Alien Invaders: The Continuing Threat of Exotic Species (Venture Book) [Library Binding]

Sneed B. Collard (Author)

Book Description

Series: Venture Book | Publication Date: October 1996

Explains the problems posed by living organisms that invade or spread to new places.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 7 Up. An intense explanation of the history and dangers of exotic species. Whether introduced intentionally, like rabbits in Australia and water hyacinth in Florida, or unintentionally, like zebra mussels in the Great Lakes, these nonindigenous plants and animals can wreak havoc on native flora and fauna while causing disease and economic ruin among humans. Collard counters the argument that plants and animals have always expanded their habitat into new regions, that this is natural progress of species and natural selection at work, by stating that the transportation methods and carelessness of humans are causing the spread of exotic "invaders" at a rate that cannot be assimilated by nature. In fairness, the author does describe the efforts that many nations and states are now taking to try to control the spread of exotics and to ameliorate the damage. It is also pointed out that the great majority of introduced species do no significant harm to their adopted homes and, in time, do become "naturalized," a functional part of the ecosystem. The presentation concludes with a list of actions individuals can take to lessen this ecological disaster. The text itself is frequently invaded by multipage boxed sidebars that focus on specific cases of exotic infestation and related issues. The eight-page glossary of terms is especially useful. This book delivers an important message seldom heard but well deserving of attention.?Ann G. Brouse, Big Flats Branch Library, NY
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 6^-12. This book tends to be a little repetitious, but young people interested in environmental issues will hardly notice. Using an abundance of specific cases, Collard focuses on the dangers of introducing nonindigenous species into a new situation--why it's done, how, the cost, what can be done to keep exotics out, and efforts to control them after they've gained a foothold. The author lays many of the problems created by exotics on the doorstep of human beings, whom he refers to as "Super Invaders." Photos are plentiful, and boxed insets are used to highlight particularly interesting stories. This is an eye-opening look at phenomena currently low on the scale of environmental concern, but which may have devastating impact in the coming years. Chapter notes, an excellent glossary, and further readings are appended. Stephanie Zvirin

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Library Binding: 144 pages
• Publisher: Franklin Watts (October 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0531112985
• ISBN-13: 978-0531112984
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,898,378 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An award-winning look at the problem of introduced species, November 24, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Alien Invaders: The Continuing Threat of Exotic Species (Venture Book) (Library Binding)

Alien Invaders looks at one of our planet's most serious environmental problems: the problem of introduced species. In clear, well-documented text, the book describes in detail the history and catastrophic results of human transportation of non-native species. It also describes what we can do to help alleviate the problem. This book was names as a Best Book for the Teen Age by the New York Public Library and received the highest rating from SCIENCE BOOKS AND TAPES, a publication of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.