Download or read book Lichenpedia written by Kay Hurley and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2024-05-28 with total page 192 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An illustrated mini-encyclopedia about the weird and wonderful world of lichens Lichenpedia is a delightfully entertaining and beautifully illustrated A–Z treasury about the strange, obscure, and remarkable world of lichens, from their unique and essential roles in nature and the ways they are used in dyeing, brewing, and drug-making to how they have inspired writers and artists, from Henry David Thoreau to modern painters. In 100 brief entries written in a vivid, lively style, Kay Hurley introduces key aspects of lichen biology, environmental roles, emerging uses, scientific history, and myth. She describes the variety of forms that lichens take, from leafy to filamentous to things reminiscent of skin diseases, with imaginative names like witch’s hair. She explains the surprising ways that birds and beasts—from reindeer and moose down to tiny tardigrades—use lichens, and how lichens survive in extreme environments, from deserts to Antarctica to outer space. Hurley also introduces some of the innovators who have advanced the knowledge of lichens, from the ancient Greek philosopher Theophrastus to today’s professional lichenologists. With charming drawings by Susan Adele Edwards, Lichenpedia promises to put you in touch with the natural world in a new way by opening your eyes to these vital organisms, which are all around us, hidden in plain sight. Features a cloth cover with an elaborate foil-stamped design

Download or read book Britain s Plant Galls written by Michael Chinery and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2013-12-03 with total page 99 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book has been produced with the aim of stimulating the general naturalist to take a closer look at the bumps and lumps that make up the fascinating world of plant galls. Induced by a variety of insects and other organisms and ranging from tiny pimples to bizarre and often very attractive and exquisitely sculptured growths, plant galls are mystery to many people, but they offer a fascinating field of study for both botanists and zoologists. Galls can be found on a very wide range of both woody and herbaceous plants, with over 50 different kinds occurring on Britain's oak trees alone, and there is still much to be learned about even the commonest examples. An introduction to the nature of plant galls and their formation Brief descriptions of some of the organisms that cause or induce galls Superb photographs of just over 200 of the commonest or most conspicuous of Britain's 1,000 or so plant galls, arranged according to their host plants to aid field identification Descriptions of these galls and the life histories of the organisms that cause them

Download or read book The Kingdom of Fungi written by Jens Henrik Petersen and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2013-04-21 with total page 273 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The essential photographic guide to the world's fungi The fungi realm has been called the "hidden kingdom," a mysterious world populated by microscopic spores, gigantic mushrooms and toadstools, and a host of other multicellular organisms ranging widely in color, size, and shape. The Kingdom of Fungi provides an intimate look at the world's astonishing variety of fungi species, from cup fungi and lichens to truffles and tooth fungi, clubs and corals, and jelly fungi and puffballs. This beautifully illustrated book features more than 800 stunning color photographs as well as a concise text that describes the biology and ecology of fungi, fungal morphology, where fungi grow, and human interactions with and uses of fungi. The Kingdom of Fungi is a feast for the senses, and the ideal reference for naturalists, researchers, and anyone interested in fungi. Reveals fungal life as never seen before Features more than 800 stunning color photos Describes fungal biology, morphology, distribution, and uses A must-have reference book for naturalists and researchers

Download or read book Treepedia written by Joan Maloof and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2021-09-14 with total page 152 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "From oaks and maples to the more exotic dragon's blood and baobab species, trees are known and appreciated across the globe. This book is a mini encyclopedia of sorts-for not only trees, but also tree-related topics like reforestation, forest fires, emerald ash-borers, and more. Similar to Millman's Fungipedia, this book will include entries on both the commonplace and the whimsical alike, with line drawings throughout. The book has roughly 80 entries, in which readers will explore topics ranging from the vast Tongass forest in Alaska to the comparatively very small meristem cells, which allow trees to generate new growth. In addition to entries on the biological and ecological aspects of trees, the book also features more culturally focused entries, including those on historical figures such as renowned nature writer John Muir, and activist Wangari Maathai. Similar to Fungipedia, the book is intended for a general audience, however, it will also appeal to seasoned tree enthusiasts. Entries are supplemented with line drawings from Maren Westfall"--

