Chaparrals

December 1, 2006
Gr 4-6-Each volume offers a basic overview of a specific biome. Double-page maps clearly indicate where these areas can be found worldwide. Explanations of climate and physical characteristics are accompanied by appropriate diagrams and illustrations. Full-color photos of representative plants and animals illustrate sections pertaining to those topics. The authors provide examples of variations within biomes. Aspen-Baxter mentions both temperate and tropical rain forests. Banting notes five types of caves. Each book explains how science and technology are used to study the biome and offers examples of three related careers. Threats to the biome itself or to some of the plants and animals that live there are also discussed. Suggestions for further research include Web sites and books, but some are for much older readers. Each volume includes a relevant experiment such as how to determine rain acidity that impacts deciduous forests. Solid choices to update or supplement collections in need of report materials."Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato"

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