Synopsis
Tougher than trees and often much better armed against foraging animals, shrubs form the main plant cover in some widely scattered regions of the world. This biome is home to a surprising variety of plant and animal species.
Biologists divide the living world into major zones called biomes, including deserts, oceans, tropical forests, and tundra. Looking at biomes helps us understand the connections between our planet's climate and the plants and animals that live there. Biomes also have a huge impact on people. Each book reveals the fascinating web of relationships between climate, plants, animals, and people that makes every biome unique.
Inside this book
Superb photography, bringing each biome dramatically to life
Clear maps of each major region of every featured habitat identify the main areas of environmental stress
Fact panels give at-a-glance information on each region
Meets curriculum standards for the study of biomes and their importance for plants, animals, and people
Glossary, sources of further information, and index
Heather Robertson - Children's Literature
When reading about the environment, it is easy to picture the Earth as divided into neat areas called biomes. A desert is here and a rainforest is over there. But the divisions are not marked in black ink and this book is about the areas in between. In some places these areas are called scrublands or bush, but the publishers of this book, one in the "Biomes Atlases" series, prefer the term shrublands. Shrublands are areas of fertile soil and harsh conditions. They bridge the gap between coastal and forest regions. Harsh winds and rocky soil prevent full-size trees from growing. Animals in this region must be hearty, as well. This book has done surprisingly well at describing a hard-to-explain ecosystem. The book is organized in five chapters separated by a detailed profile of a specific area. The pictures are beautiful and index and glossary are complete. It is an excellent reference book if not a straight read. 2003, Raintree, Ages 9 to 12.