Nature
Explore the beauty of the natural world with our Nature collection at Thryft. Immerse yourself in captivating narratives about the environment, wildlife, and the mysteries of our planet. From renowned environmentalists to insightful nature writers, there's something for every keen nature enthusiast.
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Edward O. Wilson
Half-Earth : Our Planet's Fight for Life
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Half-Earth is an urgent call-to-action to save our planet before it's too late. Edward O. Wilson proposes that the only solution to prevent the impending "Sixth Extinction" is to increase the area of natural reserves to half the surface of the earth. This book is a must-read for anyone who is passionate about preserving our planet and its diverse inhabitants.
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Alexandra Horowitz
Inside of a Dog
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Recommended for dog lovers who want to learn from a dog's perspective. The unique feature is that it offers insights into the canine world, including their views on humans, smell, and cognition. Users would appreciate the opportunity to learn more about dogs, and the author's credentials make it all the more appealing.
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Edward O. Wilson
Half-Earth : Our Planet's Fight for Life
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In order to stave off the mass extinction of species, including our own, we must move swiftly to preserve the biodiversity of our planet, says Edward O. Wilson in his most impassioned book to date. Half-Earth argues that the situation facing us is too large to be solved piecemeal and proposes a solution commensurate with the magnitude of the problem: dedicate fully half the surface of the Earth to nature.If we are to undertake such an ambitious endeavor, we first must understand just what the biosphere is, why it's essential to our survival, and the manifold threats now facing it. In doing so, Wilson describes how our species, in only a mere blink of geological time, became the architects and rulers of this epoch and outlines the consequences of this that will affect all of life, both ours and the natural world, far into the future.Half-Earth provides an enormously moving and naturalistic portrait of just what is being lost when we clip "twigs and eventually whole braches of life's family tree." In elegiac prose, Wilson documents the many ongoing extinctions that are imminent, paying tribute to creatures great and small, not the least of them the two Sumatran rhinos whom he encounters in captivity. Uniquely, Half-Earth considers not only the large animals and star species of plants but also the millions of invertebrate animals and microorganisms that, despite being overlooked, form the foundations of Earth's ecosystems.In stinging language, he avers that the biosphere does not belong to us and addresses many fallacious notions such as the idea that ongoing extinctions can be balanced out by the introduction of alien species into new ecosystems or that extinct species might be brought back through cloning. This includes a critique of the "anthropocenists," a fashionable collection of revisionist environmentalists who believe that the human species alone can be saved through engineering and technology.Despite the Earth's parlous condition, Wilson is no doomsayer, resigned to fatalism. Defying prevailing conventional wisdom, he suggests that we still have time to put aside half the Earth and identifies actual spots where Earth's biodiversity can still be reclaimed. Suffused with a profound Darwinian understanding of our planet's fragility, Half-Earth reverberates with an urgency like few other books, but it offers an attainable goal that we can strive for on behalf of all life.
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Frans de Waal
Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are?
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This book is the perfect recommendation for animal lovers, nature enthusiasts or anyone who is curious about discovering more about the behaviors and intelligence of the animal kingdom. Frans de Waal provides a comprehensive account of how various animals can be much smarter than we think, largely due to how we underestimate their abilities. Through numerous real-life examples and experiments, the book is not only fascinating but also thought-provoking, challenging our preconceptions about animal intelligence. Overall, this book is an insightful and enjoyable read that is likely to leave a lasting impact on its reader.
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Vanessa Woods, Brian Hare
The Genius of Dogs : Discovering the Unique Intelligence of Man's Best Friend
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The international bestseller that reveals the amazing mind of your favourite friendIs your dog purposefully disobeying you? Probably, and usually behind your back. Should you act like ‘top dog’ to maintain control? No, you’re better off displaying your friendliness – and not just to your dog. Which breed is the cleverest? That’s the wrong question to ask.These are just some of the extraordinary insights to be found in 'The Genius of Dogs' – the seminal book on how dogs evolved their unique intelligence by award-winning scientist Dr Brian Hare. He shares more than two decades of startling discoveries about the mysteries of the dog mind and how you can use his groundbreaking work to build a better relationship with your own dog.
