This book is about disease and death. It is an ecologist's view of Darwin's vivid evocation of Nature, red in tooth and claw. An international team of authors examines broad patterns in the population biology of natural enemies, and addresses general questions about the role of natural enemies in the population dynamics and evolution of their prey. For instance, how do large natural enemies like wolves differ from small natural enemies like bacterial diseases in their effects on prey abundance? Is it better to chase after prey, or sit and wait for it to come to you? How should prey behave in order to minimize the risk of being eaten? The answers are all in this fascinating senior undergraduate/postgraduate text.

Trophic cascades—the top-down regulation of ecosystems by predators—are an essential aspect of ecosystem function and well-being. Trophic cascades are often drastically disrupted by human interventions—for example, when wolves and cougars are removed, allowing deer and beaver to become destructive—yet have only recently begun to be considered in the development of conservation and management strategies. Trophic Cascades is the first comprehensive presentation of the science on this subject. It brings together some of the world’s leading scientists and researchers to explain the importance of large animals in regulating ecosystems, and to relate that scientific knowledge to practical conservation. Chapters examine trophic cascades across the world’s major biomes, including intertidal habitats, coastal oceans, lakes, nearshore ecosystems, open oceans, tropical forests, boreal and temperate ecosystems, low arctic scrubland, savannas, and islands. Additional chapters consider aboveground/belowground linkages, predation and ecosystem processes, consumer control by megafauna and fire, and alternative states in ecosystems. An introductory chapter offers a concise overview of trophic cascades, while concluding chapters consider theoretical perspectives and comparative issues. Trophic Cascades provides a scientific basis and justification for the idea that large predators and top-down forcing must be considered in conservation strategies, alongside factors such as habitat preservation and invasive species. It is a groundbreaking work for scientists and managers involved with biodiversity conservation and protection.

Describes the physical characteristics and behavior of four deadly predators--sharks, grizzly bears, tigers, and alligators and crocodiles.

The author describes and identifies winged predators, and explains why there are no feathers on a vulture's head, which bird is the deep-diving champ, and what makes an owl's wings perfectly silent in flight, in a text with fold-out pages.

Here in one volume, the reader can follow critical moments in a predator's life, including their specialist skills, hunting tactics, family lives, territories, and prey.

Fierce Fighters Predators put the most dominant predators in the world into hypothetical fights and analyzes their power, quickness, venom, to see who would win. For the world’s fiercest predators, winning is second nature. But what would happen if they forgot their prey and battled one another, instead? Featuring dozens of the world’s greatest hunters, Fierce Fighters: Predators showcases the most epic battles imaginable between the champions of the land, sea, and sky. Grizzly versus mountain lion. Electric eel versus piranha. Orca versus great white shark. Komodo dragon versus tiger. Python versus king cobra. These aren’t just head-to-head match-ups—they are tooth-to-tooth and claw-to-claw. Deadly venom against powerful jaws. Speed and agility against brute force. Brainy mammals against cold-blooded reptiles with a survival instinct millions of years in the making. Weigh the skills of the contestants and try to guess who will emerge victorious, then check and see if the experts agree. In these dozens of earth-wide battles, can you predict the most ferocious fighters of all?

An Interactive Journey up the Food Chain Animals are adorable, but they also have a wild side. Many hunt to survive—and must avoid being hunted. This kid-friendly introduction to nature’s predator-prey relationship spotlights several amazing examples. Wildlife photographer Stan Tekiela presents spectacular photos of real critters in their natural habitats, while author Ryan Jacobson explores their most interesting hunting and eating habits. How do snakes catch their meals? Why do mosquitoes feed on blood? Children learn about each animal and then get to guess, What Eats That? With every turn of the page, the predator becomes the prey as the answer is revealed! Stan and Ryan’s first book together won a Mom’s Choice Award. This follow-up is perfect for any child who loves animals or appreciates nature.

Publisher Description

Squeezing like a snake, swooping like a bird of prey, snapping a crocodile, attacking like a shark--learn how some of the strongest and most feared animals in the wild use their specialist survival skills.