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Deserts provide a seemingly hostile environment in which plants can,nevertheless, survive and grow.The book considers the ecological problemsposed by the desert environment, and the varied physiological and ecologicalstrategies adopted by desert succulents to overcome these problems.^L Muchpreviously unpublished data on the physiological ecology of the succulent floraof southern Africa is presented--the results of more than ten years' work by theauthors, both in the field and the laboratory.This new information forms thebasis for a better understanding of the water relations and carbon balance ofsucculents during short and long term drought and leads the authors to a newdefinition of succulence as a tool for the temporary storage of water, essentialfor the conservation of physiological performance during times of drought.Theauthors conclude by providing a basic scheme in which the significant functionalaspects of succulent life strategies are given, revealing the main trends in thebiology of these fascinating plants. ... Read more

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Arid lands require that organisms inhabiting them be well-adapted to thrive or even just to survive. This book provides a review of the ecological adaptations - be they behavioural, physiological or morphological - of carnivores to arid environments. Following a general introduction into aridity and arid lands in Africa, the major carnivore families are presented. Ecological adaptations of carnivores in arid lands reveal the amplitude and resilience of the ecology of these animals. In setting up conservation measures, the nature and extent of such adaptations are important facets in determining the effective area and degree of heterogeneity required as habitat by a carnivore population so as to produce a viable unit. ... Read more

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With special reference to Rajasthan, India. ... Read more

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A study of deserts, their climate, and the plants and animals that struggle to survive in this harsh environment. ... Read more

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Springs ecosystems are among the most structurally complicated, ecologically and biologically diverse, productive, evolutionarily provocative, and threatened ecosystems on earth. Springs are places where groundwater reaches the earth’s surface through complex, tortuous, and sometimes lengthy flow paths. Historically, they have been revered as sacred places to almost all cultures. Geologically, springs represent some of the most interesting locales available for study. Biologically, springs ecosystems exert a vastly disproportionate impact on regional ecology in relation to their size. In the otherwise harsh environments of arid lands, springs may provide long-term stable habitats that support unique species and evolutionary processes. Aridland Springs in North America offers a much-needed comprehensive synthesis of aridland springs ecology. Stevens and Meretsky have assembled chapters from numerous and diverse experts from the fields of geology, hydrology, geomorphology, water quality, ecosystem dynamics, water law, and conservation biology. Through analyses and case studies, these contributors provide an in-depth overview of these topics and address issues critical for improving the knowledge and conservation of springs. This volume goes beyond examining the ecological importance of aridland springs to provide practical and productive ideas for their preservation. The authors facilitate future research by cultivating a language with which to collectively describe and study springs ecosystems, creating the beginnings of a comprehensive springs classification system. This book could not be more timely, as groundwater depletion throughout the continent is rapidly decimating these vital sources of life. ... Read more

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The Great Indian or Thar Desert is characterized by extremely harsh climatic conditions. Nevertheless, this unique region, consisting of very different habitats ranging from grassland, sand dunes and rocky expanses to hilly wooded terrains, but also crop fields and abandoned human habitations, features a spectacular biodiversity. In 16 chapters, reputed experts in their fields describe the regional climate and microclimatic regime of this hot, arid desert, and its diverse faunal inhabitants. These range from dung beetles, ants and spiders to lizards and snakes, vultures, doves and other birds, bats, gerbils and mice, and mammals including the gazelle and langur, some appearing in the IUCN Red List of threatened species. Key aspects of the ecology and conservation of this endangered ecosystem are discussed, notably pest control and the protective role of local religious communities, as well as the impacts of large-scale irrigation schemes, changing land-use patterns and climate change.

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Cedar Mesa, Utah, offers adventurous visitors magnificent examples of all the geologic wonders that define "canyon country" throughout the Southwest: stone arches, natural bridges, and breath-sucking precipices, plus hidden springs, hanging gardens, and a treasure of pre-Columbian Indian ruins.Now a writer and a photographer who have roamed the Mesa for more than twenty years--and know many of its well-guarded secrets--offer an intimate look at a place where solitude and silence go hand in hand. ... Read more

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Describes the desert habitat of Death Valley and the plants and animals that live there. ... Read more

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Children love asking questions. The answers to all those questions about the desert, such as "Who ate ants?," "How do plants survive in the desert?," and "Where do cars race across the desert?" are answered in this fabulous book. ... Read more

