Did you know that a flower in the rain forest smells like a dead body? Discover other mind-blowing facts about plants!

Besides animals, plants are commonly the most well-known living things. Readers of this captivating volume will learn all about plants, from the basics of what constitutes a plant to how they are able to survive in different kinds of environments. A dynamic page layout features simple and accessible text paired closely with eye-catching photographs. Thought-provoking content helps readers develop a strong grasp of important life science concepts. Developing readers will be excited to pick up this informative volume.

"Experiments! Spot it! Activities!"--Cover.

Did you know that a flower in the rain forest smells like a dead body? Discover other mind-blowing facts about plants!

Did you know that horned lizards can shoot blood from their eyes? Discover other mind-blowing facts about animals!

Did you know the planet Uranus smells like farts? Discover other mind-blowing facts about space!

The Study of Plants in a Whole New Light “Matt Candeias succeeds in evoking the wonder of plants with wit and wisdom.” ―James T. Costa, PhD, executive director, Highlands Biological Station and author of Darwin's Backyard #1 New Release in Nature & Ecology, Plants, Botany, Horticulture, Trees, Biological Sciences, and Nature Writing & Essays In his debut book, internationally-recognized blogger and podcaster Matt Candeias celebrates the nature of plants and the extraordinary world of plant organisms. A botanist’s defense. Since his early days of plant restoration, this amateur plant scientist has been enchanted with flora and the greater environmental ecology of the planet. Now, he looks at the study of plants through the lens of his ever-growing houseplant collection. Using gardening, houseplants, and examples of plants around you, In Defense of Plants changes your relationship with the world from the comfort of your windowsill. The ruthless, horny, and wonderful nature of plants. Understand how plants evolve and live on Earth with a never-before-seen look into their daily drama. Inside, Candeias explores the incredible ways plants live, fight, have sex, and conquer new territory. Whether a blossoming botanist or a professional plant scientist, In Defense of Plants is for anyone who sees plants as more than just static backdrops to more charismatic life forms. In this easily accessible introduction to the incredible world of plants, you’ll find: • Fantastic botanical histories and plant symbolism • Passionate stories of flora diversity and scientific names of plant organisms • Personal tales of plantsman discovery through the study of plants If you enjoyed books like The Botany of Desire, What a Plant Knows, or The Soul of an Octopus, then you’ll love In Defense of Plants.

Did you know that lightning strikes Earth one hundred times each second? Discover other mind-blowing facts about the weather!

Did you know that Earth is a giant magnet? Discover other mind-blowing facts about the Earth!

In this eloquent plea for compassion and respect for all species, journalist and gardener Nancy Lawson describes why and how to welcome wildlife to our backyards. Through engaging anecdotes and inspired advice, profiles of home gardeners throughout the country, and interviews with scientists and horticulturalists, Lawson applies the broader lessons of ecology to our own outdoor spaces. Detailed chapters address planting for wildlife by choosing native species; providing habitats that shelter baby animals, as well as birds, bees, and butterflies; creating safe zones in the garden; cohabiting with creatures often regarded as pests; letting nature be your garden designer; and encouraging natural processes and evolution in the garden. The Humane Gardener fills a unique niche in describing simple principles for both attracting wildlife and peacefully resolving conflicts with all the creatures that share our world.