Exploring the advancements in scanning electron microscopy, this book unveils the intricate details of the miniature world, from essential microbes in ecosystems to the cellular structure of the human body. Guided by science writer Marianne Taylor, readers will discover the fascinating composition of minerals and the profound connections within nature and biology, offering a deeper understanding of the microscopic elements that shape our world.
Wir fangen gerade erst an, zu begreifen, dass das Gehirn von Tieren ähnlich komplex ist wie unser eigenes. Die Warnrufe von Präriehunden etwa sind nicht nur hektische Pfeiftöne, sie übermitteln damit zusammenhängende Nachrichten. Gorillas nutzen Zeichensprache, um vergangene Ereignisse zu schildern – wissen sie also, was heute, gestern und morgen ist? Eine Ameise, der man einen blauen Farbtupfer auf dem Kopf angebracht hat, will diesen loswerden, sobald sie in einen Spiegel blickt, ein Beweis für ihr Ich-Bewusstsein, das Menschen erst ab dem zweiten Lebensjahr entwickeln. Dieses Buch präsentiert 60 Tierarten, ihre bemerkenswerten kognitiven Fähigkeiten, ihre Gefühle und ihre teils ausgefeilte Kommunikation. Mit über 80 beeindruckenden Fotos von renommierten Naturfotografen. Tauchen Sie ein in die faszinierende Tierwelt unseres Planeten!
Renowned natural history author, Marianne Taylor, reveals mysteries of the ancient Earth, from the origins of life to the reign of the dinosaurs and the ice age, in a fascinating 3.8 billion year history.This beautiful, full-color hardback guide explores the diversity of life on Earth in the time before humans came to dominate the planet. Learn how species rose, fell, and evolved as they adapted to a changing climate and the varied ecosystems that arose. Discover the five mass extinction events and how life rose again despite the challenges. Explore the majesty of the dinosaurs and the fascinating ancestors of the many animals that we know and love today.• marine life, the first plants, coral reefs, trilobites• dinosaurs and other reptiles, the first birds, the breakup of Pangaea• new mammals, the first horses, ice agesThe text is brought to life by superb full-color photos, charts, maps and infographics to reveal the early history of the planet in all its splendor. A fascinating guide to the world which can be enjoyed by the whole family.ABOUT THE Sirius' Discovering... series brings together spectacular hardback guides which explore the science behind our world, brought to life by eye-catching photography.
Marvel at the wonders of the miniature world and its complex lifeforms in this fascinating hardback guide, illustrated throughout with spectacular full-color photography.With the latest developments in scanning electron microscopy, the miniature world has now been revealed to us in never-before-seen detail. With accomplished science writer Marianne Taylor as your guide, you will learn about the microbes that are at the heart of the world's ecosystems, the composition of minerals, the structure of cells in the human body, and much more besides.• Microorganisms• Mineral structures• NanotechnologyThe text is brought to life by superb full-color photos, charts, maps and infographics to reveal the miniature world in all its splendor. A fascinating guide to the world which can be enjoyed by the whole family.ABOUT THE Sirius' Discovering... series brings together spectacular hardback guides which explore the science behind our world, brought to life by eye-catching photography.
A fascinating exploration of animal intelligence and emotion, with thought-provoking essays, surprising insights, and breathtaking images by leading photographers We are only beginning to understand the ways in which the animal mind is as complex as our own. A prairie dog's vocal language is now the most sophisticated ever decoded, but their unique jump-yip poses as many questions as answers. Gorillas use sign language to describe past events to researchers, so does this mean they ruminate and relive their lives? When an ant looks in a mirror to see a dab of blue paint on its head, they try to clean it off, proving the ant is self-aware like us. The Animal Mind profiles 60 animals as it explores instances of remarkable cognition, communication, consciousness, and culture in the animal kingdom. Full of beautiful portraits and in-depth studies showing these behaviors in action, The Animal Mind offers an illuminating roadmap to animal intelligence.
Focusing on the fundamentals of avian art, this practical guide offers step-by-step projects that simplify the drawing process for beginners. It covers essential aspects such as proportions and feather textures, making it an ideal resource for both bird enthusiasts and aspiring artists. The accessible approach ensures that anyone can learn to capture the beauty of birds in their artwork.
From finches to flamingos, this practical guide introduces the fundamentals of drawing birds. It includes step-by-step drawing projects to break down each step, making in accessible for absolute beginners. From their proportions to their feathered textures, Drawing Birds is the perfect guide for bird-lovers and artists alike.
