Mammal - Hardcover

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Fur-bearing animals that produce milk for their young, mammals are endlessly fascinating to us--because we are mammals, too. In a nice collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, editor Wilson organizes an excellent overview of the world's mammals. Following an introductory chapter that explores the scientific definition of mammals, their evolution, and their classification, the book takes a geographic approach in its survey. Beginning with the continent of Africa, home of the earliest known mammals, the text travels to North America, South America, Australasia, Asia, Europe, and, finally, the oceans. Evolution and essential facts about each continent (size, climate, geographical features) are covered in sidebars, and a map showing habitat types is featured. Interesting tidbits about various mammal species are highlighted in boxes, sidebars, and photo captions. The emphasis in the text is on the adaptations of mammals, providing a nice complement to the more traditional species-by-species approach. Lavishly illustrated with beautiful photographs, this is an excellent choice for all libraries. Nancy Bent
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