Download or read book Birdpedia written by Christopher W. Leahy and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2021-07-06 with total page 272 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A captivating A–Z treasury about birds and birding Birdpedia is an engaging illustrated compendium of bird facts and birding lore. Featuring nearly 200 entries—on topics ranging from plumage and migration to birds in art, literature, and folklore—this enticing collection is brimming with wisdom and wit about all things avian. Christopher Leahy sheds light on "hawk-watching," "twitching," and other rituals from the sometimes mystifying world of birding that entail a good deal more than their names imply. He explains what kind of bird's nests you can eat, why mocking birds mock, and many other curiosities that have induced otherwise sane people to peer into treetops using outrageously expensive optical equipment. Leahy shares illuminating insights about pioneering ornithologists such as John James Audubon and Florence Bailey, and describes unique bird behaviors such as anting, caching, duetting, and mobbing. He discusses avian fossils, the colloquial naming of birds, the science and history of ornithology, and more. The book's convenient size makes it the perfect traveling companion to take along on your own avian adventures. With charming illustrations by Abby McBride, Birdpedia is a marvelous mix of fact and fancy that is certain to delight seasoned birders and armchair naturalists alike. Features a cloth cover with an elaborate foil-stamped design

Download or read book Fungipedia written by Lawrence Millman and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2019-10-29 with total page 200 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "This little book is big fun."—Michael Pollan An illustrated mini-encyclopedia of fungal lore, from John Cage and Terence McKenna to mushroom sex and fairy rings Fungipedia presents a delightful A–Z treasury of mushroom lore. With more than 180 entries—on topics as varied as Alice in Wonderland, chestnut blight, medicinal mushrooms, poisonings, Santa Claus, and waxy caps—this collection will transport both general readers and specialists into the remarkable universe of fungi. Combining ecological, ethnographic, historical, and contemporary knowledge, author and mycologist Lawrence Millman discusses how mushrooms are much more closely related to humans than to plants, how they engage in sex, how insects farm them, and how certain species happily dine on leftover radiation, cockroach antennae, and dung. He explores the lives of individuals like African American scientist George Washington Carver, who specialized in crop diseases caused by fungi; Beatrix Potter, creator of Peter Rabbit, who was prevented from becoming a professional mycologist because she was a woman; and Gordon Wasson, a J. P. Morgan vice-president who almost single-handedly introduced the world to magic mushrooms. Millman considers why fungi are among the most significant organisms on our planet and how they are currently being affected by destructive human behavior, including climate change. With charming drawings by artist and illustrator Amy Jean Porter, Fungipedia offers a treasure trove of scientific and cultural information. The world of mushrooms lies right at your door—be amazed!

Download or read book Britain s Orchids written by Sean Cole and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2020-11-03 with total page 288 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An accessible, comprehensive and beautifully illustrated guide--the only one to cover all the orchids found in Britain and Ireland Covering more than fifty species as well as hybrids and variants, this is an engaging, intuitive and in-depth identification guide to all the orchids of Britain and Ireland at all stages of development, from first emergence through to setting seed. Drawing on the authors' extensive field experience and the latest scientific research, Britain's Orchids uses multiple techniques to help both beginner and more advanced orchid enthusiasts to identify even the trickiest plants. The book is beautifully illustrated with plates by talented artist Sarah Stribbling as well as more than 1,000 detailed, instructive and evocative photographs by the authors. Orchids have long fired the imagination with their beauty and rarity. This book aims to ignite or increase your passion for these special plants and for the conservation of their habitats, from remote mountaintops to urban wild spaces. The first book to cover all the species, subspecies and varieties, as well as hybrids, at all stages of development Lavishly illustrated with close to 100 stunning plates drawn to scale to show key identification features and more than 1,000 stunning photo showing orchids in their natural settings Simple, step-by-step system for identifying almost any orchid Up-to-date distribution maps and seasonal charts showing when each species can be seen in its various stages Special-feature identification keys that can be used on difficult plants

Download or read book Florapedia written by Carol Gracie and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2021-04-06 with total page 200 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A delightful illustrated treasury of botanical facts and fancy Florapedia is an eclectic A–Z compendium of botanical lore. With more than 100 enticing entries—on topics ranging from achlorophyllous plants that use a fungus as an intermediary to obtain nutrients from other plants to zygomorphic flowers that admit only the most select pollinators—this collection is a captivating journey into the realm of botany. Writing in her incomparably engaging style, Carol Gracie discusses remarkable plants from around the globe, botanical art and artists, early botanical explorers, ethnobotanical uses of plants, botanical classification and terminology, the role of plants in history, and more. She shares illuminating facts about van Gogh's sunflowers and reveals how a hallucinogenic weed left its enduring mark on the early history of the Jamestown colony. Gracie describes the travels of John and William Bartram—father and son botanists and explorers who roamed widely in early America in search of plants—and delves into the miniature ecosystems entangled in Spanish moss. The book's convenient size allows for it to be tucked into a pocket or bag, making it the perfect companion on your own travels. With charming drawings by Amy Jean Porter, Florapedia is the ideal gift book for the plant enthusiast in your life and a rare pleasure for anyone interested in botanical art, history, medicine, or exploration. Features a real cloth cover with an elaborate foil-stamped design

