Books in Britannica Guide to Predators and Prey series

While we may often find them nestled in the corners of our attics or traversing our yards, rodents and bats are more frequently found in nature and originate in a large variety of shapes and sizes. Together they make up over half of the planets mammal species. While there are only 29 species of xenarthransan ancient line of mammals comprised of sloths, anteaters, and armadillosthey are significant players in various ecosystems, as well. This colorful volume considers the features, behaviors, and major species of these three intriguing categories of mammals.

While they come in all shapes, textures, and sizes, animals that subsist on the Earths natural vegetation share many common elements as well. Occupying a unique place in the food chain, grazers all over the Earth provide vital nourishment for carnivores and are often valuable to humans for meat, skins, and various domestic uses. This volume provides a colorful view of these varied and complex creatures as well as the features and behaviors that both bind them together and set them apart.

Primeval jungles, mountain ranges, and the cover of deep forests are not the only domains of meat-eating creatures. Carnivores also can be found stalking prey from the air, in ocean depths, and marshy swamps. Raptors, sharks, and crocodiles are among the most predominant non-mammalian meat-eaters that rely on hunting or scavenging for survival. This volume examines the various species in this select grouping, investigating the physical characteristics and traits that help these unique animals be successful predators.

From lemurs to apes to human beings, primates are unique among mammalsfor example, our brains are large compared to our size. Our complex interactions, intricate social structures, and extensive range of emotions allow us to adapt and thrive in diverse habitats around the globe. In this volume, readers are invited into the many domains of these extraordinary creatures to discover the incredible diversity of primate species. Readers will also learn about the long history of human beings, from our earliest ancestors, the australopiths, to the homo sapiens of today.

Sharp-toothed and quick-footed, carnivorous mammals are primed for the hunt. Far from ruthless, however, carnivores—hunters by nature and necessity—are integral to maintaining ecological balance. While predatory behavior often seems grisly, many carnivores are actually omnivorous and many can even be domesticated. This striking volume journeys from secluded forest habitats to our own homes to survey the unique features and behaviors of various species of carnivore. Vivid color photographs accompany the text and provide a detailed look at these amazing creatures.