Koncocoo

Best Biological Science of Butterflies

Prodigal Summer
It is summer in the Appalachian mountains and love, desire and attraction are in the air. Exuberant, lush, riotous--the summer of the novel is "the season of extravagant procreation" in which bullfrogs carelessly lay their jellied masses of eggs in the grass, "apparently confident that their tadpoles would be able to swim through the lawn like little sperms," and in which a woman may learn to "tell time with her skin." HA beguiling departure for Kingsolver, who generally tackles social themes with trenchantly serious messages, this sentimental but honest novel exhibits a talent for fiction lighter in mood and tone than The Poisonwood Bible and her previous works. But Kingsolver continues to take on timely issues, here focusing on the ecological damage caused by herbicides, ethical questions about raising tobacco, and the endangered condition of subsistence farming. A corner of southern Appalachia serves as the setting for the stories of three intertwined lives, and alternating chapters with recurring names signal which of the three protagonists is taking center stage. Meanwhile, in the chapters called "Moth Love," newly married entomologist Lusa Maluf Landowski is left a widow on her husband's farm with five envious sisters-in-law, crushing debtsDand a desperate and brilliant idea. They'll also respond to the sympathy with which she reflects the difficult lives of people struggling on the hard edge of poverty while tied intimately to the natural world and engaged an elemental search for dignity and human connection.
Reviews
"I don't even understand the musings of other reviewers who found her characters flat or the plot slow. As always, her beliefs are clear even as she leads us through both sides of the issue by introducing us to opposing characters and plot lines."
"As usual, Barbara Kingsolver makes her reader fall in love with the natural world, in this case of the Appalachian mountains of the south."
"Great product!"
"If you have read Flight Behavior by Kingsolver, then you would notice many similar details between these two novels."
"The research that has gone into this book is phenomenal and characteristic of Barbara Kingsolver with detail that the human senses absorb, but the average person cannot describe."
"I enjoy the way she combines her passion for living things with her creative storytelling in order to deliver a fascinating reading experience that might, just might, if you're not careful, end up opening your eyes to a deeper reality and a new set of values."
"One of the ten best books I've eve read, the plot is suspenseful, the characters wonderfully drawn--a book hard to put down."
"I had read Prodigal Summer recently with my book club and enjoyed it immensely, as did the other members of the club."
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Monarchs and Milkweed: A Migrating Butterfly, a Poisonous Plant, and Their Remarkable Story of Coevolution
In Monarchs and Milkweed , Anurag Agrawal presents a vivid investigation into how the monarch butterfly has evolved closely alongside the milkweed—a toxic plant named for the sticky white substance emitted when its leaves are damaged—and how this inextricable and intimate relationship has been like an arms race over the millennia, a battle of exploitation and defense between two fascinating species. But this dependency of monarchs on milkweeds as food is not reciprocated, and milkweeds do all they can to poison or thwart the young monarchs. "A lively, highly informative introduction to significant research in ecology that highlights the importance of conserving our natural habitats." Agrawal's book will appeal not only to butterfly enthusiasts but also to the environmentally aware and all readers who appreciate solidly written and accessible popular science." Agrawal's splendid book is no less epic, taking us from heart toxins and sodium pumps to climate change and illegal logging. "[Anurag Agrawal's] book is a minutely detailed exploration of just about everything about [monarchs]: sex lives, dining habits, internal flight guidance and, in particular, their coevolving-but-competitive relationship with milkweed." Agrawal could give the recent grandmaster of science writing, Stephen Jay Gould, a proverbial run, and as a consequence, the book is highly accessible to everyone in a wide age range and from a variety of educational backgrounds." "Science strongly indicates all living things evolved from a common ancestor to form the complex biosphere we inhabit on earth. Monarch life history on a toxic host laden with cardenolides and largely dependent on migrating vast distances to tiny overwintering sites and back again is the backbone of the book. Color illustrations are abundantly informative, the main text font is eminently legible with a useful index, and the well bound paper stock bodes well for the physical longevity of the book." "This is a gorgeously written and wonderfully illustrated synthesis of our rich knowledge of the evolutionary battle between the monarch butterfly and the common milkweed. It is also a fascinating account of the cast of biologists--including such pioneers as Lincoln Brower, Miriam Rothschild, and Fred and Nora Urquhart―who have probed the deep mysteries posed by this amazingly mobile insect and its famously poisonous host." From biochemical to evolutionary perspectives, this book brings the arms race of milkweeds and monarchs to new light, and shows how and why biology is fun. Jane Van Zandt Brower's pathbreaking work on their role in mimicry started to change my view, and helped Peter Raven and me to develop the field of coevolution. Now Anurag Agrawal, a world-class scientist, tells the monarch-milkweed coevolution story in a brilliant, readable book--one that underlines the vast improvement of our understanding of the living world during the last half-century." "This marvelous book looks at how plants and plant-feeding insects have coevolved and how scientists over the past century have painstakingly identified the processes that shape webs of interacting species. Beautifully describing ecological and evolutionary processes, this wonderfully enjoyable book is to be savored for the remarkable ways in which science unravels how life on earth has become so diverse."
