Describes the ecology of the Amazon River rainforest and the different ways animals there protect themselves.
Grade 6 Up-Although information in these three volumes is obviously related, Castner does a good job of avoiding duplication of most material. Researchers introduces six scientists exploring various aspects of plant and animal life in the Amazon Basin. It includes an entomologist, enthnobotanist, mammalogist, and ornithologists. Without minimizing the difficulty or hardships involved in their studies, the author conveys their enthusiasm for their work as well. The other two books explore the interrelationships among plants and animals of the same tropical region and how various species have adapted to their habitats in order to survive. Partners provides illustrations of commensalism, mutualism, and parasitism by discussing the fascinating relationships among species. Surviving offers examples of how evolutionary changes allow animals to escape predators through means such as camouflage, mimicry, and warning colors. Not only is there a thorough glossary, but there is also a separate guide to the species mentioned in the text. In all three books, well-chosen photographs depict many of these plants and animals. Some of the Web sites noted tend toward the commercial, but contact information for organizations will be helpful. Castner assumes readers have a basic knowledge of rainforest ecology, and those who do will enjoy these books. The interesting accounts of plant and animal life will keep most readers involved beyond a mere search for facts to add to reports.
Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Reviewed with other titles in James L. Castner's Deep in the Amazon series.
Gr. 6-12. Part of the six-volume Deep in the Amazon set, these titles, which are also available individually, are like National Geographic articles, with lots of excellent full-color photographs (some taken by the author) and straightforward texts. In Layers, tropical biologist Castner discusses the many parts of the forest and their complex connections, from the litter on the ground to the canopy high above, conveying excitement about the spectacular things he has seen. In Native Peoples, he voices concern for the peoples who have lived there for more than 12,000 years and now face challenges from the modern world. Avoiding the romantic and generic view of "primitives," he focuses on four of the hundreds of native peoples--among them, the Yagua, who have been almost totally modernized, and the Yanomami, whose culture is now threatened. With maps, glossaries, bibliographies, and organizations to contact, these are fine books for reports and for readers concerned about ecology issues across the globe. The other titles in the set are equally attractive and informative. Hazel Rochman
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