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Charles Darwin
The Origin of Species and the Voyage of the Beagle
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When the eminent naturalist Charles Darwin returned from South America on board the HMS Beagle in 1836, he brought with him the notes and evidence which would form the basis of his landmark theory of evolution of species by a process of natural selection. This theory, published as The Origin of Species in 1859, sparked a fierce scientific, religious, and philosophical debate which continues heatedly today. This seminal work is presented with The Voyage of the Beagle , a vivid travel memoir as well as a detailed scientific field journal. Ordered by place, covering area from Northern Chile to Australia to Cape Verde Islands, this text contains hints of the theories that were later developed in The Origin of Species .
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Tony Whitten Ph.D, Alfred Russell Wallace
The Malay Archipelago
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This book is a must-read for history and nature enthusiasts alike. Alfred Russel Wallace's firsthand accounts give readers a deep understanding of Malaysian culture, history, and the rich diversity of its wildlife. His parallel conclusions with Darwin on evolution make this book a remarkable contribution to the field. With a wealth of detail and captivating narrative, it transports readers to the Indonesian archipelago, unveiling the wonders of its exotic people, flora, and fauna. The Malay Archipelago is a treasure trove of knowledge and a testament to Wallace's enduring legacy.
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Alexandra Horowitz
Inside of a Dog : What Dogs See, Smell, and Know
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The answers will surprise and delight you as Alexandra Horowitz, a cognitive scientist, explains how dogs perceive their daily worlds, each other, and other quirky animal, the human. "Horowitz introduces the reader to dogs' perceptual and cognitive abilities and then draws a picture of what it mgiht be like to be a dog. What it's like to be able to smell not just every bit of open food in the house but also to smell sadness in humans, or even the passag eof time? How does a tingy dog manage to play sucessfully with a Great Dane? What is it like to hear the bodily vibrations of insects or the hum of a fluorescent light? Why must a person on a bicycle be chased? What's it like to use your mouth as a hand? In short, what is it like for a dog to experience life from two feet off the ground, amidst the smells of the sidewalk, gazing at our ankles or knees? Inside of a Dog explains these things and much more. The answers can be surprising-once we set aside our natural inclination to anthropomorphize dogs. Inside of a Dog also contains up-to-the-minute-research-on dogs' detection of disease, the secrets of their tails, and their skill at reading our attention-that Horowitz puts into useful context. Although not a formal training guide, Insie of Dog has practical applicaiton for dog lovers interested in understanding why their dogs do what they do. With alight touch and the weight of science behind her, Alexandra Horowtiz examines the animal we think we know best but may actually understand the least. This book is as close as you can get to knowing about dogs without being a dog yourself
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Charles Darwin
The Voyage of the Beagle
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The Voyage of the Beagle is a must-read for those who want to experience the excitement of discovery, as Darwin travels the world and documents his observations of the natural world. Darwin's descriptive powers are impressive, and his insightful questioning about the Earth's structure, animal forms, anthropology and the origins of life itself will make readers think long after they finish the book. This book is perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about the world we live in and the scientific discoveries that continue to shape our understanding of it.
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Merlin Sheldrake
Entangled Life - How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds And Shape Our Futures
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‘A dazzling, vibrant, vision-changing book. Sentence after sentence stopped me short. I ended it wonderstruck at the fungal world. A remarkable work by a remarkable writer’ ROBERT MACFARLANE, author of UnderlandThere is a lifeform so strange and wondrous that it forces us to rethink how life works…Neither plant nor animal, it is found throughout the earth, the air and our bodies. It can be microscopic, yet also accounts for the largest organisms ever recorded, living for millennia and weighing tens of thousands of tonnes. Its ability to digest rock enabled the first life on land, it can survive unprotected in space, and thrives amidst nuclear radiation.In this captivating adventure, Merlin Sheldrake explores the spectacular and neglected world of fungi: endlessly surprising organisms that sustain nearly all living systems. They can solve problems without a brain, stretching traditional definitions of ‘intelligence’, and can manipulate animal behaviour with devastating precision. In giving us bread, alcohol and life-saving medicines, fungi have shaped human history, and their psychedelic properties, which have influenced societies since antiquity, have recently been shown to alleviate a number of mental illnesses. The ability of fungi to digest plastic, explosives, pesticides and crude oil is being harnessed in break-through technologies, and the discovery that they connect plants in underground networks, the ‘Wood Wide Web’, is transforming the way we understand ecosystems. Yet they live their lives largely out of sight, and over ninety percent of their species remain undocumented.Entangled Life is a mind-altering journey into this hidden kingdom of life, and shows that fungi are key to understanding the planet on which we live, and the ways we think, feel and behave. The more we learn about fungi, the less makes sense without them.