Reviews
"If you are looking for authoritative texts on the basic biology of these lightweight, ephemeral beings that fly all thousands of miles to a special place in Mexico where they can safely winter, this is a book you will want to own."
"The book covers a wide range of topics: how milkweeds protects themselves from monarchs, arms race between monarchs and milkweed, how the monarchs in turn defend themselves from their enemies, monarch butterfly migration, and the conservation of monarchs to name a few. The book digs deep into the biology, but Agrawal does it with care so the readers can follow him."
"Dr. Agrawal presents an important perspective about the coevolution of the much loved monarch butterfly and its often misunderstood relationship with the only plant it depends upon for both nourishment and defense."
"Agrawal presents the relationships among monarchs, milkweeds and other community members as a story to be told to others."
"A fascinating book that should be read by every monarch butterfly enthusiast."
"This is an excellent overview from a very active current monarch researcher."
"My copy of this book was delivered today and I'm excited to dig in now that we are at the height of milkweed and monarch season."
"Wife really enjoys this book as she raises monarch butterflies."
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Gardening for Butterflies: How You Can Attract and Protect Beautiful, Beneficial Insects
You'll learn how to choose the right plants, how to design a butterfly-friendly garden, and how to create a garden that flutters and flourishes with life. “Celebrate Earth Day by taking cues from Gardening for Butterflies , which suggests the best blooms for attracting spring's prettiest winged creatures.” — Martha Stewart Living “There are chapters on designing a butterfly garden, creating shelter, butterfly plants, installation and maintenance, observing and conserving, even tagging butterflies to help track migration. “An introduction to some of the most endangered butterflies and a guide to creating a garden that can protect and nurture them.” — Gardens Illustrated. Perhaps the most appealing aspect of butterfly gardening is that you can really make a difference for butterflies and other pollinators in your backyard. The book introduces readers to a variety of butterflies that need help and provides suggestions for native plants to attract them, habitat designs to help them thrive, and garden practices to accommodate all their stages of life, no matter the size of your garden space.” — Houston Lifestyles and Homes. “Whether you have a garden or just a love of butterflies, Gardening for Butterflies will give you the tools you need to become a butterfly steward. “Growing a butterfly garden isn't a novel idea—but Gardening for Butterflies , a new book by the Xerces Society, elevates the concept from whimsical to essential.
Reviews
"Bought this beautiful book to go with seeds to help encourage monarches.."
"Gave me everything I need to know to create a garden specifically for butterflies."
"Looking forward to learning to identify the butterflies that enter my garden."
"This book is great for home gardeners looking for more specific info about providing habitat for butterflies.."
"You'll learn lots and lots, and, even if you've been "native" for years, will learn something and enjoy the read."
"all you need to know, highly reccommended."
"Purchased this as a gift but very nice quality and pictures are gorgeous."
"Very informative and well put together book."
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Best Biological Science of Bears

Bear in the Back Seat: Adventures of a Wildlife Ranger in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Smokies Wildlife Ranger Book 1
This is the first volume in a series of true stories from "[a]n extraordinary landscape populated with befuddled bears, hormonally-crazed elk, homicidal wild boars, hopelessly timid wolves, and nine million tourists, some of whom are clueless." In Kim DeLozier's world, when sedated wild black bears wake up unexpectedly in the back seat of a helicopter in mid-flight, or in his car as he's driving down the highway, or in his office while he's talking on the phone, it's just another day in the park. You'll love seeing Kim and a fellow ranger tested as they bravely take on the task of relocating 77 live skunks by sedating them with darts from homemade blowguns, especially when the pickup truck load of stinkers wakes up while still in transit. Kim Delozier, wildlife ranger in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for 32 years and Park Supervisory Wildlife Biologist, has seen just about everything when it comes to bear antics! Kim is a modern day Daniel Boone whose experiences with wild bears, wild hogs, people, and other critters, demonstrate that untamed frontiers still exist in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. PRAISE FOR CAROLYN JOURDAN'S PREVIOUS BOOKS #5 Wall Street Journal Best Seller and #1 Amazon Best seller, Medicine Men (October, 2014) #9 Wall Street Journal Best Seller and #1 Amazon Best Seller, Bear in the Back Seat (December 2013) #7 Wall Street Journal Best Seller and #1 Amazon Best Seller, Heart in the Right Place (September 2012) Heart in the Right Place chosen as first ever Book of the Month by Family Circle magazine "Heartwarming, funny and utterly appealing." Kim DeLozier grew up living and working on his family's farm in eastern Tennessee. Carolyn Jourdan is the author of three Wall Street Journal best selling books and is also a #1 Amazon Best Selling Author.
