Cleave, Andrew

SEASHELLS offers a handsomely illustrated introduction to the fascinating world of the mollusk, covering topics such as shell structure, classifications, gastropods, bivalves (scallops, oysters, clams, and members of the nautilus family), land and tree snails, and the ethics of shell collecting. Few natural objects are as beautiful as the shells of mollusks. Shells occur in all the world's oceans, from the polar regions to the tropics, and few beaches are found without some shells at the waterline. Still more shells can be found in fresh water, in all habitats from the tiniest streams to the largest lakes. No artist can reproduce their stunning range of colors, markings, and textures; their sizes vary from a fraction of an inch (a few millimeters) up to giants greater than 2 feet in length (61 centimeters). Illuminating in both words and remarkable pictures, SEASHELLS is just one title in the acclaimed Creatures of the Ocean series. For those who want to delve into the amazing and sometimes mysterious world of ocean life, these books are a wonderful resource filled with scientific fact and beautiful photography.

". . . discusses in detail the feeding and breeding traits of [seals and sea lions], their reproductive processes, their defense mechanisms, and their forms of communication and provides a deeper appreciation of the variety and complexity of life in the ocean"--Provided by publisher.

WHALES & DOLPHINS provides a richly illustrated and thoroughly researched celebration of the best-loved and most misunderstood mammals on our planet. Although these wonderful mammals have always been thought of as possessing unusual gifts, it has only been in recent decades that their remarkable intelligence has been truly recognized as a scientific fact. WHALES & DOLPHINS provides an informative and colorful portrait of these beautiful creatures, covering many diverse species, from the porpoises, the smallest of the whale family, to the compact minke whale, to the colossal sperm whale, the largest of the toothed whales and to the slender, streamlined dolphins that seem to take so much pleasure from human contact. Taking a scientific look at the lifestyles of these beautiful creatures, topics such as their humanlike body temperature while in icy water, courtship and mating, giving birth, and feeding in cooperative groups are demystified and explained. Illuminating in both words and remarkable pictures, WHALES & DOLPHINS is just one title in the acclaimed Creatures of the Ocean series. For those who want to delve into the amazing and sometimes mysterious world of ocean life, these books are a wonderful resource filled with scientific fact and beautiful photography.

A photographic celebration of wildflowers, providing general information about structure, shape, color, scent, and pollination; and looking at species specific to mountain areas, waysides and woodlands, coasts and wetlands, tropical forests, and deserts.

Presents a variety of facts about snakes and reptiles from around the world from boa constrictors and pythons to iguanas and crocodiles. Highlights their typical physical features and behaviors as well as which are poisonous. Includes resources for further information and color photographs.

The mere glimpse of a SHARK in the water is enough to arouse fear and panic in most onlookers. The gaping jaws, rows of sharp teeth, and the triangular fin slicing through water are familiar characteristics of the shark family. What is it about sharks that causes this feeling of terror? Are they all killers, intent on hunting about their victims--especially human ones--or is there more to the life of a shark than just hunting its prey? Well over 350 species of sharks are known to science, and they can be found in all the world's oceans, from the polar regions to the equator, and at all depths, from the surface and the seashore to the deepest ocean troughs. Some live in estuarine conditions, finding their way into river mouths, and one or two species are able to live in fresh water in large river systems. Given their abundance and sheer variety, sharks bear closer examination--and this book gives readers the chance to meet these fascinating creatures face to face. Illuminating in both words and remarkable pictures, SHARKS is just one title in the acclaimed Creatures of the Ocean series. For those who want to delve into the amazing and sometimes mysterious world of ocean life, these books are a wonderful resource filled with scientific fact and beautiful photography.

GIANTS OF THE SEA have fascinated humans since the days of the first seafarers. Many myths and legends involving sea serpents and other monsters of the deep sprang from sightings by ancient peoples and still intrigue us today. The best known of these are the great whales, the largest living creatures on Earth. Hunted almost to extinction, whales are slowly recovering in numbers and have become star tourist attractions in many areas. In contrast to these gentle giants, the killer whale is a vicious predator renowned for its cunning in hunting its prey. These colossal sea animals are brought to life here along with varied creatures such as the giant clam, the bizarre ocean sunfish, the tentacled giant squid, and the poisonous giant jellyfish. These unique forms and their prey demonstrate the variety and complexity of life in the sea. Illuminating in both words and remarkable pictures, GIANTS OF THE SEA is just one title in the acclaimed Creatures of the Ocean series. For those who want to delve into the amazing and sometimes mysterious world of ocean life, these books are a wonderful resource filled with scientific fact and beautiful photography.

CURIOUS CREATURES is a beautifully provocative view of nature's most unusual and memorable creatures. Fish that fly, birds that are flightless, beautiful but deadly insects, snakes that play dead, and well-camouflaged predators - no matter how bizarre in form or seemingly odd in behavior, each animal has a very specific reason for looking and acting as it does. This book explains striking behavior and vividly portrays animals that have specially adapted to their specific environments. Within you'll meet remarkable creatures that have developed odd physical features such as colorful faces and pendulous noses, poisonous tentacles, razor-sharp tusks and teeth, and brush-like antennae. The reasons for such strange characteristics are many, including deception, defense, camouflage and unique courtship displays. Illuminating in both words and remarkable pictures, CURIOUS CREATURES is just one title in the acclaimed Creatures of the Ocean series. For those who want to delve into the amazing and sometimes mysterious world of ocean life, these books are a wonderful resource filled with scientific fact and beautiful photography.

Discusses types of aquarium fish with color photographs, including information on species of aquatic vertebrates, families of freshwater fish and marine fish, and more.