This encyclopedia set, part of the Macmillan Science Library series, is designed to accommodate middle-school students through college undergraduates. The work contains approximately 300 signed entries on a variety of topics relating to animal science, including animal development, functions, behavior, ecology, and evolution. The connection between animals and humans is also explored in entries such asAnimal testing, Apiculture, and Domestic animals. Also included are biographies of noted scientists who have made "significant contributions" to the field (for example, Henry Walter Bates, Rachel Carson, Gregor Mendel) as well as introductions to career opportunities in the related disciplines. Articles appear in alphabetical order and range in length from several paragraphs to several pages. All are accompanied by see alsoreferences and further reading suggestions (including Web sites).
Each volume begins with a complete table of contents, a geological time scale, five- and six-kingdom classification comparisons, a phylogenetic tree of life, and a chart of measurements, abbreviations, and conversions. Each concludes with a topic outline, an index (volume 4 contains a cumulative index), and a 600-plus-word glossary.
Articles are clear and well written, and the appealing layout includes many colorful photographs, diagrams, and sidebars. Words highlighted in the text are defined in page margins (in addition to the glossary). This set contains sufficient information to serve the needs of a variety of student users and will appeal to the casual browser as well. Attractive and informative, it is highly recommended and would serve junior- or senior-high-school, general undergraduate, and public libraries well. RBB
Product Details
Hardcover: 800 pages
Publisher: Macmillan Reference USA (December 6, 2001)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0028655567
ISBN-13: 978-0028655567
Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 8.7 x 3.7 inches