Download or read book Geopedia written by Marcia Bjornerud and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2022-05-03 with total page 200 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A garden of geologic delights for all Earthlings Geopedia is a trove of geologic wonders and the evocative terms that humans have devised to describe them. Featuring dozens of entries—from Acasta gneiss to Zircon—this illustrated compendium is brimming with lapidary and lexical insights that will delight rockhounds and word lovers alike. Geoscientists are magpies for words, and with good reason. The sheer profusion of minerals, landforms, and geologic events produced by our creative planet demands an immense vocabulary to match. Marcia Bjornerud shows how this lexicon reflects not only the diversity of rocks and geologic processes but also the long history of human interactions with them. With wit and warmth, she invites all readers to celebrate the geologic glossary—a gallimaufry of allusions to mythology, imports from diverse languages, embarrassing anachronisms, and recent neologisms. This captivating book includes cross-references at the end of each entry, inviting you to leave the alphabetic trail and meander through it like a river. Its pocket-friendly size makes it the perfect travel companion no matter where your own geologic forays may lead you. With whimsical illustrations by Haley Hagerman, Geopedia is a mix of engaging and entertaining facts about how the earth works, how it has coevolved with life over billions of years, and how our understanding of the planet has deepened over time. Features a cloth cover with an elaborate foil-stamped design

Download or read book Britain s Ferns written by James Merryweather and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2020-07-14 with total page 280 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The only comprehensive photographic guide to the ferns, clubmosses, quillworts and horsetails of Britain This is a comprehensive, lavishly illustrated and user-friendly photographic identification guide to the fifty-seven ferns and seventeen other pteridophytes that occur in Britain. It is the perfect companion for botanists, naturalists, professional ecologists and anyone else with an interest in this fascinating group of non-flowering vascular plants. Designed to appeal to beginners and experts alike, this authoritative book includes novel identification keys and comparison tables that have been carefully devised to present only essential, easily understood technical terms and descriptions, avoiding jargon as much as possible. Cross-referenced throughout to facilitate the comparison of similar species, this definitive field guide is the go-to source for identifying these species with confidence. Features hundreds of stunning colour photographs Comprehensive coverage of Britain's 57 species of ferns, 6 clubmosses, 3 quillworts and 8 horsetails Includes novel, easy-to-use, jargon-free identification keys and comparison tables Beautifully designed, user-friendly and accessible

Download or read book Plant Galls of the Western United States written by Ronald A. Russo and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2021-04-20 with total page 384 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A photographic guide to 536 species of plant galls found west of the Rockies Beautiful and bizarre, plant galls are growths of various shapes, sizes, and colors produced in response to invading organisms. Describing 536 species of galls and their causative agents, Plant Galls of the Western United States explores this unique realm with stunning photos and fascinating information about the life cycles of the organisms involved. Often species-specific, plant galls can be shaped like stars, baskets, clubs, wigs, bowls, and cups, with colors and combinations that stagger the imagination. This richly illustrated field guide examines how galls develop, and their uses, seasonal appearance and growth rate, predators, and defense mechanisms. The “architects” of galls—bacteria, fungi, mites, moths, beetles, flies, midges, and wasps—are explored in depth, and descriptions are paired with illustrations of these gall-inducing organisms and their typical galls. Gall accounts are divided into those that occur on trees, shrubs, and miscellaneous hosts, including native and ornamental plants. The guide contains a useful glossary and a bibliography. Features 536 gall species—including 120 new to science and 232 that have never appeared in a field guide before Examines for the first time more than 90 species from southwestern oak trees Contains more than 150 species from most of the deserts of the western states

Download or read book The Lives of Fungi written by Britt Bunyard and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2022-04-26 with total page 289 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A fascinating and richly illustrated exploration of the natural history of fungi We know fungi are important, for us as well as the environment. But how they live, and what they can do, remains mysterious and surprising. Filled with stunning photographs, The Lives of Fungi presents an inside look into their hidden and extraordinary world. The wonders of fungi are myriad: a mushroom poking up through leaf litter literally overnight, or the sensational hit of umami from truffle shavings. Alexander Fleming cured infections with mold and spiritual guides have long used psychedelic mushrooms to enhance understanding. Then there are the tiny threads of fungi, called hyphae, that create a communications network for the natural world while decomposing organic matter. Combining engaging and accessible text with beautiful images, The Lives of Fungi lays out all the essential facts about fungi for the mycologically curious.

