Overview
Go on a journey that begins in towering, broadleaf treetops and ends tangled in roots deep below the ground. Using the Adirondacks as an example, Life in a Deciduous Forest examines the physical features, processes, and many different species of plants and animals that make up a unique deciduous forest ecosystem. Find out about the impact of humans on this once-pristine ecosystem, and what is being done to save it. Travel from light-filled branches to darkly shadowed forest paths and learn what makes this ecosystem special.Explores the Adirondack forests of New York state, discussing how the forest develops, the plants and animals found there, and ways in which the living and nonliving parts of the forest work together.
Synopsis
Go on a journey that begins in towering, broadleaf treetops and ends tangled in roots deep below the ground. Using the Adirondacks as an example, Life in a Deciduous Forest examines the physical features, processes, and many different species of plants and animals that make up a unique deciduous forest ecosystem. Find out about the impact of humans on this once-pristine ecosystem, and what is being done to save it. Travel from light-filled branches to darkly shadowed forest paths and learn what makes this ecosystem special.
Arlene Garcia - VOYA
The ten-volume "Ecosystems in Action" series presents in-depth looks into the major biomes of the United States. Life in a Deciduous Forest focuses on the Adirondack Mountains of New York state, whereas Life in the Tundra reveals Alaska's North Slope. Other titles include Life in a Desert, Life in a Wetland, and Life in a Rainforest. The volumes have similar, almost outline-like formats. Ecosystems in general and the specific location of the ecosystem under consideration are introduced in the first chapter. Subsequent chapters break each habitat into layers or levels. On each level, plants and animals living within are introduced. Balance and diversity within each system are stressed as being vital to maintaining healthy ecology. The impact of humankind is then presented, primarily in terms of the damage done: Acid rain, global warming, destruction of natural resources, and animal extinction are depredations common to both ecosystems. After being presented with this gloomy picture, readers are then offered what has to be series' best feature—realistic and viable solutions for helping to conserve the remaining habitat. In addition, addresses of major conservation organizations are included as well as addresses of politicians, to whom readers are encouraged to write. Each book is slim, but the amount of detailed information within belies the size. Beautifully illustrated, this series is a valuable addition to the growing literature on biomes, and it will be an asset to public and middle school libraries. VOYA Codes: 4Q 4P M J (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Broad general YA appeal; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; JuniorHigh, defined as grades 7 to 9). 2003, Lerner, 72p.; Glossary. Index. Illus. Photos. Maps. Charts. Further Reading., PLB. Ages 11 to 15.
Editorials
VOYA
The ten-volume "Ecosystems in Action" series presents in-depth looks into the major biomes of the United States. Life in a Deciduous Forest focuses on the Adirondack Mountains of New York state, whereas Life in the Tundra reveals Alaska's North Slope. Other titles include Life in a Desert, Life in a Wetland, and Life in a Rainforest. The volumes have similar, almost outline-like formats. Ecosystems in general and the specific location of the ecosystem under consideration are introduced in the first chapter. Subsequent chapters break each habitat into layers or levels. On each level, plants and animals living within are introduced. Balance and diversity within each system are stressed as being vital to maintaining healthy ecology. The impact of humankind is then presented, primarily in terms of the damage done: Acid rain, global warming, destruction of natural resources, and animal extinction are depredations common to both ecosystems. After being presented with this gloomy picture, readers are then offered what has to be series' best feature—realistic and viable solutions for helping to conserve the remaining habitat. In addition, addresses of major conservation organizations are included as well as addresses of politicians, to whom readers are encouraged to write. Each book is slim, but the amount of detailed information within belies the size. Beautifully illustrated, this series is a valuable addition to the growing literature on biomes, and it will be an asset to public and middle school libraries. VOYA Codes: 4Q 4P M J (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Broad general YA appeal; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; JuniorHigh, defined as grades 7 to 9). 2003, Lerner, 72p.; Glossary. Index. Illus. Photos. Maps. Charts. Further Reading., PLB. Ages 11 to 15.—Arlene Garcia