Reviews
"It's written in a style that puts the reader right there in the shotgun seat with one of the people who protect our parks from humans and other animals."
"I was going to read a different book on my Kindle, but my husband made so many positive comments about this book while he was reading it that I decided to go directly to Bear In the Back Seat."
"Wonderful stories....funny and sad."
"I grew up in East Tennessee and have spent a lot of time in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There was a mother and two cubs and people were standing around looking at them like the mother wouldn't bother them even if she thought her cubs were in danger."
"Perhaps visitors to our nation's parks and forests will learn how to behave from reading this and stop rendangering their lives as well as the animals."
"This book has a strong faith element in it which becomes very apparent at the end, but it takes nothing away from the message about respecting nature and that a fed bear, regardless of how good intentioned, is a dead bear."
"If you're in Alaska and a Grizzly bear approaches you aggressively -- PLAY DEAD. If you're in the Appalachian Mountains (The Great Smoky Mountains), and a black bear approaches you threateningly, DO NOT PLAY DEAD."
"I was very interested in this book because I thought it would give me an inside look at wildlife park and what rangers deal with."
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Best Biological Science of Horses

The Perfect Horse: The Daring U.S. Mission to Rescue the Priceless Stallions Kidnapped by the Nazis
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the author of The Eighty-Dollar Champion, the remarkable story of the heroic rescue of priceless horses in the closing days of World War II In the chaotic last days of the war, a small troop of battle-weary American soldiers captures a German spy and makes an astonishing find—his briefcase is empty but for photos of beautiful white horses that have been stolen and kept on a secret farm behind enemy lines. Pulling together this multistranded story, Elizabeth Letts introduces us to an unforgettable cast of characters: Alois Podhajsky, director of the famed Spanish Riding School of Vienna, a former Olympic medalist who is forced to flee the bomb-ravaged Austrian capital with his entire stable in tow; Gustav Rau, Hitler’s imperious chief of horse breeding, a proponent of eugenics who dreams of genetically engineering the perfect warhorse for Germany; and Tom Stewart, a senator’s son who makes a daring moonlight ride on a white stallion to secure the farm’s surrender. A compelling account for animal lovers and World War II buffs alike, The Perfect Horse tells for the first time the full story of these events. “Passionately told and dazzling in scope, The Perfect Horse charges headlong into an unforgettable tale of World War II, when good men were given a final mission—to save beloved horses—at an hour when no one wanted to die. In Elizabeth Letts, the saga of World War II’s white stallions has found its perfect guardian.” —Adam Makos, author of A Higher Call. In The Perfect Horse , Elizabeth Letts sheds light on another of Hitler’s infamous heists, that of prized stallions from Hungary, Poland, Yugoslavia, and other parts of Europe, with the aim of employing eugenics to breed the consummate war horse (of course, of course). Whether you’re a history buff, a horse fan, or can appreciate how doing one positive thing can have enormous impact, The Perfect Horse is the perfect read for you. “A wholly original, illuminating perspective on the war The Perfect Horse tells a fascinating story of bravery and benevolence that has gone far too long without reaching an audience. To anyone with a love of horses or other animals, Letts’ fantastic, almost humanizing characterizations of some of the horses will make this book an instant favorite. “[Elizabeth] Letts, a lifelong equestrienne, eloquently brings together the many facets of this unlikely, poignant story underscoring the love and respect of man for horses. The author’s elegant narrative conveys how the love for these amazing creatures transcends national animosities.” — Kirkus Reviews “Straight out of the cauldron of Nazi brutality and war, Elizabeth Letts weaves not just a page-turner but an achingly glorious story of grace and redemption. It is through their eyes, and through Letts’s nearly supernatural horse sense, that we fall in love with sensitive Lipizzaner and fine-boned Arabians—the rescued animals who inspired men to reclaim their humanity.” —Vicki Constantine Croke, author of Elephant Company “In the early years of World War II, the finest purebred horses in Nazi-occupied Europe were stolen by the Germans for experiments to develop the perfect horse. In this spellbinding, heart-stopping book, Elizabeth Letts does full justice to the extraordinary drama of the horses’ rescue in the war’s chaotic final days.” —Lynne Olson, author of Citizens of London “ The Perfect Horse is an enthralling and moving story that I could not put down. History buffs and horse lovers will enjoy this amazing tale.” —Molly Guptill Manning, author of When Books Went to War “Passionately told and dazzling in scope, The Perfect Horse charges headlong into an unforgettable tale of World War II, when good men were given a final mission—to save beloved horses—at an hour when no one wanted to die. In Elizabeth Letts, the saga of World War II’s white stallions has found its perfect guardian.” —Adam Makos, author of A Higher Call “Elizabeth Letts’s beautiful prose, woven together with meticulous research, takes you for a ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end.” —Robin Hutton, author of Sgt. This is the best kind of storytelling.” —Joe Drape, author of American Pharoah “In Elizabeth Letts’s engrossing, richly researched book—a story of horses and heroism during the final days of World War II—we learn that our human instinct to protect our equine friends can cause us to risk even our own lives for their sake.
