The Science of Animals

Book excerpt: See the animal kingdom in all its glory, from jellyfish to polar bears, with up-close details of their unique features from head to toe. Filled with magnificent photographs that were specially commissioned for this book and cannot be seen anywhere else. Written in association with the Natural History Museum. This visual reference book starts with the question "what is an animal?" and takes you through the animal kingdom - mammals, reptiles, birds, and sea creatures. It uses a unique head to toe approach that showcases in spectacular detail special features such as the flight feathers of a parrot, the antenna of a moth, or the tentacles of coral. This visual encyclopedia is filled with clear and fascinating information on everything about the social lives of animals. Read exciting stories, like how animals communicate, defend their territories, and attract mates. Learn how evolution has helped wildlife to adapt to their unique environments, whether it is the ability to live in difficult habitats, adjust to specific diets or how they work physically. Humans have drawn and painted animals for thousands of years. The Science of Animals has included some of these, such as early rock art that depicts our awe of the animal kingdom, or natural history artworks such as the ones commissioned by the Mughal Courts in the 1600s. Dramatic Wildlife Photography Spectacular, never seen before, photographs that will bring you close to many of the world's most captivating and intriguing inhabitants. This book offers an extraordinary introduction to the animal world by taking you through chapters that details their diversity. Go from head to toe in The Science of Animals: - The animal kingdom - Shape and size - Skeletons - Skins, coats, and armour - Senses - Mouth and jaws - Legs, arms, tentacles, and tails - Fins, flippers, and paddles - Wings and parachutes - Eggs and offspring