In matters of survival, spikes and other sharp body parts are great tools to have in your armory. From razor-sharp claws and talons to bones that can poke through their skin, these animal weapons and defenses keep predators at a distance.

"In matters of survival, spikes and other sharp body parts are great tools to have in your armory. From razor-sharp claws and talons to bones that can poke through their skin, these animal weapons and defenses keep predators at a distance"--

Emlen takes us outside the lab and deep into the forests and jungles where he's been studying animal weapons in nature for years, to explain the processes behind the most intriguing and curious examples of extreme animal weapons. As singular and strange as some of the weapons we encounter on these pages are, we learn that similar factors set their evolution in motion. Emlen uses these patterns to draw parallels to the way we humans develop and employ our own weapons, and have since battle began.

Learn about the weapons that different animals have to protect themselves from predators.

Insects that look like leaves, snakes that play dead, fish that fly, and toads with poisonous skin--these creatures are among many that defend themselves in fascinating ways. Animal Defenses presents the wide variety of physical and behavioral adaptations used by animals and insects in their struggle to survive and shows how scientists continue to make new discoveries about the age-old maneuvering between predator and prey.

Discusses animal and plant biology, the building blocks of life, how animals survive in nature, evolution, and genetics.

What do cacti, roses, and succulents have in common? They’re all plants that poke! This book explores these plant species and more, providing an in-depth look at this important plant defense. Readers learn about the function of thorns and burs, and how they’re successful in keeping enemies and predators away. Written to support elementary science curriculua, this volume covers concepts that are important for young science students, including survival and adaptation, ecosystems, and life cycles. Age-appropriate text and detailed photographs make it fun and accessible to learn about science!