UXL Encyclopedia of Biomes

Published by U·X·L

What's the difference between a biome and an ecosystem? Why are krill so important to ocean creatures? How do pesticides end up in the tissue of fish-eating birds? Why are marshes so important to wildlife? To understand the answers to questions like these, students need to understand the cycles and systems that regulate biomes.

The second edition of U·X·L® Encyclopedia of Biomes offers readers comprehensive, easy-to-use, and current information on twelve of Earth's major biomes and their many component ecosystems. Arranged alphabetically across three volumes, each biome chapter includes: an overview; a description of how the biomes are formed; their climate; elevation; growing season; plants, animals, and endangered species; food webs; human culture; and economy. The information presented may be used in a variety of subject areas, such as biology, geography, anthropology, and current events. Each chapter includes a "spotlight" feature focusing on specific geographical areas related to the biome being discussed and concludes with a section composed of books, periodicals, Internet addresses, and environmental organizations for readers to conduct more extensive research.

Entries on land biomes and water biomes range from 35 to 45 pages each and cover climate, elevation, soil, water bodies, vegetation, animal life, food web, plant and animal adaptations, endangered species, human effects on the biome and the effects of the environment on humans' culture and economy. Features include a full-color page design, 120 black-and-white photos, 11 maps, 14 color illustrations, 193 photos - nearly all are in color, glossary, bibliography and an easy-to-use index. Here's what's covered:

U·X·L® Encyclopedia of Biomes also contains sidebars, a "Words to Know" section defining unusual or difficult terms and a "For Further Research" section where students can obtain ideas for additional study. Entries also include sections providing up to a few pages of information on some of the geographic ecosystems within the biome (e.g., the Coniferous Forest entry might include a section on the Alaskan Coastal Rainforest, the Pacific Northwest, etc.).

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