The Kingfisher Concise Nature Encyclopedia

Book excerpt: The latest addition to the Kingfisher concise encyclopedic range of books is a comprehensive guide to the living world and its inhabitants - both flora and fauna. There is an incredible diversity of life on earth, from microscopic, single-celled organisms to giant redwoods and blue whales. This authoritative new reference book explores every major plant and animal group, richly illustrating the extraordinary range of living things that is found in every corner of the planet. The encyclopedia is arranged in three parts. The introductory section, A Planet Apart, guides the reader through the formation of the planet, the beginning of life and evolution, to animal and plant life today. The second section, The Living World, introduces the kingdoms of life on the planet, from microlife, through plants to animals. The third and main section of the book, Wildlife Habitats, takes a detailed look at the world's habitats, with features that highlight topics such as 'plant galls' and 'animal nomads'. There are also species features that focus on animals or plants that are of particular interest, such as the Arctic bumblebee or the welwitschia plant.