Download or read book Insectpedia written by Eric R. Eaton and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2022-05-03 with total page 200 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A fun and fact-filled A–Z treasury for the insect lover in all of us Insectpedia introduces you to the wonders of the insect world while inviting you to make discoveries of your own. Featuring dozens of entries on topics ranging from murder hornets and the “insect apocalypse” to pioneering entomologists such as Margaret James Strickland Collins and Douglas Tallamy, this beautifully illustrated, pocket-friendly encyclopedia dispels many common myths about insects while offering new perspectives on the vital relationships we share with these incredible creatures. This entertaining collection celebrates the long and storied history of entomology, highlights our dependence on insects for food and ecosystem services, and explains the meaning behind various entomological terms. With Eric Eaton as your guide, you will circle the globe in search of African Toktokkies and Australian beer bottle beetles, and witness the peculiar spectacle of cricket fighting in Asia. Profiles of influential figures in entomology provide insights into the curious minds that animate this extraordinarily broad field of scientific inquiry, while the book’s portable size makes it the perfect travel companion no matter where your own entomological adventures may lead you. With captivating illustrations by Amy Jean Porter, Insectpedia is an engaging blend of insect facts and folklore that will inspire anyone who delights in the marvels of nature. Features a cloth cover with an elaborate foil-stamped design

Download or read book Dinopedia written by Darren Naish and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2021-11-30 with total page 213 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "A personal selection of circa 180 topics from dinosaur biology, including classification, fossil finds, biographies, and much more"--

Download or read book Beyond the God Particle written by Leon M. Lederman and published by Rowman & Littlefield. This book was released on 2024-08-06 with total page 327 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Two leading physicists discuss the importance of the Higgs Boson, the future of particle physics, and the mysteries of the universe yet to be unraveled. On July 4, 2012, the long-sought Higgs Boson--aka "the God Particle"--was discovered at the world's largest particle accelerator, the LHC, in Geneva, Switzerland. On March 14, 2013, physicists at CERN confirmed it. This elusive subatomic particle forms a field that permeates the entire universe, creating the masses of the elementary particles that are the basic building blocks of everything in the known world--from viruses to elephants, from atoms to quasars. Starting where Nobel Laureate Leon Lederman's bestseller The God Particle left off, this incisive new book explains what's next. Lederman and Hill discuss key questions that will occupy physicists for years to come:* Why were scientists convinced that something like the "God Particle" had to exist?* What new particles, forces, and laws of physics lie beyond the "God Particle"?* What powerful new accelerators are now needed for the US to recapture a leadership role in science and to reach "beyond the God Particle," such as Fermilab's planned Project-X and the Muon Collider? Using thoughtful, witty, everyday language, the authors show how all of these intriguing questions are leading scientists ever deeper into the fabric of nature. Readers of The God Particle will not want to miss this important sequel.

Download or read book AsapSCIENCE written by Mitchell Moffit and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2015-03-17 with total page 260 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The instant New York Times bestselling book of entertaining, irreverent, and totally accessible illustrated answers to the scientific “questions you had no idea were bugging you all your life” (Fast Company), from the creators of the wildly popular YouTube channel AsapSCIENCE. Why do we get hung over? What would happen if you stopped sleeping? Is binge-watching TV actually bad for you? Why should I take a power nap? In their first-ever book, Mitchell Moffit and Greg Brown, the geniuses behind the YouTube channel AsapSCIENCE, explain the true science of how things work in their trademark hilarious and fascinating fashion. Applying the fun, illustrated format of their addictive videos to topics ranging from brain freeze to hiccups to the science of the snooze button, AsapSCIENCE takes the underpinnings of biology, chemistry, physics, and other hard sciences and applies them to everyday life through quirky and relatable examples that will appeal to both science nerds and those who didn’t exactly ace chemistry. This is the science that people actually want to learn, shared in a friendly, engaging style. “Science is big fun. The ASAP guys get that, and they’ll show you—they’ll even draw you a diagram” (Bill Nye, “The Science Guy”). And amid the humor is great information and cocktail conversation fodder, all thoughtfully presented. Whether you’re a total newbie or the next Albert Einstein, this guide is sure to educate and entertain...ASAP.

Download or read book Fascinating Lichens of Sri Lanka written by Gothamie Weerakoon and published by . This book was released on 2015 with total page 184 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: