Books with author Michael Bright

A comprehensive introduction to sharks and their biology and behavior. Presenting the latest findings from international shark researchers, Sharks is an engaging introduction to these near-perfect predators. It describes the broad range of living sharks, explores their biology and behavior, and dispels the myths. Illustrated with shark images from around the world, the book reveals these creatures to be far more than just mindless killing machines. Sharks shows how these animals have been the product of over 450 million years of evolution, during which time they have been honed to perfection as some of the sea's most sophisticated predators. More than 100 spectacular photographs and easy-to-follow diagrams highlight the book's worldwide coverage of shark species. Topics include: Anatomy and locomotion Senses Behavior Lifestyle Hunting and diet Reproduction Habitat. Sharks also describes the uneasy human-shark relationship and examines the serious conservation threats, in the forms of overfishing and marine pollution, experienced by wild shark populations all over the world. This stunningly illustrated introduction shows that sharks are a vital group of animals worthy of admiration rather than fear. It is an essential reference for all libraries.

How and where did life begin on Earth? What makes Earth capable of sustaining living creatures? This information-rich book takes readers billions of years into the past to understand the earliest life-forms on Earth. Theyll delve deeply into essential science topics such as geological time, evolution, and animal classification. Intricate illustrations and 3-D images transport readers to a time before humans walked the earth. Engaging fact boxes highlight fascinating information and encourage curiosity. Avid and reluctant readers alike will be transfixed by the marvels of our planets earliest life-forms, making this book a valuable addition to any library.

"Most of us use water all day, every day, without thinking about it w does it get to our homes? From the pitter patter of raindrops to the whoosh of water from the shower, this book follows the journey from the source to the resource. Water is one of the most vital natural resources for humans, and we use it in abundance for more than just drinking water. It is used in household chores, leisure activities, and in work and industry. Young readers will learn about where water comes from and the water cycle, as well as how water is stored, treated, and pumped around the country and into our homes. Case studies consider the environmental impact of our water use and how we can reduce consumption in our daily lives, and how many people live in places around the world that do not have a reliable water supply and rely on local methods to clean water that is in short supply."--

Where did humans come from? How did we become the most powerful species on the planet? Readers of this fascinating book are encouraged to explore these and many other crucial questions about our species. Amazing visuals and 3-D images help readers comprehend the remarkable history of human evolution. Theyll gain a thorough understanding of this intriguing concept, which is a key component of the science curriculum. Fact boxes highlight interesting tidbits of information that will draw in even reluctant readers. This innovative look at human evolution will be a valuable tool in any science collection.

Herds of feral horses such as the mustangs of America, Australian brumbies, and the white horses of the Carmargue in France, roam free on the world's grasslands. Wild horses are tough and hardy, with keen senses, and strong community bonds. Their beauty, speed, and power evoke everything that people love about horses. Nature Watch Wild Horses investigates the lives of these graceful creatures and their close relatives such as wild asses and zebras. Amazing wildlife photography takes you to the center of the herd while the text explains clearly what is going on -and why. There are special features on particular aspects of horse life, such as the birth of a foal or the migration of a herd of zebras, while myth boxes introduce folk tales and legends about horses from diverse cultures.

In 1961, humanitys insatiable curiosity pushed our species to boldly go where we had never gone before: outer space. This comprehensive book outlines the scope of humanitys space exploration for inquisitive readers. Breathtaking photographs, illustrations, and 3-D visuals allow readers to explore the wonders of our galaxy, while fact boxes highlight fascinating details that inspire wonder and encourage curiosity. Readers will learn about the planets of our solar system, comets and asteroids, the space race, and other essential science and history topics. This immersive book will be a popular addition to any library among avid and reluctant readers alike.

How has Earth and life on it changed? In which biome would you find the Bactrian camel? What is “snowball Earth”? 'Changing Ecosystems' explains the complexities of different ecosystems on Earth. Learn how organisms interact with their environment and how this varies when the characteristics of an ecosystem change. Compare the ecosystems of the past, which led to mass extinctions and Ice Ages, with more recent devastating El Niño events, roaring wildfires, and explosive eruptions. Life on Earth is constantly changing. It has been doing so for as long as we know and far before humans were here. Through the use of detailed case studies and scientific theories, the books in the 'Timeline: Life on Earth' series discuss how changes are studied, what the evidence reveals, and how such changes have had - and continue to have - an impact on Earth.