Reviews
"If you liked Unbroken and War Horse, you will like this book. The author follows the characters and the horses throughout their lives and at the end, I cried all the way through the last few chapters."
"I really struggled with this book on two fronts 1) Incredible story / 2) bit disjointed writing at times."
"I'll admit it: I don't know if I'm 5-star rating this because the book is great or because the overall story is fascinating and engaging."
"If you can picture a book which covers "two continents and more than eight decades", as author Elizabeth Letts puts it in her acknowledgements, you will begin to get an idea of how remarkable a story The Perfect Horse is. Letts weaves an intricate tapestry which eloquently tells the story of how the American military manages to rescue priceless horses from imminent death at the end of World War II. A large and varied assortment of courageous men from Europe and the US fell into place, almost haphazardly, to accomplish this rescue. When the author writes about them, the love she has for them is so powerful and passionate, yet so honest and true, the reader cannot help but understand what it is that drew her to such a massive undertaking."
"If you're a lover of horses and history, please read this wonderful book about the horses during WWII that were saved by the 2nd Calvary."
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Best Biological Science of Fossils

The Neanderthals Rediscovered: How Modern Science Is Rewriting Their Story
In this important volume, Dimitra Papagianni and Michael A. Morse compile the first full chronological narrative of the Neanderthals’ dramatic existence—from their evolution in Europe to their expansion to Siberia, their subsequent extinction, and ultimately their revival in popular novels, cartoons, cult movies, and television commercials. archaeologist Dimitra Papagianni and science historian Michael Morse have shaped a gem. — Nature. Papagianni and Morse explore various aspects of the biology, culture, and demise of the Neanderthals, helping to shed light on many of the myths and controversies . If you want grounding in our current understanding of our human predecessors, Papagianni, and PhD archaeologist and Morse . Readers learn that the common perception of the Neanderthals has been transformed due to new discoveries and paradigm-shattering scientific innovations. Focused squarely on the Neanderthals in their own right—how they lived, how they evolved, how they inhabited Europe for at least two hundred millennia. Dimitra Papagianni has taught courses on the Neanderthals at the Universities of Cambridge, Oxford, and Bath.
Reviews
"I enjoyed this book."
"I have been keeping up with fossil discovery's of our "pre-Humands" all my life."
"Awesome book for anyone interested in paleoanthropology and the fate of the Neanderthals, as well as the relationship between hominid species."
"A good book for anyone interested in the subject of humans and how we arose."
"Excellent read; learned things I'd never given thought as relates to ancient man."
"I have always had a fascination with the Neanderthals since I was a child so I was deeply interested in this book."
"Some interesting new facts about Neanderthals but still a great many questions left unanswered."
"Latest up-to-date information on these fascinating beings."
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Best Biological Science of Mammals

The Biology of Belief 10th Anniversary Edition: Unleashing the Power of Consciousness, Matter & Miracles
It has been ten years since the publication of The Biology of Belief , Bruce Lipton’s seminal book on the relationship between mind and body that changed the way we think about our lives, our health, and our planet. Gregg Braden The long sought after missing link between life and consciousness; The Biology of Belief will become a cornerstone for the science of the new millennium.
Reviews
"I believe most people are stuck in their beliefs but are unaware of that fact."
"Lots to learn here. Would recommend it for the newer reader in this subject matter."
"I have studied a lot about the power of our thoughts but what is amazing is Bruce Lipton's scientific connection to explaining why that power exists."
"What I especially liked about this book is the way Bruce Lipton integrated concepts of spirituality and quantum physics to help us understand how it's even possible for DNA to be modified by what a person thinks is true."
