Partners and Rivals

Children's Literature

The abundance of life in the Amazon Basin is truly amazing. One square acre of land in that region could include as many as 300 species of trees. Over 80,000 types of trees grow throughout this region as compared to the 20,000 species of trees native to the entire United States. In addition, multitudes of vertebrate and invertebrate species exist in this lush region. For example, the small nation of Ecuador, alone, has twice the number of bird species as live in North America. In terms of insects, it is estimated that over thirty million distinct species may live in this area. Given this range of life, it is fair to say that no area on earth has greater biodiversity than the Amazon Basin. It is the depth and interrelationship of Amazonian life forms that makes up the fabric of this illustrated science book. The author does a wonderful job of detailing the complex relationships that exist between many of the animals and plants that reside in this sector of the world. Some of these relationships are mutually beneficial while others are parasitic. In each case the complicated combinations of life purposes are wondrous. Readers with a bent for nature studies, or who have an interest in the world around us, will find this to be a fascinating and beautifully constructed look at a fragile part of our earth. Part of the "Deep in the Amazon" series. 2002, Benchmark Books, $24.21. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck AGES: 10 11 12 13 14

School Library Journal

Gr 6 Up-Although information in these three volumes is obviously related, Castner does a good job of avoiding duplication of most material. Researchers introduces six scientists exploring various aspects of plant and animal life in the Amazon Basin. It includes an entomologist, enthnobotanist, mammalogist, and ornithologists. Without minimizing the difficulty or hardships involved in their studies, the author conveys their enthusiasm for their work as well. The other two books explore the interrelationships among plants and animals of the same tropical region and how various species have adapted to their habitats in order to survive. Partners provides illustrations of commensalism, mutualism, and parasitism by discussing the fascinating relationships among species. Surviving offers examples of how evolutionary changes allow animals to escape predators through means such as camouflage, mimicry, and warning colors. Not only is there a thorough glossary, but there is also a separate guide to the species mentioned in the text. In all three books, well-chosen photographs depict many of these plants and animals. Some of the Web sites noted tend toward the commercial, but contact information for organizations will be helpful. Castner assumes readers have a basic knowledge of rainforest ecology, and those who do will enjoy these books. The interesting accounts of plant and animal life will keep most readers involved beyond a mere search for facts to add to reports.-Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.