Animals Alive : The Fight for Survival in the Wild

What will life on Earth be like in one hundred years? Which species will go extinct and what new species will we discover? From the fantastical to the practical, Animals Alive looks at the possibility of re-creating extinct animals and provides information on what you can do to help keep animals alive. Animals Alive is an exciting exploration of animal life through the ages. Earth was once home to some very strange species, from a giant sloth the size of an African elephant, to the woolly mammoth and saber-toothed tiger. But why are they not alive today? The concept of extinction is explained, with a look at the death of the dinosaurs and the other major extinction events. We meet some of the "fossil species" that have outlived the dinosaurs and look at why they are so successful, as well as some of the animals pushed to extinction by people. Looking to the present, Animals Alive celebrates the diversity of life on Earth today. Animal profiles are packed with photos and include key facts, distribution data, and awe-inspiring information. Learn about the amazing long-distance flights of the wandering albatross, find out how the great white shark uses electricity to track down prey, and witness the extraordinary migration of the monarch butterflies. Past, present, and future...Animals Alive is an exciting exploration of animal life through the ages. Earth was once home to some very strange species, from a giant sloth the size of an African elephant, to the woolly mammoth and saber-toothed tiger. A host of amazing animals are illustrated and introduced. But why are they not alive today? The concept of extinction is explained, with a look at the death of the dinosaurs and the other major extinction events. We meet some of the "fossil species" that have outlived the dinosaurs and look at why they are so successful, as well as some of the ani. Contents Animals alive! How animals evolved The variety of life Unexpected consequences Going, going, gone! What are the threats How threatened is it Mammals? Jaguar Sumatran orangutan Sea otter Ethiopian wolf Manatee? Tasmanian devil? Polar bear Black rhinoceros Birds Southern rockhopper Whooping crane Reptiles Leatherback turtle Komodo dragon Amphibians Golden toad Fish Southern bluefin tuna Invertebrates Coral reef Monarch butterfly Saving species Tracking tigers? Keeping animals alive Backyard naturalist Setting up a reserve New species Glossary Index Acknowledgments Explains biodiversity, discusses the role animals play in ecosystems, describes the threats affecting the lives of animals, and profiles various animals, including jaguars, black rhinoceros, and bluefin tuna