"Very interesting and educational audio book; thoroughly enjoyed it."
"We need to read something or hear something at least 3 times for us to really receive the information and therefore have a change in the brain which we may call learning."
"The brain of the cells- the membrane."
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Best Biological Science of Wildlife

The Elephant Whisperer: My Life with the Herd in the African Wild
Set against the background of life on an African game reserve, with unforgettable characters and exotic wildlife, it is a delightful book that will appeal to animal lovers and adventurous souls everywhere. Winning their trust, becoming deeply attached, and even learning how they communicate (deep, rumbling "whispers," sensed rather than heard), Anthony took enormous risks in the form of enraged elephants, distrustful neighbors, and poachers. An inspiring, multifaceted account, Anthony's book offers fascinating insights into the lives of wild elephants in the broader context of Zulu culture in post-Apartheid South Africa. Life on a game reserve is never easy, particularly when elephants are added to the mix, but Anthony’s enthusiasm and obvious love for the bush shine through in hair-raising, sad, and funny tales.
Reviews
"This book also became educational in many ways, from dealing with poachers to the threats of dangerous animals and reptiles that are found in African wildlife."
"Sad I never got to meet him as well anyone who reads this book or visits Thula Thula, What an inspirational journey to follow, as I could not put this book down."
"I confess I'd always just looked at an elephant and seen an elephant and loved the fact that Anthony brought out the truth that elephants (and all animals) each have their own personality and character. Having said that, I have to add that, over all, I admire what he's doing and thank him for opening my eyes to a different view of South Africa."
"I also liked the insight into tribal politics and the effect of culture on animal conservation."
"I so much enjoyed this story of respect for wildlife."
"This is a must-read for animal lovers."
"Very well written, very informative, compassionate, and enjoyable."
"I was very saddened to learn he passed at the tender age of. 61 years."
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Best Biological Science of Dinosaurs

Pterosaurs: Natural History, Evolution, Anatomy
The most comprehensive book on pterosaurs ever published Features some 200 illustrations, including original paintings by the author Covers every known species and major group of pterosaurs Describes pterosaur anatomy, ecology, behaviors, diversity, and more Encourages further study with 500 references to primary pterosaur literature. Witton manages to make this an attractive book for the layperson and bring these flying fossils to life." -- Natural History "Witton's new tribute to pterosaurs gives these fantastic fossil creatures a much-needed makeover in two crucial ways. Not only does the book bring the science of pterosaurs up to date--at long last following-up other classics such as David Unwin's The Pterosaurs and Peter Wellenhofer's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Pterosaurs --but Witton is a highly-skilled and imaginative artist who ably reconstructs the bones of the animals and brings them back to life in startling poses. Witton's pterosaurs are fantastical creatures deserving their own time in the spotlight. Witton's combination of style and substance makes Pterosaurs a true treasure and an absolute must for anyone curious about the extinct flyers." "This really is the ultimate guide to pterosaurs, providing us with a richer view of pterosaur diversity and behaviour than allowed in the two previous great volumes on the group (Wellnhofer 1991, Unwin 2005) and containing a substantial amount of review and analysis of pterosaur ecology and functional morphology." His 292-page book is the most comprehensive and authoritative book to come along since Peter Wellnhofer's classic Illustrated Encyclopedia of Pterosaurs back in 1991." "The joy of Pterosaurs is how it brings long extinct animals to life."
Reviews
"Witton demolishes old myths about the pterosaurs, such as the myth that pterosaurs were primarily seabird analogues, the myth that pterosaurs were poor flyers, and the myth that pterosaurs were out-competed by birds. There are both pictures of pterosaurs in their natural environments, sometimes together with other creatures, and pictures of pterosaurs in profile."
