Natural History: The Ultimate Visual Guide to Everything on Earth - Hardcover

DK

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0756667526 ISBN 13: 9780756667528

Publisher: DK, 2010

Synopsis

A spectacular and exceptionally well-illustrated guide to everything on Earth. From rocks to redwoods and microbes to mammals – this is a dazzling visual introduction to our planet’s treasures.

Filled with more than 5,000 species and in-depth studies of animals, plants, fungi, microorganisms, rocks, and minerals, it’s the ultimate celebration of the world’s extraordinary diversity of life.


Planet Earth's eclectic wildlife and endless wonders come to life in the most spectacular way in this monumental compendium of Earth’s natural wonders. Compiled by a team of professional wildlife experts working with the world-renowned Smithsonian Institution, this comprehensive nature book was 5 years in the making!

This unrivaled visual survey of Earth's natural history looks at every kingdom of life. It is packed with thousands of eye-popping, specially commissioned photographs and in-depth two-page spreads on incredible species. The engaging and informative text was supplied by a global team of natural history experts to make this bold visual encyclopedia a perfect addition to every family bookshelf or school library.

From the evolution of nature to the classification of species, Natural History begins with a general introduction to life on earth. The next chapters form an extensive and accessible catalog of species and specimens – from flowering plants to reptiles – interspersed with fact-filled introductions to each group and in-depth profile features. 
 
A True Visual Dictionary of Earth's Natural Wonders

Natural History squeezes as many plants, animals, rocks, and minerals as possible between its covers. This extraordinary reference book from DK Books is eye candy for nature lovers of all ages, and makes a fantastic gift!

Explore everything on Earth, such as:

   • Living earth
   • Minerals, rocks, and fossils
   • Microscopic life
   • Plants
   • Fungi
   • Animals

About this title

About the Author

We believe in the power of discovery. That's why we create books for everyone that explore ideas and nurture curiosity about the world we live in.
 
From first words to the Big Bang, from the wonders of nature to city adventures, you will find expert knowledge, hours of fun and endless inspiration in the pages of our books.

https://www.dk.com/

Reviews

Gr 5 Up-A dazzling visual introduction to natural history. This oversize volume, which marks the centennial of the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, begins with an explanation of how the information is arranged, including a discussion of the measurements, icons, and abbreviations used throughout the text. The first chapter offers a brief introduction to Earth, and its geology and life-forms, followed by separate, extensive chapters devoted to minerals, rocks, and fossils; microscopic life; plants; fungi; and animals ("the largest kingdom"). Each chapter consists of sections representing major taxonomic classifications and within these sections lower taxonomic groups are discussed. Numerous pictorial galleries highlight varieties of specific species. Scattered throughout are feature profiles that offer in-depth analyses of single specimens (white water lily, cane toad, etc.). Pages dedicated to a specific life-form include a chart that indicates phylum, class, orders, families, and species. The information provided for each entry (both common names and Latin names are included) is generally brief and limited to two or three sentences. The stunning color photographs (totaling more than 5000) and the volume's encyclopedic approach make it a welcome addition.-Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

*Starred Review* An introductory visual guide to the natural world, this volume’s strength rests with original and compelling photographs and illustrations. A team of distinguished scientists renders the accompanying text informative yet concise and accessible to nonspecialists, including students and general readers. Six chapters make up the book. In the first, “Living Earth,” copiously illustrated introductory essays on topics such as climate change, evolution, and classification provide context. This is followed by chapters on “Minerals, Rocks, and Fossils”; “Microscopic Life”; “Plants”; “Fungi”; and “Animals,” offering picture galleries that profile about 5,000 specimens and living species ranging from topaz to oyster mushroom to sperm whale. Each chapter is divided into sections representing major groups (for example, “Invertebrates”) with an introduction highlighting the characteristics that define the group. Each subgroup (“Sponges,” “Insects”) also has its own introduction. For living species, “Classification” boxes display the current taxonomic hierarchy. Picture captions provide information such as size, habitat, and distribution. Topics of debate are interspersed in sidebars throughout the text; for example, “Did monocots have aquatic origins?” and “Are birds dinosaurs?” The remarkable color photographs and illustrations, commissioned for this work, depict the natural world in its amazing beauty and diversity. In “Feature Profiles,” close-up photographs provide detailed images of some of the world’s most interesting species, such as the fly agaric mushroom, the Mexican red-kneed tarantula, the Aldabra giant tortoise, and the six-banded armadillo. Appendixes include a 4-page glossary and a 24-page index of scientific and common names. Extensive scope and exceptional photographs distinguish this ambitious work. Succinct commentary, notable for its clarity and authority, deftly burnishes the visuals. Highly recommended for high-school and public libraries. --Nancy Cannon

Edition details

• Publisher: DK
• Publication date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0756667526
• ISBN 13: 9780756667528
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 648