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The Sonoran Desert of the American Southwest is a wonderland of the strange and fascinating. At first glance the hot valley floors and rugged mountainsides may seem barren and inhospitable, but look closely and you may find howling mice and toads that pop out of the sand. With patience you ll see giant centipedes, bobcats, and miniature owls. You could even catch a glimpse of a Gila monster, the only poisonous lizard in the United States.
In Hidden Life of the Desert, author and nature photographer Thomas Wiewandt introduces young readers to many plants and animals that call the Sonoran Desert home. Following this unique ecosystem through its five seasons spring, dry summer, wet summer, autumn, and winter Hidden Life of the Desert uses stunning color photographs and clear, informative text to explore how life can thrive in a seemingly barren land.
This greatly expanded edition of Hidden Life of the Desert follows in the footsteps of a Crown Books for Young Readers (1990) edition that made the John Burrough s List of Outstanding Nature Books for Young Readers. New in the 2010 edition are expanded text, more pictures, maps, a glossary, plant and animal species lists, an index, and an annotated list of recommended books and Web sites. But perhaps most important is the addition of a thought-provoking chapter titled Facing the Future, which considers where water in the West comes from, how we use it, and how energy and water use are connected. ... Read more

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A core addition to any nature collection geared towards younger readers
Dry, arid, and commonly called a wasteland, the desert proves to be anything but. "Hidden Life of the Desert" is a guide to the vibrant life one can find in the desert. With full color photographs and no shortage of information, Thomas Wiewandt gives readers a full assortment of the creatures who call the stereotypically inhospitable desert their home where they thrive and flourish. "Hidden Life in the Desert" is a core addition to any nature collection geared towards younger readers.
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When Phoebe wonders how desert animals survive apparently without food or water, Ms. Frizzle and the Magic School Bus take the entire class on a very hot, very informative field trip. ... Read more

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Life in the Desert
"Ms. Frizzle is the strangest, most surpising teacher ever. But this morning everything was amazingly calm. We were working on our diorama of the desert. Things seemed normal--which was odd. Nothing is *ever* normal in Ms. Frizzle's class!" -- from the book

In case you're not familiar with Scholastic series of Magic School Bus books, they are books which are based on the animated TV series--which are, incindentally, based on the ORIGINAL books written by Joanna Cole and illustrated by Bruce Degen. (Whew!)

So how do animals like tortoise, coyote, kangaroo rat, roadrunner, and Gila monster survive in a place where there is no water, food or shelter? According to Ms. Frizzle, scarcity is par for the course in deserts.

In The Magic School Bus: All Dried Up, Ms. Frizzle and the kids explore the weather, terrain and animals of the desert. They learn that where there are mountains, there are deserts (the "rain shadow effect"). As the bus transforms into various desert animals, they learn about defense mechanisms and ways of coping. For example, rabbits have "ear conditioning" which help them keep cool.

After a rainstorm, the deserts blooms with color and various plants--even shrimp in a big puddle!

There is also an easy-to-do experiment at the back of the book (remember the carnation in colored water trick?) to show kids how plants (including desert plants) use water.

I use the Magic School Bus books, videos and DVDs to supplement science class (I homeschool), and they never disappoint with their down-to-Earth approach to science concepts.

a series of good books which are interesting
I read a good book called The Magic School Bus Gets All Dried Up. The author of the Magic School bus is Joanna Cole. My favorite character is Ms. Frizzle. Ms. Frizzle is the type of teacher I would like to have because she is energetic and fun. I think I would learn alot of stuff if I were in her class because of all those field trips they go on. This is an educational book for children because there is alot of information you can learn. Sometimes they go to the zoo, beach, and other places. My favorite part of the book is when the bus shrinks into a small size so the class can have a closer look at things. These books are also a tv show. This is why I like this book, so go out and read it.

I LOVE THIS BOOK
I SAW THIS MAGIC SCHOOL BUS STORY,ALL DRIED UP ON TV . I REALY REALY LOVETHIS BOOK. MY FAVORITE CHARACTER IS ARNOLD. I AM GONNA ASK MY DADDY TO BUYIT FOR ME.//////JAKE A. I AM 5 YEARS OLD ... Read more

