There is nothing more life-affirming than understanding death in all its forms.Natural selection depends on death; little would evolve without it. Every animal on Earth is shaped by its presence and fashioned by its spectre. We are all survivors of starvation, drought, volcanic eruptions, meteorites, plagues, parasites, predators, freak weather events, tussles and scraps, and our bodies are shaped by these ancient events.Some animals live for just a few hou...

An expansive investigation into the most unifying and enduring structure in the history of life—and a story of biological richness at a moment when so much of our precious biodiversity hangs in the balance.Eggs are the origins of ninety percent of the Earth’s organisms. They can be found as far apart as deep-sea volcanoes and in space. Yet despite their fundamental importance, eggs often find themselves an afterthought in the discussion of evolution of life on Eart...

A celebration of dogs, the scientists who've lived alongside them, and how canines have been key to advancements in science for the betterment of all species.Almost everywhere there are humans on planet Earth, there are dogs*.* But what do dogs know and understand of the world? Do their emotions feel like our own? Do they love like we do? What do they think of us?Since our alliance first began on the hunt and on the farm, our relationship with dogs has evol...

A journey of discovery through the ins and outs of reproduction in the animal kingdom**'**Written with Bill Bryson–like wit' Booklist**'**A writer who blends professional expertise in zoology with charm, wit, and a cockeyed sense of humor. What better guide through nature's red-light district could one ask for?' Natural History Magazine1,000 million years ago, a sexual revolution occurred on Earth....

Encyclopedia of Birds is your ultimate guide to the extraordinary world of birds, packed with information about 300+ species from every corner of the globe.From the tiniest hummingbird to the mighty wandering albatross, this comprehensive encyclopedia celebrates the dazzling diversity of bird life.Written by zoologist and natural history expert, Jules Howard, and brought to life with spectacular artwork by Namasri Niumim, this book will awaken curi...

Step into the forest and discover the magic of fungi in this enchanting encyclopedia, packed with vibrant illustrations and easy-to-understand facts!Beneath the leaves, on tree trunks and even in your own garden, fungi are quietly working their wonders. From glowing toadstools and fluffy puffballs to delicious truffles and rainbow-bright slime moulds, the Encyclopedia of Fungi introduces you to over 300 fungi from around the world, explori...

'Planet Earth is just amazing,' said Flarp. 'Mostly, it's a planet of beetles, but if you look closely there's so much else going on, too.'Shhh! It's midnight at the Museum of Earth Animals, where a class of Martian children are on a special sleepover school trip to learn about all the strange and fascinating creatures of Earth. They're all snoozing peacefully when ... CRASH! Something is causing chaos in the galleries and it's up to Lolo and Flarp to figure out WHO or WHA...

This friendly, practical guide includes everything you need to know to pick up a spade, put in a pond and help wildlife flourish right outside your back door.Ponds are vital oases for nature. They are nursery grounds, feeding stops and bathing spots. They are genetic superhighways and vibrant ecosystems each brimming with life, interactions and potential. And they are for everyone.In The Wildlife Pond Book, Jules Howard offers a fresh perspective on ponds a...

What's your favorite animal fact? Have you ever wondered who discovered it in the first place? Chances are, it was a zoologist!Join the scientists uncovering the secrets of the animal kingdom in this funny, fact-packed introduction to zoology. The Who, What, Why of Zoology is an exciting first book on this fascinating field of science. From the deepest oceans to Himalayan valleys, zoologists explore far and wide to better understa...

RSPB Spotlight: Frogs and Toads is packed with eye-catching, informative colour photos, and features succinct and detailed text written by an expert on these amphibians.They were bestowed with magical properties in folklore, they were sought after as ingredients of witches' broth, and they are comic characters that have invaded popular culture, from Kermit the Frog to Toad of Toad Hall. Frogs and toads are charismatic members of Britain's wildlife. But wha...

RSPB Spotlight: Snakes is packed with eye-catching, informative colour photos, and features succinct, detailed text written by a knowledgeable naturalist.Snakes are superbly secretive reptiles, celebrated by many for their highly tuned senses and their complex and mysterious seasonal behaviours. Though some people may be fearful of them, these important reptiles play a crucial role in many habitats. And an encounter with any one of our native snake species...

Meet the tiny-but-tough tardigrade and the awe-inspiring blue whale in this illustrated introduction to invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.Learn everything about more than 275 species, specially selected by natural historian Jules Howard and brought to life by the detailed artwork of Jarom Vogel. With fact panels breaking down each animal...