Birds, by their very existence, enhance our daily lives. For many of us, it is a thrill to see the splash of a Brown Thrasher in a birdbath, or the flash of red in green woods as a tanager darts past. It is a gift of nature that such birds – which play an important role in healthy ecosystems by controlling pests, dispersing seeds, and pollinating plants – are also so beautiful and such a joy to watch. More than sixty-three million Americans are birdwatchers, injecting billions of dollars into local economies throughout the nation as they purchase birdseed, binoculars, and guidebooks and venture into outdoor environments that are made so much more welcoming by the sights and songs of birds. But, as nature’s indicators, birds are also showing signs that our environment is changing.

The popularity of dinosaurs seems never ending, fuelled by films such as Jurassic Park and documentaries (Walking with Dinosaurs). But how much do these popular programmes really tell us about the recent scientific discoveries and the latest research into the world of the dinosaur? This is the first book to tell the general reader about what's really happening now in dinosaur research. It tells the story behind the exciting scientific discoveries that have built up a picture of how dinosaurs looked, what they ate, how they moved and interacted with each other. This new approach to this subject involves the combination of many areas of science (eg. anatomy, cosmology, physics, mechanics and engineering design) to piece together the evidence of how animal/plant life evolved on earth, and why it did in the way that it did. David Norman also talks about the part that informed speculation and luck play in major discoveries. Starting with ancient myths of dinosaur-like monsters (dragons) and the history of the discovery of dinosaurs, he goes on to discuss the evolution of Dinosaurs and the many different techniques used to understand them, including the latest virtual reality animation sequences and engineering design analysis.

Containing case studies that complement material presented in the text, the vast range of this definitive Encyclopedia encompasses animal physiology, animal growth and development, animal behavior, animal reproduction and breeding, alternative approaches to animal maintenance, meat science and muscle biology, farmed animal welfare and bioethics, and food safety. With contributions from top researchers in their discipline, the book addresses new research and advancements in this burgeoning field and provides quick and reader-friendly descriptions of technologies critical to professionals in animal and food science, food production and processing, livestock management, and nutrition.

Who Wants to Find BIG Fun, Rewards and Companionship in a Small Package? It's Time to Learn About Mini Pets! If you think about pets in terms of run-of-the mill dogs and cats, it's time to change your perspective. There is an exciting variety of miniature pets that can add alot to your life, even though they come in very small packages!

The voices of birds have always been a source of fascination. Natures Music brings together some of the worlds experts on birdsong, to review the advances that have taken place in our understanding of how and why birds sing, what their songs and calls mean, and how they have evolved. All contributors have strived to speak, not only to fellow experts, but also to the general reader. The result is a book of readable science, richly illustrated with recordings and pictures of the sounds of birds. Bird song is much more than just one behaviour of a single, particular group of organisms. It is a model for the study of a wide variety of animal behaviour systems, ecological, evolutionary and neurobiological.

The crocodilian is an ancient animal whose ancestors have roamed the earth since the time of the dinosaurs. While continents drifted, ice ages thawed and once-prolific species became extinct, the crocodilian survived it all. Today, the Australian saltie, Chinese alligator, Indian gharial and black caiman are just some of the twenty-three species of descendants found across the world. More recently, human interaction with these dangerous and intriguing animals has been reflected in myths and legends dating back to earliest recorded history. Feared or revered, crocodilians have always fascinated. Yet this interaction has come at a price, and many breeds of this seemingly indestructible species are now facing extinction because of human activity, intrusion into their habitats and retaliation for the threat they pose to humans. This is the fascinating and extraordinary story of the crocodile, one of evolution's greatest survivors.

Book Description
Authoritative, thorough, and engaging, Life: The Science of Biology achieves an optimal balance of scholarship and teachability, never losing sight of either the science or the student. The first introductory text to present biological concepts through the research that revealed them, Life covers the full range of topics with an integrated experimental focus that flows naturally from the narrative. This approach helps to bring the drama of classic and cutting-edge research to the classroom—but always in the context of reinforcing core ideas and the innovative scientific thinking behind them. Students will experience biology not just as a litany of facts or a highlight reel of experiments, but as a rich, coherent discipline.
The new edition builds on Life's enduring strengths by doing what this acclaimed text has always done: combine a contemporary view of the discipline with innovative teaching and learning features. New chapters and essays, an enhanced art program, and standard-setting media and supplements combine to make this edition the finest yet. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
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That little Labrador Retriever puppy is so adorable–but is he the right dog for you? Many prospective dog owners don’t ask the questions they should when deciding to bring a new puppy home. Now, the What About? series is here to help you understand the real-life implications of your decision, saving you time, money, and potential heartache–and protecting you and the dog from the consequences of an inappropriate choice.