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Helen Scales
The Brilliant Abyss : Exploring the Majestic Hidden Life of the Deep Ocean, and the Looming Threat That Imperils It
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The Brilliant Abyss is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the unseen world of the deep ocean. With vivid descriptions and passionate writing, Helen Scales brings to life the majesty and mystery of this alien realm, while also highlighting the urgent need to protect it. Through her book, readers can gain a better understanding of the interconnected ecosystem of the deep, its impact on our daily lives, and the potential consequences if it is further exploited.
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Paul Nurse
What Is Life? : Five Great Ideas in Biology
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"What Is Life?" is a great read for anyone who is curious about biology and wants to understand the fundamental concepts that make up life. The book uses personal anecdotes and the history of science to introduce readers to the five great ideas of biology: the Cell, the Gene, Evolution by Natural Selection, Life as Chemistry, and Life as Information. Paul Nurse writes with great passion and brings to life the excitement of scientific discovery, making this book an engaging and enlightening read for both experts and non-experts alike.
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George M. Church, Edward Regis
Regenesis : How Synthetic Biology Will Reinvent Nature and Ourselves
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Regenesis could be a good read for those interested in learning about the potential of synthetic biology. The book explains the latest advances in this emerging field and how it will revolutionize our lives. The authors explore how synthetic biology might offer solutions to pressing global issues, such as climate change and energy shortages. The book is well-researched and provides a balanced analysis of the potential benefits and perils of this technology.
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Katharina Vestre
The Making of You : A Journey from Cell to Human
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Recommendation:
- This captivating book takes you on a fascinating journey, revealing the astonishing intricacies of your own existence, from your very first cell to the complex being you are today. With a mix of cutting-edge science and a delightful sense of humor, Katharina Vestre uncovers the hidden secrets of life, exploring topics such as the development of organs, the wonders of reproduction, and the connection between all living beings. Prepare to be amazed as you embark on an eye-opening voyage through the extraordinary story of how you came to be.
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Brian Cox, Andrew Cohen
Forces of Nature
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Forces of Nature is ideal for those curious about the fundamental laws of our world. Professor Brian Cox takes readers on a fascinating journey to explore the everyday world around us, from the manatees off the coast of Florida to the northern lights of the Arctic. This book delves into the beauty of our planet and the nature of space and time, making it a perfect read for those who enjoy delving into the mysteries of the universe.
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Alfred Russel Wallace
The Malay Archipelago - The Land Of The Orang-Utan And The Bird Of Paradise : A Narrative Of Travel With Studies Of Man And Nature
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This book is a great travelogue that takes you on an adventurous journey into the Malay Archipelago. With insightful studies of the diverse nature and people, especially the famous Orang-Utan and Bird of Paradise, this book is a classic read for anyone who loves exploration and nature.
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Hope Jahren
Lab Girl
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Lab Girl is a book about work and about love, and the mountains that can be moved when those two things come together. It is told through Jahren's remarkable stories: about the discoveries she has made in her lab, as well as her struggle to get there; about her childhood playing in her father's laboratory; about how lab work became a sanctuary for both her heart and her hands; about Bill, the brilliant, wounded man who became her loyal colleague and best friend; about their field trips - sometimes authorised, sometimes very much not - that took them from the Midwest across the USA, to Norway and to Ireland, from the pale skies of North Pole to tropical Hawaii; and about her constant striving to do and be her best, and her unswerving dedication to her life's work. Visceral, intimate, gloriously candid and sometimes extremely funny, Jahren's descriptions of her work, her intense relationship with the plants, seeds and soil she studies, and her insights on nature enliven every page of this thrilling book. In Lab Girl, we see anew the complicated power of the natural world, and the power that can come from facing with bravery and conviction the challenge of discovering who you are.