"The last is the subject of today's review. Bird wings are made of feathers attached to their (relatively short arms). Bat wings are made from skin stretched between the body and between five elongated fingers. Pterosaur wings were made from skin stretched from the body to an enormously elongated fourth finger, which is unique among vertebrates. There are enough fossils preserving the soft tissue of pterosaur wings, which is typically a few millimeters thick, that we can tell the wings contained, starting from the ventral side, a layer of blood vessels, a layer of muscle, and a layer of semi-rigid fibers. They had bones with very thin walls (presumably for lightness). They also had long tails with a rhomboid shaped vane at the end. The fact that pterosaur bones are hollow means that most fossils end up looking like “roadkill,” and the fine anatomical details, such as the shape of the joints, is usually erased. The real uniqueness of Witton's "Pterosaurs," compared to Unwin's book, is in the15 chapters on individual pterosaur subgroups. These chapters can be a little tough to get through in spots, since they are something like a professional review article, but that makes this book useful for professionals as well as interested amateurs like us. The first thing you learn is that pterosaur group names are pretty hard to remember (Anurognathidae, Wukongopteridae, Ctenochasmotoidae, etc.). But the important thing is that if you look within each group there is a tremendous diversity: longer vs. shorter heads, teeth vs. no teeth, crests vs. crests, larger vs. smaller legs and feet, long wings vs. short, claws on the hand vs. no claws, etc. Also, while we are pretty sure more groups of pterosaur are not likely to be identified, we know hardly anything about some groups like the Lonchodectidae because their remains are just so fragmentary. We see more of the latter now because we have more specimens with preserved soft tissue and/or we now know to look for soft tissue in fossils with ultraviolet light. While a number of authors have suggested crests could have some aerodynamic or thermal function, it is most likely they were for sexual display since closely related species have different crests. I enjoyed them and they get the point across, but they struck me as more "artistic" than "scientific", compared to comparable illustrations by, say, John Gurche. This book is well worth reading and is available at a reasonable price."
"It's hard to balance the scientific accuracy with color speculation, but sometimes it helps make a painting sharper."
"Combines a fine historical perspective with latest materials. regarding the evolution of flight in birds and pterosaurs."
"Gorgeous book with a ton of information to absorb and further research..."
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Best Biological Science of Dogs & Wolves

A Wolf Called Romeo
“Beautifully written, A Wolf Called Romeo is a thoughtful and moving story about one of nature’s most evocative animals.” —Patricia McConnell, author of The Other End of the Leash “Jans is a perfect narrator for this story. For six years, this friendly wolf graced the Juneau wilderness, accompanying people on hikes and interacting with their dogs.
Reviews
"What are the odds of an author, a writer of Alaska’s landscape by default, to have held such an intimate part of an extraordinary relationship with one of the most majestic creatures on the planet...no bias here! But to be a writer by profession, coupled with his own first hand experiences with this wolf, and be able to capture all that occurred between Romeo and the community of Juneau is more than mere coincidence, in my opinion. Nick Jans writes with heartfelt emotion in a way that also conveys the thoughts and feelings of all those who chose to discuss their connection to this wolf."
"My favorite, all-time man-dog book is Merle’s Door: Lessons from a Free-thinking Dog by Ted Kerasote. Jans uses his life experience as an author, naturalist, experienced outdoorsman, investigative journalist and photographer to weave a wonderful story. The essence of the book (for me) is characterized in the following excerpt: “Running a Darwinian gauntlet that demanded constant adaptation and complex responses, with scant margin for error, he had accomplished what few large predators ever had, or will: he lived near, even among, thousands of humans over most of his life – not just a shadowed presence or camp follower,, but as an independent, socially interactive creature whose territory overlapped our own – without the benefit of a large-scale preserve. Through this time among us, he remained his own gatekeeper, his comings and goings defining the ever-shifting boundary between worlds, rendering our own surveys and markers meaningless.” (excerpt from page 185). When it comes to understanding the wolf ( I hike in northeastern Oregon - Eagle Cap Wilderness - where wolves are now becoming re-established ) hikers, civilians, researchers, ranchers, naturalists and environmentalists would ALL be well-served by consuming this work."
"A dog and wildlife lover, I LOVED this book!"
"An excellent, heart-warming story that may leave you in tears."
"I just read about this wonderful story about Romeo the wolf."
"So sad."
"Mr. Jans tells an incredible true story about an Alaskan wolf."
"Super service."
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Best Biological Science of Fish & Sharks

Cod: A Biography of the Fish that Changed the World
Cod. , Mark Kurlansky’s third work of nonfiction and winner of the 1999 James Beard Award , is the biography of a single species of fish, but it may as well be a world history with this humble fish as its recurring main character. In this lovely, thoughtful history, Mark Kurlansky ponders the question: Is the fish that changed the world forever changed by the world's folly? Kurlansky sprinkles his well-written and occasionally humorous history with interesting asides on the possible origin of the word codpiece and dozens of fish recipes. In this engaging history of a "1000-year fishing spree," Kurlansky (A Continent of Islands: Searching for the Caribbean Destiny, LJ 1/92) traces the relationship of cod fishery to such historical eras and events as medieval Christianity and Christian observances; international conflicts between England and Germany over Icelandic cod; slavery, the molasses trade, and the dismantling of the British Empire; and, the evolution of a sophisticated fishing industry in New England. Quoting a scientist from the Woods Hole Biological Laboratory, Massachusetts, Kurlansky notes that to forecast the recovery of the cod population is to gamble: "There is only one known calculation: 'When you get to zero, it will produce zero.'".
