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Secret of the Plant-Killing Ants...and More!
Welcome to the world of astonishing ants. Journey with scientists as they use X-rays to "see" what happens inside these tiny insects when they breathe. Readers will discover how ants smell one another's jobs using chemical "business cards." Travel to Panama, where British scientists spend hot and humid summers studying army ants. Readers find out how these carnivorous ants create high-speed trails to bring "fast food" to the colony.
* Reviews *
Each of these innovative, up-to-date titles explores the work of five scientists or research teams. In Ants, all five chapters concern ant behavior, whereas Penguins examines the behavior of several birds and reptiles. In each case, the purpose and methodology of the research are explained. Color photos clarify the text, which is precise and clear, but definitely scientific and sometimes challenging. Some topics are more engaging than others: the story of army ants plugging potholes with their bodies so that others can walk over them is more compelling than a study of how light refraction affects the colors of peacocks' feathers. Each title includes an activity related to one of the studies. They are appropriate and easy to perform, but, because they do not involve animals, they may not be particularly appealing to readers attracted to the books. Despite the tabloid-style covers, these titles contain serious, footnoted science. Children considering related careers will be well-served by these glimpses into the current work of animal scientists in the field., School Library Journal March 2009
RL
Grades
5-7 IL
Grades
5-9 GRL
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