Encyclopedia of the Aquatic World.11 Vol. Set [Library Binding]

Glen Browder (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6 Up–Mammals, fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians, crustaceans, plants, algae, and microorganisms that inhabit or live in close proximity to the aquatic world are covered in this broad-ranging set. Seventy-two articles varying in length from 8 to more than 25 pages are alphabetically arranged by the creature's commonly used English name or topic. Each one is color coded by category: fish, other vertebrates, invertebrates, plants and microorganisms, or habitat and human interest. Articles describing groups of organisms are divided into sections and begin with introductory profiles that describe shared features and offer a classification panel. Other information is discussed in sections such as "Family Tree," "Anatomy," "Habitats," and "Life Cycle." Boxes offer facts, behaviors, or related information. More than 1500 full-color photographs, drawings, labeled diagrams, maps, and anatomical charts are included. Volume one includes a set table of contents and a thematic outline. Volume 11 has an essay on "The Variety of Aquatic Life," print and Internet resources for further study, classification tables, six indexes, and more. Even though it has no pronunciation guides, see-also references, or volume-specific tables of contents, this set is appealing and informative. The pleasing layout and abundant illustrations will satisfy researchers and browsers alike.–Shauna Yusko, St. Monica School, Mercer Island, WA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

More than 70 percent of Earth's surface is covered with water. Though these bodies of water vary in temperature, depth, and salinity, life-forms abound in most aquatic environments. This set covers the mammals, fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles, crustaceans, plants, algae, and microorganisms that inhabit the aquatic world as well as its symbiotic relationship with humans.

Seventy-two articles are arranged alphabetically by the commonly used English name for the group or subject. Articles range from 8 to more than 25 pages in length and are color coded into categories: fish and other vertebrates, invertebrates, plants and microorganisms, or habitat and human interest (Aquarium, Lake and pond, Oceanography).

Each article describing a group of plants or animals begins with an introductory profile and a classification panel. A "Family Tree" maps relationships between members of the group. Other sections discuss anatomy, habitat, food, and reproduction or life cycle. Many articles also include sections on related topics such as camouflage and migration. All articles contain "Key Facts," "Focus On," and "Insight" boxes that highlight important or interesting information about the group: for example, how to tell the difference between crocodiles, caimans, and alligators. More than 1,500 full-color photographs, maps, drawings, anatomical charts, and other illustrations are included to enhance learning and encourage browsing.

Volume 1 includes a useful reader's guide, a set table of contents, and a thematic outline of contents. Volume 11 contains an essay on the variety of aquatic life, a set glossary, resources for further study (including Internet resources), resources for younger readers, places to visit, an evolutionary tree, and indexes of scientific names, biological classification, habitat, and behavior as well as a comprehensive set index. Individual volumes conclude with a volume-specific index only.

The absence of see also references and pronunciation guides only minimally detracts from this highly browsable and informative set. Designed for students in junior high through high school, this set will serve general browsers as well. The publisher's Aquatic Life of the World (2000) is similar in concept and treatment but intended for grades five and up. RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 11 and up
  
• Library Binding: 1582 pages
• Publisher: Marshall Cavendish Corporation (January 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761474188
• ISBN-13: 978-0761474180
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 9.8 x 7.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 19.9 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,819,578 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)