Reviews
"My husband and I came to love bacaloa after a couple of trips to Portugal and Spain--wish I had known the cod story then."
"And I will admit that many portions of the book were utterly fascinating, specifically those regarding the complete history of cod fishing and the very nature of the cod itself. However, this book is not just a history of cod."
"Kurlansky shows that while "great men" often drive history, resources and economics dictate the range of their choices and as often as not give a strong clue as to the probable direction of events."
"Excellent."
"Excellent."
"It's great, being one of the first narrative non-fiction books that talks about a specific species of fish and its history."
"Kurlansky succinctly and wittily tells the tale of this diminishing fish, and backs it up with some sensible history, e.g.. why the Pilgrims chose to starve rather than fish, and refused to eat lobsters which were teeming in the waters of Cape Cod."
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Best Biological Science of Apes & Monkeys

The Girl with No Name: The Incredible Story of a Child Raised by Monkeys
The unbelievable true story of a young girl who is abandoned in the Colombian jungle and finds asylum in the most unlikely of places—with a troop of capuchin monkeys​ In 1954, in a remote mountain village in South America, a little girl was abducted. So begins the story of her five years among the monkeys, during which time she gradually became feral; she lost the ability to speak, lost all inhibition, lost any real sense of being human, replacing the structure of human society with the social mores of her new simian family. Her first few, horrifying days in the jungle are presented in vivid detail, as is the troop of capuchin monkeys with which she found refuge and a sense of community over the years. --Bridget Thoreson “Marina Chapman may live a quiet life now, but the story of her childhood is more akin to a wild fairytale.”. - The Huffington Post “This book, which is as much a memoir about the importance of classification and belonging as it is about the endurance of the human spirit, will be enjoyed by those looking for a story of perseverance through even the greatest obstacles life brings.”. - Publishers Weekly.
Reviews
"An 8 year old Indian girl was rescued from the Channel Islands at age 18."
"It makes obvious how our early experiences and upbringing have a great impact on our later years."
"This is an easy book to read, but the story is powerful and compelling without hyperbole."
"I thoroughly enjoyed reading Marina's crazy and exciting and sometimes sad young life."
"A compassionate and eye opening story of an abandoned child growing up in the jungle and later in the jungle of a Columbian city."
"Marina Chapman is an unbelievable woman."
"The most amazing part of this story is that Marina survived."
"From beginning to end, the journey is a rollercoaster of emotions."
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Best Biological Science of Insects & Spiders

Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants, Updated and Expanded
This simple revelation about the food web—and it is an intricate web, not a chain—is the driving force in Bringing Nature Home .” — The New York Times As development and subsequent habitat destruction accelerate, there are increasing pressures on wildlife populations. Such an imbalance, Tallamy declares, can lead to a weakened food chain that will no longer be able to support birds and other animal life. With nothing less than the future of North American biodiversity at stake, Tallamy imparts an encouraging message: it's not too late to save the ecosystem-sustaining matrix of insects and animals, and the solution is as easy as replacing alien plants with natives. Haggas, Carol Bringing Nature Home opens our eyes to an environmental problem of staggering proportions. ( Warwick Beacon ). "This book will not only foster a love of the outdoors in all who read it, but also create a deeper understanding and appreciation of the intricate web of wildlife outside your door." "In an area that is as open and wooded as ours, we may not be aware that there is more to the need for natives than concern about invasive species that upset an ecosystem. "Tallamy makes such a compelling case for the importance of insects to birds that I’ve completely changed the way I garden. "Tallamy illustrates well how gardeners have contributed greatly to tipping the environment off balance and how they are equally able to turn the trend … Plants and insects are integrally intertwined.
Reviews
"This book has made me aware of the decrease in using native plants which results in fewer pollinators in our gardens."
"Just took a class on Prairies in Minnesota and I have a bit of land I am returning to prairie land."
"A good tutorial on why native plants are a better fit for your local environment than the run of the mill nursery or catalog stock."
"this book should be required reading in every school."
"Excellent book,very informative,on why we need to bring natural plants,back to there,natural environment."
"This is the most important book I have read this year."
"This book is packed full to the brim of photographs, information, and reasons why we should be doing these things and how to go about it, and 3 great appendix at the end."
"This book will transform your thinking about nature.....the importance of our understanding of our amazing earth and the plants that bring the sun's energy to earth to sustain all life...including people!."
