Acton imparts wisdom gathered in the wild is impossible to resist.'—The Observer​​'As rich, satisfying and revelatory as a long walk in the woods.'Peter Wohlleben, author of The Hidden Life of TreesWhat connects Robin Hood, the history of ink, fungi, Shakespeare and sorcery?In Oaklore, Jules Acton, an ambassador for The Woodland Trust, explores the incredibly diverse history of the ‘king of the woods': from a source of food and shelter to its use in literature as a plot device and muse, its role as an essential ingredient in ink, and in mythology from across the British Isles as a sacred plant and precious resource.Acton's infectious enthusiasm shines through in chapters that open with excerpts from oak-y poems, as well as tips for connecting with nature – like how to recognize bird songs and help moths and butterflies thrive.Meeting fellow oak-lovers along the way, and trees like Sherwood Forest's Medusa Oak or the gargantuan Marton Oak in Cheshire, Acton plots an unforgettable journey through the tangled roots of the oak's story, and that of Britain itself.

Discover the fascinating stories behind 300 species of fungi and understand the world of mushrooms like never before!Did you know that fungi put the fizz in champagne and the flavor in chocolate? Fungi is everywhere we look: in a forest, under the sea, and in the kitchen. In this beautiful book, leading fungal biologists Lynne Boddy and Ali Ashby bring you closer to 300 species of mushrooms and lichens through fascinating facts, mushroom datasets, and detailed illustrations. Discover some of the fastest speeds in nature, specimens that glow in the dark, and fungi that clean up oil spills.Dive deep into this fun funghi book to further explore:- The latest scientific research on this cutting-edge topic.- A global spotters guide compiled by experts.- Detailed illustrations that bring mushrooms, their habitats, and their habits to life.- A beautiful, high-specification, lifestyle design package to a core reference topic that is currently trending.Humans have had a close relationship with mushrooms for thousands of years – from using the shiitake for healing, to telling stories of enchanted fairy rings, and cooking gourmet dishes with rare specimens. Bringing together technology, medicine, food, culture, and nature, this fascinating book will open your eyes to the wonders of the hidden kingdom all around us.With tips for mushroom spotting in any habitat, species identification notes, a grow-your-own guide and more, this book is the ultimate fungi-lover's companion.

A stunningly illustrated atlas of the world's rivers, estuaries, and deltas, and their ecosystemsFrom the Congo and the Mekong to the Seine and the Mississippi, Earth's rivers carve through landscapes before coursing into the world's oceans through estuaries and deltas. Their inexorable flow carries sediment and more, acting as lifeblood for a variety of ecosystems and communities. More than any other surface feature of Earth, rivers, estuaries, and deltas are vitally important to our economic and social well-being, and our management of them often sits at the sharp edge of today's most pressing environmental challenges. The World Atlas of Rivers, Estuaries, and Deltas takes readers on an unforgettable tour of these dynamic bodies of water, explaining how they function at each stage of their flow. Combining maps and graphics with informative essays and beautiful photos, this invaluable reference book will give you a new appreciation for the power that rivers, estuaries, and deltas wield.Features a wealth of color photos, maps, and infographicsBrings together invaluable perspectives from leading expertsDescribes the rich biodiversity associated with the world's rivers, estuaries, and deltasExplains how rivers, estuaries, and deltas work, from river networks to deltaic floodplains, and sheds light on the erosion, movement, and deposition of sedimentDescribes the anatomy of rivers, estuaries, and deltas, from channel geometry and river planforms to estuarine shape and delta morphologyExamines the ecology and ecosystems of rivers, estuaries, and deltas and how humans interact with these environmentsAdditional topics include damming, climate change, water use, pollution, resource management, and planetary health, as well as future perspectives on these vital landscapes

This Handbook offers a comprehensive guide to sustainable practices in nature-based tourism (NBT), focusing on the critical need to combat climate-related challenges. Multidisciplinary in scope, it highlights innovative governance models, community engagement, and transdisciplinary collaboration for sustainable NBT management, as well as adaptive strategies for NBT to thrive in changing climates.Bringing together an array of experts from the Global South and North, the Handbook underscores the importance of integrating climate considerations into tourism strategies for resilience and sustainability. Contributing authors provide actionable information and strategies for destination managers, focusing on reducing emissions, fostering ecosystem regeneration, and ensuring financial sustainability. The book is a key resource for navigating climate challenges in tourism and advocates for informed, strategic actions going forward.With its wealth of international case studies and focus on practical strategies for managing nature-based tourism destinations, this book is an essential read for students and researchers in tourism studies, as well as tourism practitioners and policymakers interested in the sustainable development of tourism.