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Charles and Ralling Christopher (ed) Darwin
Voyage of Charles Darwin
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A chronological selection of Darwin's own writings from his diary, journal, and autobiography, which highlight the adventure as well as the scientific inquiry of his monumental voyage on the HMS Beagle. Excellent color photographs of the flora and fauna make this an inviting introduction to Darwin's work. The book is also a supplement to and commentary on the British TV dramatization of the same title.
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Peter Godfrey-Smith
Other Minds : The Octopus and the Evolution of Intelligent Life
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Although mammals and birds are widely regarded as the smartest creatures on earth, it has lately become clear that a very distant branch of the tree of life has also sprouted higher intelligence: the cephalopods, consisting of the squid, the cuttlefish, and above all the octopus. In captivity, octopuses have been known to identify individual human keepers, raid neighboring tanks for food, turn off lightbulbs by spouting jets of water, plug drains, and make daring escapes. How is it that a creature with such gifts evolved through an evolutionary lineage so radically distant from our own? What does it mean that evolution built minds not once but at least twice? The octopus is the closest we will come to meeting an intelligent alien. What can we learn from the encounter? In Other Minds, Peter Godfrey-Smith, a distinguished philosopher of science and a skilled scuba diver, tells a bold new story of how subjective experience crept into being—how nature became aware of itself. As Godfrey-Smith stresses, it is a story that largely occurs in the ocean, where animals first appeared. Tracking the mind’s fitful development, Godfrey-Smith shows how unruly clumps of seaborne cells began living together and became capable of sensing, acting, and signaling. As these primitive organisms became more entangled with others, they grew more complicated. The first nervous systems evolved, probably in ancient relatives of jellyfish; later on, the cephalopods, which began as inconspicuous mollusks, abandoned their shells and rose above the ocean floor, searching for prey and acquiring the greater intelligence needed to do so. Taking an independent route, mammals and birds later began their own evolutionary journeys. But what kind of intelligence do cephalopods possess? Drawing on the latest scientific research and his own scuba-diving adventures, Godfrey-Smith probes the many mysteries that surround the lineage. How did the octopus, a solitary creature with little social life, become so smart? What is it like to have eight tentacles that are so packed with neurons that they virtually “think for themselves”? What happens when some octopuses abandon their hermit-like ways and congregate, as they do in a unique location off the coast of Australia?By tracing the question of inner life back to its roots and comparing human beings with our most remarkable animal relatives, Godfrey-Smith casts crucial new light on the octopus mind—and on our own.
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Charles Darwin
On the Origin of Species: A Facsimile of the First Edition
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Imagine holding a piece of history that revolutionized our understanding of life's diversity. Reading Darwin's 'On the Origin of Species' connects you directly with the moment a bold new idea took root. It's not just for scientists; it’s surprisingly digestible and maintains a raw clarity lost in later editions. Dive in, and you'll be engaging with the thoughts that shaped modern science.
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David Attenborough
Life On Earth
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Imagine being whisked away on a vivid journey through the intricate tapestry of life, where Attenborough's prose renders each leap of evolution with the grace of a nature documentary. This book isn't just a read; it's an experience, showcasing the planet's epic saga through captivating narratives and stunning imagery that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the world around us.