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Best Cats, Lions & Tigers Biology

The Tiger: A True Story of Vengeance and Survival (Vintage Departures)
Throughout we encounter surprising theories of how humans and tigers may have evolved to coexist, how we may have developed as scavengers rather than hunters, and how early Homo sapiens may have fit seamlessly into the tiger’s ecosystem. Beautifully written and deeply informative, The Tiger circles around three main characters: Vladimir Markov, a poacher killed by the tiger; Yuri Trush, the lead tracker; and the tiger himself. Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the taiga, John Vaillant provides an unforgettable true account of a lethal collision between man and beast in a remote Russian village during the late 1990's. It's a gutsy approach that could easily lead to chaotic storytelling, but Vaillant is careful to keep the bone-chilling storyline taut by capturing the intensity of an animal worthy of our greatest respect and deepest fears. It doesn’t just attack villagers; it hunts them, picking its targets like a hitman with a contract, at one point even dragging a mattress out of a shack so it can lie comfortably in wait until the woodsman returns home. You crouch to the height of the animal you’re seeking, learning to see the world through its eyes, inhale scents through its nostrils, feel cool earth and crushed leaves beneath its padded paws. They feel such kinship with the big cats that they’ll even share their meals by leaving hunks of meat in the woods, convinced the tigers will re-pay them in kind with a deer haunch when times are lean. The grisly rampage of a man-eating Amur, or Siberian, tiger and the effort to trap it frame this suspenseful and majestically narrated introduction to a world that few people, even Russians, are familiar with. Northeast of China lies RussiaÖs Primorye province, "the meeting place of four distinct bioregions"–taiga, Mongolian steppes, boreal forests, and Korean tropics--and where the last Amur tigers live in an uneasy truce with an equally diminished human population scarred by decades of brutal Soviet politics and postperestroika poverty. Over millennia of shared history, the indigenous inhabitants had worked out a tenuous peace with the Amur, a formidable hunter that can grow to over 500 pounds and up to nine feet long, but the arrival of European settlers, followed by decades of Soviet disregard for the wilds, disrupted that balance and led to the overhunting of tigers for trophies and for their alleged medicinal qualities.
Reviews
"Okay, but why should you read a book about a search for a man-eating Amur tiger, the world’s largest land predator, in the most remote parts of the earth?"
"The book brings all that alive in the first half of the book."
"Amazing book that conveys the excitement and horror of living in a land where humans are among creatures hunted by tigers."
"One of the best books I've read in years."
"This is purportedly true life and once again, highlights the flexibility of most wildlife when sharing this world with humans."
"This book provides a good ethnography of the bleak day-to-day lives of people living in this remote area of Russia, as well as a look at the culture and natural habitat of the region."
"Vaillant is a brilliant writer and, although I was primarily interested in reading about Amur Tigers, the Taiga, and outdoor adventure, I got a whole lot more for my money than that."
"Totally gripping."
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Best Reptiles & Amphibians Biology

Dinosaurs: 101 Super Fun Facts And Amazing Pictures (Featuring The World's Top 16 Dinosaurs)
The following dinosaurs and pre-historic creatures are featured: Allosaurus Brachiosaurus Deinonychus Diplodocus Elasmosaurus Kentrosaurus Peteinosaurus Plateosaurus Pteranodon Stegosaurus Tylosaurus Tyrannosaurus Triceratops Velociraptor Spinosaurus Archaeopteryx The description in the large text is simple enough for early readers or for a parent to guide a child through. Janet Evans has written on a myriad of topics which have all sold quite successfully and now she has opted to focus on preparing great and fun information for children's ebook.
Reviews
"This ebook is offered for free right now so at that price it's a 4 star review. I do like this book but I will say it's not my favorite 101 Super Fun Facts book that Janet Evans wrote. It's not a picture book for little kids. So all in all a good ebook for free!! Seems many of them are offered for free and these are great ebook to keep on your device for kids of all ages. ***** I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review."
"I thought we would just sit down and read all of these books, all in a row, but these are substantial books, so we did two per sitting/day and this worked out well for his age. Despite them being long books with a lot of information for a 5-year-old, he enjoyed them each and they held his interest the whole time, even with a bit of fidgetiness toward the end. Again, these are each great books, full of fun and interesting information."
"He has virtually every dinosaur toy, and picks up every dinosaur book he sees. The facts are most of which he already knew, but he still enjoyed the book very much."
"One thing, too, is when giving the descriptions of the dinosaurs, they keep using the present tense."
"This is a good little resource for some quick facts on a number dinosaurs that roamed the earth. I liked the fact that the author gave the range that the dinosaurs were found in when it covered a large area. I think that sometimes we get the idea that dinosaurs stayed in one place and this books help children understand that many of the hunters roamed in large areas."
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