A lavishly illustrated, large-format reference book by two preeminent experts on North American shorebirdsMore than half a century has passed since the publication of The Shorebirds of North America, Peter Matthiessen's masterful natural history of what is arguably the world's most amazing and specialized bird group. In the intervening decades, our knowledge about these birds has grown significantly, as have the threats to their populations and habitats. Pete Dunne and Kevin Karlson celebrate Matthiessen's classic book with this updated and expanded natural history of North American shorebirds. This elegantly written book begins by introducing readers to the unrivaled splendor of shorebirds and goes on to cover topics ranging from their biology and habitats to courtship and breeding, flight, the perils of migration, and conservation. Detailed accounts convey the richness and variety of the five family groups, with incisive, fact-filled descriptions of all 52 species of shorebirds known to breed in North America.Featuring hundreds of breathtaking images by Karlson and other photographers and drawing on the latest science, The Shorebirds of North America is a worthy tribute to Matthiessen's enduring work and an indispensable reference for bird lovers everywhere.

The definitive comprehensive photographic field guide to the larger mammals of continental South AmericaSouth America's wide range of habitats support a tremendous diversity of plants and animals, including more than 400 species of larger mammals—those the size of a guinea pig or bigger. Many are truly iconic: Jaguar, Puma, Ocelot and numerous other beautiful cats; the fantastic Maned Wolf; the incomparable Giant Anteater; and an incredible variety of extraordinary primates. This groundbreaking guide provides detailed coverage of these and many other wonderful mammals, including porcupines and peccaries; squirrels, sloths, skunks and seals; opossums, olingos and otters; armadillos, agoutis and Andean Bear; and viscachas and Vicuña—not to mention tapirs and river and estuarine dolphins.The species accounts include a description of key features and information on subspecies, comparisons with similar species that overlap in range, details of the habitats in which the species occurs, a summary of its distribution in South America and information on its conservation status. Each species is illustrated with carefully selected photos, or artwork where suitable photos were not available.Detailed coverage of 420 speciesShowcases over 550 stunning photos, many of rarely photographed speciesFeatures specially commissioned artwork for almost 100 species, including comparative plates of all marmosets and titi monkeysIncludes up-to-date distribution maps

A richly illustrated guide to lichens and their biologyExisting at the margins of life, lichens are the result of symbiotic relationships between fungi and photosynthesizing partners in the form of algae or cyanobacteria. Comprising more than twenty thousand species, lichens are pioneers in diverse ecosystems, colonizing virtually any surface and growing at almost any altitude. Found in rainforests, polar regions, deserts, and your backyard, lichens embody a paradox of toughness and sensitivity, surviving trips to space yet endangered by even the slightest environmental changes from industrial pollution here on Earth. Lichens grow everywhere, but only on their own terms: no one has ever fully assembled a lichen in the lab from its component parts. The Lives of Lichens explores all facets of these peculiar organisms, blending stunning macrophotography and graphics with in-depth coverage of profiled species to provide an unforgettable tour of the marvelous world of lichens.Features a wealth of color illustrationsCovers symbiosis, biology, architecture, evolution, taxonomy, and much moreProvides an up-close look at lichens in their ecosystemsDiscusses human relationships with lichensEssential reading for nature lovers everywhere

A beautifully illustrated guide to the vibrant and richly diverse world of beesThe Lives of Bees provides a one-of-a-kind look at the life and natural history of bees. Blending stunning photographs and illustrations with illuminating profiles of selected species, this incisive guide takes readers inside the world of these marvelous insects, exploring their physiology, behavior, ecology, evolution, and much more. The Lives of Bees is essential reading for nature lovers everywhere.Features a wealth of stunning color imagesCovers everything from the social lives of bees to their conservationWritten by two leading experts in the fieldDiscusses the cultural, ecological, and economic interconnections between humans and beesHighlights strategies to support bee populations in backyards, farms, and natural areas