Insects are the most diverse group of organisms in the 3 billion-year history of life on Earth, and the most ecologically dominant animals on land. This book chronicles for the first time the complete evolutionary history of insects: their living diversity, relationships and 400 million years of fossils. Whereas other volumes have focused on either living species or fossils, this is the first comprehensive synthesis of all aspects of insect evolution. The book is illustrated with 955 photo...

A beautifully illustrated exploration of the world’s most extraordinary animalsWith an astounding 3.5 million species occupying virtually every habitat on Earth, insects are one of the most diverse groups of animals on the planet, from the humble bee to the agile praying mantis. Taking you inside the extraordinary world of insects, The Complete Insect explores all aspects of the natural history of these remarkable creatures, providing a close-up look at th...

New Public Management and the Reform of Education addresses complex and dynamic changes to public services by focusing on new public management as a major shaper and influencer of educational reforms within, between and across European nation states and policy actors. The contributions to the book are diverse and illustrate the impact of NPM locally but also the interplay between local and European policy spheres.The book offers:A critical overview ...

The secret world of trees is revealed in this beautiful and absorbing guide to the giants of the plant world.Trees occur naturally throughout the world and have been a part of human history almost as long as humans have existed. Used for shelter, tools, fuel, and food, they also help supply the atmosphere with oxygen and form astonishingly diverse ecosystems, as well as some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes. Now the intricate world of leafy woodlands and ab...

The clearest and sharpest recognition e-guide to more than 500 rocks and minerals.Unearth a treasure trove of knowledge about the rocks and minerals beneath our feet--from their formation to collecting them. Make identification easy and accurate with this compact visual e-guide, includes photographs and details on formation, distinguishing features, and much more. Over 600 high-quality photographs capture the unique characteristics, colors, and attributes of more t...

DK’s best-selling illustrated encyclopedia series takes you back to the Mesozoic Era, when fearsome dinosaurs roamed the land, sea, and skies.Discover dinosaurs as you've never seen them before through jaw-dropping 3D illustrations in this dinosaur encyclopedia for kids ages 9+.Did you know that Velociraptor had three large "killer claws" on each foot to hunt down prey? Or that the long-necked Diplodocus was as long as three school buses? ...

Explore the flora and fauna from all around the world with this exciting book full of amazing images, fun quizzes, and incredible information.Discover all types of forests-from rain forests to woodlands-and where they are found, learn about the different animals that make their homes there, explore how forests change through the seasons, and find out about forest conservation.Filled with colorful images and quirky facts, DK findout! Forest is engag...

From pollination, gardening, beekeeping, and recipes, this guide has everything amateur and veteran apiarists to keep a hive buzzing.Beekeeping might seem exotic or old-fashioned, but around the world it is becoming more and more common to find a hive or two in urban spaces and suburban backyards. Some modern beekeepers are inspired by the desire to help out the frequently beleaguered creatures, others simply enjoy fresh honey from the most local of sources—the back...

Supporting STEM-based learning, this fact-filled book for bug lovers ages 6-9 is the ultimate guide to amazing bugs and insects from across the globe, entertaining and educating young readers through a combination of close-up images, quirky trivia facts, quiz questions, and fascinating tidbits on everything from beetles to butterflies.What is the difference between a bug and an insect? Which bugs glow in the dark? How many lenses make up a dragonfly's compound eyes...

The ultimate visual journey into the beautiful and complex world of waspsWasps are far more diverse than the familiar yellowjackets and hornets that harass picnickers and build nests under the eaves of our homes. These amazing, mostly solitary creatures thrive in nearly every habitat on Earth, and their influence on our lives is overwhelmingly beneficial. Wasps are agents of pest control in agriculture and gardens. They are subjects of study in medicine, engineerin...

A gorgeous expanded edition of Werner's Nomenclature of Colours, a landmark reference book on color and its origins in natureFirst published in 1814, Werner's Nomenclature of Colours is a taxonomically organized guide to color in the natural world. Compiled by German geologist Abraham Gottlob Werner, the book was expanded and enhanced in 1821 by Patrick Syme, who added color swatches and further color descriptions, bringing the total number of cla...

The world is filled with curious objects made by plants, animals, and even by the Earth itself. Dive into this collection of more than 100 intriguing items from the natural world and discover the stories behind them.Learn how huge whales eat tiny animals from looking at their bristly teeth, why butterflies shine and glitter in the sunlight from seeing their minute wing scales, how plants transport water and food around from examining a delicate leaf skeleton, and w...