Guide to Microlife

Serves as a guide to be used for the identification of microorganisms and provides information about microlife forms and how they affect other life forms, including human.

Grade 9 Up. This useful, well-organized guide is divided into four sections: monerans (bacteria), microfungi, protists, and microanimals. Each organism is identified by its taxonomy, physical features, behavior, and environment. Drawings, color photographs of slides, and tips on how to view with a microscope are additional aids for each example. Appendixes provide a wealth of information about using microscopes, collecting specimens, preparing slides (safety precautions abound), and even an interesting, but brief look at filming images. Most of the featured organisms are readily available in homes, yards, woods, streams, and puddles, but a list of biological supply companies is also provided. A good resource for classrooms, this colorful volume is packed with information. For the hooked and truly adventuresome, move on to Werner Nachtigall's Exploring with the Microscope (Sterling, 1995).?Cynthia M. Sturgis, Ledding Library, Milwaukee, OR
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 7^-12. Although the authors follow the familiar color-coded, specimen-numbered format, this handbook is more than just a field guide to microscopic organisms. Besides thorough descriptions of seven microhabitats and an extensive, beautifully photographed, and well-written catalog of specimens, this also includes projects, six informative appendixes on topics ranging from collecting techniques to slide preparation, and a detailed bibliography of adult and children's resources. The "Microlife Catalogue" is the heart of the guide. Divided into sections on monerans, microfungi, protists, and microanimals, it provides introductory information on each group and descriptions of individual organisms. Each entry includes a clear color photograph that will be invaluable to student researchers. The hefty price is worth noting, but this belongs in both library collections and life sciences classrooms. Chris Sherman