Tropical Rainforests

This excellent overview illuminates one of the most fascinating and endangered ecosystems—tropical rainforests. Along with detailed descriptions and beautiful illustrations of the various plants, insects, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals that inhabit the rainforests and related habitats, this book also explains:

· Forest layers, features, microclimates, food chains

· Rainforest locations across the globe

· Cultural, biological, and geological values of rainforests

Its valuable message of conservation makes this guide not only an entertaining reference but an important educational resource.

Using clear text and detailed illustrations, Golden Guides from St. Martin's Press present accurate information in a handy format for the beginner to the expert. These guides focus on what your students are really going to see. They are easy to use: detailed, full-color illustrations, text, and maps are all in one place. They are easy to understand: accurate, accessible information is simplified without being misrepresented. They are authoritative, containing up-to-date information written experts and checked by specialists. And they are portable: handy and lightweight, designed to fit in a pocket and be carried anywhere.

Golden Guides first appeared in 1949 and quickly established themselves as authorities on subjects from Natural History to Science. Relaunched in 2000, Golden Guides from St. Martin's Press feature modern, new covers as part of a multi-year, million-dollar program to revise, update, and expand the complete line of guides for a new generation of students.

Allen M. Young, Ph.D., obtained his B.A. degree from the State University of New York at New Paltz and his Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of Chicago. His two years of post-doctoral research with the Organization for Tropical Studies in Costa Rica was the beginning of what has become a lifelong career studying and writing about tropical rainforest insects. Currently Curator of Zoology and Vice President for Collections, Research, and Public Programs at the Milwaukee Public Museum, Dr. Young has published several books—Population, Biology of Tropical Insects, The Sarapiqui Chronicle, The Chocolate Tree, Lives Intertwined, and Small Creatures and Ordinary Places—plus more than 300 original scientific papers.

Judith Huf has worked as an artist in many fields, from painting and sculpture to technical and scientific illustration and creating exhibits for nature centers and museums. This is the second book she has illustrated for Dr. Young.