Rebecca E Hirsch

In the history of life on this planet, 99.9 percent of all species have gone extinct. But a few have survived almost unchanged. Author Rebecca E. Hirsch introduces readers to six living fossils, including the chambered nautilus, the horseshoe crab with its sticky blue blood, and venomous platypuses that sting, as well as a comprehensive explanation of evolution and extinction for readers who may not be familiar with the terms yet. Readers will also...

Apples, blueberries, peppers, cucumbers, coffee, and vanilla. Do you like to eat and drink? Then you might want to thank a bee. Bees pollinate 75 percent of the fruits, vegetables, and nuts grown in the United States. Around the world, bees pollinate $24 billion worth of crops each year. Without bees, humans would face a drastically reduced diet. We need bees to grow the foods that keep us healthy. But numbers of bees are falling, and that has scientists...

It's a chilly winter evening. A northern gannet lets out a loud graaak. Swiftly and carefully, a scientist scoops the bird off the surface of the water into a net so that a team of experts can implant a high-tech tag. Scientists will track this seabird—and many others—to learn its movement patterns over the following years. Find out how scientists are working to ensure clean, renewable offshore wind power won't spell disaster for the millions...

Trillions and trillions of microbial cells live on and inside your body. A small number of these microbes are unhealthy germs. But most belong on your body and perform essential jobs. Microbes help digest your food, protect you from dangerous germs, and help your body fight disease. Using techniques such as DNA sequencing, scientists are uncovering the many secrets of the human microbiome. Scientists are learning how the foods we eat and the medicines...

What's so great about Washington, DC? Find out the top ten sites to see or things to do in the nation's capital! We'll explore Washington, DC's lively parks, historic landmarks, fun-filled museums, and fascinating history. The Washington, DC, by Map feature shows where you'll find all the places covered in the book. A special section provides quick district facts such as the motto, population, tree, bird, and more. Take a fun-filled tour of all there...

"Each colorful spread in this book discusses a breakthrough in science, complete with hilarious commentary from Garfield the cat--who would really rather be eating lasagna. From forces and motion to the origin of the universe, Garfield explores it all."--

Explores breakthroughs in technology, from the earliest stone tools to modern inventions, and features commentary from Garfield the cat who would rather be eating pizza.

Learn what a mountain gorilla has in common with a hippopotamus. Find out what sets a mountain gorilla apart from a raccoon or a mountain lion. Readers will compare key traits of mountain gorillas—their appearance, behavior, habitat, and life cycle—to traits of other mammals. Charts and sidebars support key ideas and provide details. Through gathering information about similarities and differences, readers will make connections and draw conclusions...

Discover what a humpback whale has in common with a gibbon or a caribou. Learn what sets a humpback whale apart from a hedgehog or a sloth. Readers will compare key traits of humpback whales—their appearance, behavior, habitat, and life cycle—to traits of other mammals. Charts and sidebars support key ideas and provide details. Through gathering information about similarities and differences, readers will make connections and draw conclusions...

Discover what a grizzly bear has in common with a jaguar. Find out what sets a grizzly bear apart from an armadillo. Readers will compare and contrast key traits of grizzlies—their appearance, behavior, habitat, and life cycle—to traits of other mammals. Charts and sidebars support key ideas and provide details. Through gathering information about similarities and differences, readers will make connections and draw conclusions about what makes...