Family Guide to Nature

FAMILY GUIDE TO NATURE is designed to inform and entertain readers both young and old with explanations of the mysteries and marvels of the world around us, from our planet's position in space to its many forms of life. The book's question-and-answer format was chosen to provide clear, concise information on the subjects readers are most likely to ask about, and to put it in perspective with what they may already know. In addition, the text frequently expands on related topics to give a more complete picture of the subject's function in the natural world. The book does not attempt to describe every natural phenomenon or every living thing; instead, it highlights the most familiar and those most important to man —the ones that you as a reader are most likely to wonder about.Because it covers such a broad range of subject matter, FAMILY GUIDE TO NATURE is divided into four sections. Part 1, The World Itself, deals with the physical world, from the earth and its atmosphere to geological processes and landforms. Part 2, The World of Plants, is about the earth's infinitely varied mantle of vegetation. Part 3, The Animal World, covers the characteristics and life styles of the many kinds of creatures that share our planet. Part 4, Many Worlds of Life, explores the adaptations and interactions of plants and animals in various environments such as deserts, mountains, and seashores.The four sections are distinguished by colour-coded tabs printed at the upper right-hand edges of the pages. A different colour is used for each of the four parts, and the tabs are visible even when the book is closed so that you can easily find the part that interests you. In addition, each part begins with its own detailed table of contents that will lead you to specific subjects. A comprehensive index pinpoints other references to particular subjects throughout the book. But we hope you will often find that the most rewarding way of using FAMILY GUIDE TO NATURE is to open the book at random, browse, and linger over the questions-and answers-that arouse your curiosity and satisfy your desire to understand and appreciate the fascinating world of nature.—The Editors 1985. First edition, first revise. A near fine copy only marked by very minor rubbing to the board extremities.…