Warum entscheiden sich Vögel, in Gemeinschaft zu brüten und ihre Jungen aufzuziehen? Wie funktioniert das Miteinander von Tausenden Nachbarn auf engstem Raum? Dieses Buch erkundet Vogelgemeinschaften auf der ganzen Welt, vom tropischen Regenwald über hochhausartige Kolonien an Klippen bis zu den Dächern unserer Städte. Unterhaltsam und packend erzählt Marianne Taylor vom Zusammenleben verschiedenster Vogelarten. Spektakuläre Fotos sowie Karten und Graphiken geben einen Einblick in das außergewöhnliche Sozialverhalten der gefiederten „Großstädter“.
Whether you are watching an Eider soar low over the water or listening to the iconic sound of a flock of geese flying overhead, chances are you will already be familiar with many different species of ducks, geese and swans found around the UK. But can you tell a Goosander from a Red-breasted Merganser? Or confidently distinguish between a Pink-footed Goose and a Greylag Goose? The varied habitats in the British Isles provide a home to many ducks, geese and swans that live here year-round, as well as the enormous number of birds that arrive in winter.RSPB ID Spotlight Ducks, Geese and Swans is a reliable fold-out chart with illustrations of 30 of the UK's most familiar wildfowl by renowned artist Stephen Message.- Species are grouped by family and helpfully labelled to assist with identification- Artworks are shown side-by-side for quick comparison and easy reference at home or in the field- The reverse of the chart provides information on the habitats, behaviour, life cycles and diets of our ducks, geese and swans, as well as the conservation issues they are facing and how the RSPB is working to support them- Information on successful preservation campaigns of UK wetlands and how to take part in the Wetland Birds Survey is also includedThe ID Spotlight charts help wildlife enthusiasts identify and learn more about our most common species using accurate colour illustrations and informative, accessible text.
Nature writer Marianne Taylor guides readers through the development of life on earth, from the first living cells to the astonishing diversity we see in species today. Journeying from the invertebrates, including spiders, crustaceans and insects, to fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, this fascinating book explores the animal kingdom is all its oddity and splendour. Feature spreads give a deeper focus on themes such as coral reefs, the importance of insects in ecology and the era of the dinosaurs.
A compact, lightweight and informative guide to 310 of the most common birds found in the UK. RSPB Pocket Guide to British Birds is a compact, lightweight and informative field guide, featuring 310 bird species regularly seen in the UK. Species are illustrated in all distinct plumage forms likely to be observed in the wild by renowned bird artist Stephen Message, and a detailed distribution map for the British Isles is also provided. Concise text covers appearance, behaviour and voice – focusing on key identification points – and also outlines where you will find the species, describes its seasonal movements and includes the latest UK population data. Finally, confusion species are cross-referenced, with their most important and easily noted differences from the subject species described. A comprehensive introduction provides a guide on how and where to find birds, and how to make the most useful and rewarding observations for newcomers to birdwatching. Uniquely, this guide also provides images and descriptions for not only a selection of rarer visitors, but also for a range of domestic species and certain commonly observed aberrant forms of more familiar birds, all of which are omitted from most field guides but can cause great confusion for beginners when encountered in the wild.
A beautifully illustrated exploration of the ways birds cohabitFeaturing dramatic and delightful wild bird colonies and communities, How Birds Live Together offers a broad overview of social living in the avian world. From long-established seabird colonies that use the same cliffs for generations to the fast-shifting dynamics of flock formation, leading wildlife writer Marianne Taylor explores the different ways birds choose to dwell together.Through fascinating text, color photos, maps, and other graphics, Taylor examines the advantages of avian sociality and social breeding. Chapters provide detailed information on diverse types of bird colonies, including those species that construct single-family nests close together in trees; those that share large, communal nests housing multiple families; those that nest in tunnels dug into the earth; those that form exposed colonies on open ground and defend them collectively, relying on ferocious aggression; those that live communally on human-made structures in towns and cities; and more. Taylor discusses the challenges, benefits, hazards, and social dynamics of each style of living, and features a wealth of species as examples.Showcasing colonies from the edge of Scotland and the tropical delta of the Everglades to the Namib Desert in Africa, How Birds Live Together gives bird enthusiasts a vivid understanding of avian social communities.
Tato malá, ale na informace bohatá publikace představuje 88 druhů savců, obojživelníků a plazů z naší krajiny. Při jejich určování pomohou jak přehledné popisy, tak i více než 200 názorných fotografií.