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What exactly is a desert? How can I attract hummingbirds? Are cactus spines poisonous? Is a javelina a pig? This book provides detailed answers to 42 questions that the staff at the Desert Museum are most often asked. Supplemented with nearly 100 illustrations, this 200 page book is broken down into three sections: getting to know the desert, the desert as one's backyard, and enjoying the desert. Seven useful appendixes cover a range of topics including hummingbird gardening, venomous bites and stings, climate, and additional sources of information about desert life. A fun way to learn how wild and fascinating our deserts really are!Amazon.com Review
The 200,000 or so people who stroll through Tucson'sArizona-Sonora Desert Museum each year bring with them many questions:What is a desert? How is it that gophers and rattlesnakes can live inthe same hole? How can I stop Gila woodpeckers from whittling down myhouse? If I find a desert tortoise, can I make it a pet? DavidLazaroff, a biologist and writer, answers these and dozens morequestions in this entertaining, intelligent book, which belongs onevery Southwesterner's bookshelf.--Gregory McNamee ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

JanW
This book is perfect for me because I live in the Sonora Desert.
I also work at a nursery and get a lot of questions just like the
questions in this book. I am able to answer most questions my
customers ask thanks to this wonderful book.

A New Resident's Perspective
As a new resident, I had lots of questions about such a strange and beautiful land. Everywhere I turned for answers, I was pointed toward this book. So I bought it. The first night after it's arrival I opened it and didn't put it down until it was finished. It's not in my library, however. My wife and I refer to it so much we have to keep it closer.

A wonderful book about this beautiful part of the country
This is a great book for anyone that wants to learn about this desert andthe plants and animals that live in it.Unlike some of the other booksabout this topic that are written in an academic/textbook style, this bookis written in a lively, question & answer format and is full ofinteresting and unusual facts.I've lived in this region for over 25 yearsand I learned quite a bit by reading this book.

just by flipping through it, I wanted to buy it!
I only saw this once in the bookstore, and just by flipping through it, I knew it had to be a part of my book-collection.Just moving to the desert southwest, I have been thirsty for more about my new eco-system and home........I may not have so many dilemmas now on critters andplants.......... ... Read more

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Ages 5 to 9 years. Plants and animals in the Sonoran Desert food chains have had to adapt to the hot, dry climate of this habitat. Conserving water is a large part of these food-chain adaptations. Learn about the spectacular Saguaro cacti and the many herbivores and carnivores that are part of the food chains of this desert. Children will learn about: how plants make food; how desert plants and animals adapt to drought and heat; desert hunters and scavengers; dangers to Sonoran Desert food chains and webs; how to help save desert plants and animals. ... Read more

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In 'Desert,' children view various objects in the desert and are asked to determine if they are living or nonliving.Stunning photographs show animals, plant life, and other features that are unique to a desert habitat.

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The Chihuahuan Desert may look worthless to some, but for Tweit it is a source of inspiration. In seven elegant essays, she explores undiscovered facets of this seemingly hostile environment, reflecting on the relationship between the land, history, and people in an underappreciated region. ... Read more

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Zion National Park has served as the stage set for more than twenty-five movies, including, most notably, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. It is also a popular tourist destination, boasting a visitor log of more than 2.5 million every year. During the summer months, tour buses rattle their way into the park almost hourly. Sightseers crowd polished-trestle-wood and river-rock inns, buy hand-woven bags imported from Guatemala, and sip icy margaritas from the porch of an old bar with a stunning view of irrigated Mexican primroses and glowing redrock cliffs. While Zion National Park is a familiar vista to millions of day-trippers and film viewers, few ever intimately experience the unpredictable, often hostile, but always magnificent reality of this rugged frontier. Greer K. Chesher brings us the first personal and in-depth look at Zion. In striking and elegant prose, she vividly recounts experiences that only a park ranger and resident of the region for more than two decades could have. She also lucidly explains the area’s natural and geological wonders, including the dynamics of Zion’s ecology, changes to plant and animal species wrought through human technology, and what these changes mean for the future. Beyond the region’s amazing array of flora and fauna, she describes the landscape’s lasting imprint on settlers and current residents, and explains the politics that have long surrounded its protection. Award-winning photographer Michael Plyler, also a resident of the region, captures the allure of the park in spectacular images that illustrate the intimate details and geological wonder of the place.These exquisite photographs make this book a stunning pictorial as well as literary tribute to a place that is known to so many but about which so little is truly understood. ... Read more

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Captures your imagination
I hiked the glorious trails of Zion National Park during the day, and read this book into the late evening hours - reliving the inspiration of each bend in the trail.Chesher eloquently captures the awesome look and feel of Zion, and describes the experience so beautifully, perfectly blending the magnificent rock formations with the magic of standing before them.Now back in Michigan, I look forward to "visiting" Escalante via "Heart of the Desert Wild."Heart of the Desert Wild. ... Read more