Synopsis
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
Children's Literature
Wow understandable ecology. In this entry in the "Biomes Atlas" series, Hoare attempts to create the big picture in manageable bites. And for the reader who is willing to absorb all the pieces, he succeeds. For those wishing to sample bits and pieces, the many pullouts and beautiful pictures will tantalize and intrigue. For example, we learn how climate and landscape determines plant life, which in turn determines other wildlife. For the North American prairie, that means a temperate climate and a wide-open space. And the reigning plants are grasses. "Grasses are the ideal shape for highly exposed places like plains and hillsides. Instead of broad leaves they have thin, flattened blades clustered around tall stems. Blades of grass are flexible and bend in the wind without breaking off." The book examines several examples of temperate grasslands, including the North American prairies, Asian steppes, and Australian rangeland. The chapters address plant and animal life as well as human interaction. As with the other books in this series, the last chapter is The Future, and discusses how human activity could or should change to protect the biome in question. End material includes a glossary, further research, and an index. 2003, Raintree/Steck-Vaughn Company, Hansen