Věděli jste, že medúzy a houbovci patří mezi nejstarší formy živočichů? Že lenochodi mají hluboké a užitečné pouto s řasami a drobnými můrami, které žijí v jejich srsti? Že nejmenší ptáci jsou potomky mohutných dinosaurů? Že některá zvířata jsou samotářská, ale jiná, včetně vlků, lvů a slonů, jsou hluboce závislá na své tlupě? Marianne Taylorová zkoumá úžasnou rozmanitost světa zvířat, to, jak se vyvinula do druhů, které známe dnes. Kniha se zabývá všemi hlavními živočišnými skupinami a jejich vzájemnými vztahy. Řada tematických okruhů se hlouběji věnuje zajímavostem, jako jsou korálové útesy, význam hmyzu v ekologii a éra dinosaurů.
Welche Lebensformen würden Aliens mitnehmen, um in einem Museum das Leben auf der Erde zu zeigen? Anhand welcher Arten ließe sich am besten erklären, was Leben ist und wie es funktioniert? Marianne Taylor versteht es, komplexe Sachverhalte der Evolution transparent zu machen und räumt auf mit so manchem landläufigen Halbwissen über die Entwicklung von Arten und Populationen. Ein Sachbuch auf dem neuesten Stand der Wissenschaft, das komplexe Zusammenhänge mithilfe von Infografiken verständlich macht und einen faszinierenden Einblick in die Entwicklung des Lebens auf unserem Planeten gibt.
A mysterious and rarely seen beast, the Scottish Wildcat is Britain's rarest mammal, and one of the most endangered carnivores in the world. Over the centuries, one by one, Britain's most formidable wild animals have fallen to the thoughtless march of humankind. A war on predators put paid to our lynxes, wolves and bears, each hunted relentlessly until the last of them was killed. Only our wildcats lived on. The Scottish wildcat's guile and ferocity are the stuff of legend. No docile pet cat, this, but a cunning and shadowy animal, elusive to the point of invisibility, but utterly fearless when forced to fight for its life. Those who saw one would always remember its beauty the cloak of dense fur marked with bold tiger stripes, the green-eyed stare and haughty sneer, and the broad, banded tail whisking away into the forest's gloom. Driven to the remnants of Scotland's wilderness, the last few wildcats now face the most insidious danger of all as their domesticated cousins threaten to dilute their genes into oblivion. However, the wildest of cats has friends and goodwill behind it. This book tells the story of how the wildcat of the wildwood became the endangered Scottish wildcat, of how it once lived and lives now, and of how we - its greatest enemy - are now striving to save it.
The book explores the intriguing concept of selecting ten representative life forms from Earth as if an alien were curating a collection. It delves into the diversity of life, highlighting unique species that embody the planet's ecological richness. Through vivid descriptions and insightful commentary, it prompts readers to consider the significance of these life forms and their roles in the broader tapestry of Earth's ecosystems.
What is a bird? Which anatomical traits are unique to birds? And where do birds fit in the diversity of life on Earth? This new guide is a portable companion to the beauty and diversity of birdlife around the world. Each chapter focuses on a topic such as digestion, reproduction or bird behaviour and includes detailed illustrations of skeletons and muscles, etc. to illustrate how birds' anatomical adaptations enable them to fly, run or swim. Special-feature spreads are included throughout providing further analysis on topics such as camouflage, wing shapes and courtship rituals. And there are plenty of facts for inquisitive minds, such as birds with unusual feet or what happens when a bird gets wet.
RSPB Spotlight: Ducks and Geese is packed with eye-catching, informative color
photos and features succinct, detailed text written by a knowledgeable
naturalist.
Detailing how insects feed and attack to their often bizarre mating behaviour, this new guide provides a fascinating insight into anatomical details and related behaviours that mostly go unnoticed. Additional feature spreads are included throughout the book offering more in-depth analysis on topics such as migration and classification. This beautiful new guide is illustrated throughout with stunning photographs, anatomical art and line diagrams that reveal the beauty and menace of everyday life in the insect world.
This book is a celebration of British raptors (including owls), following
their fortunes as British breeding birds from historical times to the present
day and illustrated with 200 stunning colour photographs.
A uniquely personal meditation on Britain's gulls by a leading wildlife writer, this exploration reveals the dual nature of these birds. From a distance, gulls symbolize freedom over the ocean, but up close, they can be loud and aggressive. Despite this, they captivate birdwatchers and earn the respect of seafarers. The narrative delves into the natural history of gulls and their complex relationship with humans.
Marianne Taylor, who grew up in an English seaside town surrounded by gulls, champions these often-overlooked birds. She examines various gull species, detailing their feeding habits, family life, social behaviors, and migration patterns across diverse landscapes. Special attention is given to the herring gull, a well-known yet persecuted species facing alarming population declines. The book also touches on gulls in legend, fiction, and culture, while offering insights into conservation efforts to protect them globally.
Through her observations, Taylor reveals that gulls are innovative thinkers, devoted partners, and resilient parents, leading long lives filled with exploration. Despite their natural abilities, many gull species struggle to thrive in their native habitats, increasingly adapting to human environments. This work encourages a harmonious coexistence with these majestic, yet often misunderstood, birds.
Owls are charismatic and exceptionally well-loved characters in British wildlife, and have always held a special place in our folklore and legends. Their nocturnal habits mean few of us have been lucky enough to see them up close. In RSPB Owls Marianne Taylor introduces readers to every aspect of their lives including their physiology, biology and behaviour, as well as their history, and future in conservation in Britain and abroad.Five species of owl currently live in Britain - the Tawny, Barn, Little, Long-eared and Short-eared Owls - and each of them, as well as their relatives abroad, are introduced here in detail alongside top quality colour photographs and fascinating behavioural images, which will delight and inform the whole family.The book begins with a look at owls in general then examines the five British species in more detail. It discusses their evolutionary history and distribution around the world. Their anatomy and adaptations are examined, as well as their natural behaviours including hunting, nesting and mating practices. Next, we are introduced to their life cycles, beginning as eggs, moving onto fledging and independence, migration, and finally death. Marianne also includes a discussion of conservation as it affects owls, and owls' unique relationships with humans and our culture.
This RSPB-licensed ID guide features 50 artworks illustrating 21 of Britain's bird of prey and owl species. Artworks are printed on one side of the fold-out chart with species grouped taxonomically and helpfully labelled to assist with species identification. On the reverse of the artworks, informative and engaging text is provided about the species, as well as helpful advice on the best reserves for watching birds of prey. Information on RSPB and other campaigns to support these species is also included, as are details of successful UK raptor reintroductions, which of our raptors are currently facing persecution and advice on what to do if you see anything suspicious.
Jste připraveni na záplavu čísel a šokující skutečnosti a údaje? Tato kniha vás vezme na dobrodružnou výpravu do historie, do celého světa, do říše zvířat, do vesmíru a ještě mnohem dát. Každá stránka je plná fascinujících údajů. Můžete své kamarády ohromit nově nabytými znalostmi. Ať už si budete nahodile vybírat ty nejlákavější informace, nebo budete číst každou stránku od začátku do konce, určitě najdete ohromné množství zajímavostí, o kterých jste nevěděli.
For those whose memories of learning science at school consist of burning
magnesium and playing with iron filings and a magnet, and whose brains shut
down as soon as things start to sound 'too technical', I Used to Know That:
General Science is here to remind you of everything you've forgotten or should
have learned at school.
Die stille, erhabene Schönheit von Eulen ist legendär – quer durch unsere Kulturgeschichte sind sie Symbole für Weisheit und Wachsamkeit, ob als Attribut der Göttin Athene in der griechischen Mythologie, als stille Beraterin für das Aschenbrödel in der tschechischen Märchenfassung und nicht zu vergessen als vertrauensvoller Nachrichtenüberbringer im Bestseller Harry Potter. „Schöne Eulen“ stellt nun die spektakulärsten und schönsten Rassen vor, von der Streifen-Ohreule zur Äthiopischen Waldohr-Eule, von der Sunda-Zwergeule bis zur Kaninchen-Eule.
Kniha je bohatým zdrojem překvapivých, zábavných i neobvyklých faktů z živočišné říše. Začíná evolucí a končí vztahy zvířat s člověkem, a mezi tím uvádí kuriózní skutečnosti o fyziologii, smyslových schopnostech, migračních trasách, vytrvalosti, námluvách a rozmnožování, stravovacích návycích a společenském životě zvířat. Rozmanitý a zvláštní svět zvířecích podivností od dobře známých ptáků a savců po méně známé drápkovce, ústonožce, pláštěnce a želvušky vás okouzlí, poučí, překvapí a potěší.