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Hope Jahren
Lab Girl
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National BestsellerWinner of the National Book Critics Circle Award for Autobiography A New York Times Notable BookWinner of the American Association for the Advancement of Science/Subaru Science Books & Film Prize for Excellence in Science BooksFinalist for the PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing AwardOne of the Best Books of the Year: The Washington Post, TIME.com, NPR, Slate, Entertainment Weekly, Newsday, Minneapolis Star Tribune, Kirkus ReviewsGeobiologist Hope Jahren has spent her life studying trees, flowers, seeds, and soil. Lab Girl is her revelatory treatise on plant life--but it is also a celebration of the lifelong curiosity, humility, and passion that drive every scientist. In these pages, Hope takes us back to her Minnesota childhood, where she spent hours in unfettered play in her father's college laboratory. She tells us how she found a sanctuary in science, learning to perform lab work "with both the heart and the hands." She introduces us to Bill, her brilliant, eccentric lab manager. And she extends the mantle of scientist to each one of her readers, inviting us to join her in observing and protecting our environment. Warm, luminous, compulsively readable, Lab Girl vividly demonstrates the mountains that we can move when love and work come together.
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Richard Dawkins
Greatest Show on Earth
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In a brilliant follow-up to his blockbuster The God Delusion, Dawkins lays out the evidence for evolution.
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Andrea Wulf
The Invention of Nature : Alexander Von Humboldt's New World
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"The Invention of Nature" could be a good read for anyone interested in the history of science and environmentalism. This book presents an in-depth account of Alexander von Humboldt’s life, his expeditions, and his discoveries, highlighting his revolutionary ideas of a complex interconnected global force called nature. The author presents a compelling case of how Humboldt influenced other naturalists and writers, and how his work shaped environmental thinking. The book has won several awards and is highly recommended for those who want to learn about the history of modern environmentalism.
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Brian Cox, Andrew Cohen
Forces Of Nature
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This book is a great read for anyone who is fascinated by the natural world. It offers a unique perspective that is both visually stunning and intellectually stimulating. The authors take the reader on a journey through the forces of nature, from the delicate balance of the oceans to the explosive power of volcanoes. This book will leave you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world we live in.
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James Honeyborne, Mark Brownlow, David Attenborough
Blue Planet II - A New World Of Hidden Depths
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Our understanding of ocean life has changed dramatically in the last decade, with new species, new behaviors, and new habitats being discovered at a rapid rate. Blue Planet II , which accompanies an epic 7-part series, is a ground-breaking new look at the richness and variety of underwater life across our planet. With 300 breathtaking photographs and stills from the BBC Natural History Unit's spectacular footage, each chapter brings to life a different habitat of the oceanic world. Voyages of migration show how each of the oceans on our planet are connected; coral reefs and arctic ice communities are revealed as thriving underwater cities; while shorelines throw up continual challenges to those living there or passing through. A final chapter explores the science and technology of the Ocean enterprise—not only how they were able to capture these amazing stories on film, but what the future holds for marine life based on these discoveries.
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Alfred Russel Wallace, John van Wyhe
The Annotated Malay Archipelago by Alfred Russel Wallace
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Wallace's 'Malay Archipelago' is a classic account of the travels of a Victorian naturalist through island Southeast Asia. It has been loved by readers ever since its publication in 1869. Despite numerous modern reprints with appreciative introductions, this is the first - and long overdue - annotated edition in English.This edition explains, updates and corrects the original text with an historical introduction, and hundreds of explanatory notes. Wallace left hundreds of people, places, publications and species unidentified. He referred to most species only with the scientific name current at the time. Whenever available, the common name for species have been provided, and scientific names updated. The 52 illustrations from the original edition are supplemented by 16 pages of newly-selected colour illustrations dating from the period.The content of the 'Malay Archipelago' has never been thoroughly analysed and compared against other contemporary sources. It turns out that the book contains many errors. This includes not just incorrect dates and place names but some of the most remarkable anecdotes; for example, the dramatic claim that tigers "kill on an average a Chinaman every day" in Singapore or that a Dutch Governor General committed suicide by leaping from a waterfall on Celebes.By correcting the text of the 'Malay Archipelago' against Wallace's letters and notebooks and other contemporary sources and by enriching it with modern identifications, this edition reveals Wallace's work as never before.
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Sy Montgomery
The Soul of an Octopus : A Surprising Exploration Into the Wonder of Consciousness
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In pursuit of the wild, solitary, predatory octopus, popular naturalist Sy Montgomery has practiced true immersion journalism. From New England aquarium tanks to the reefs of French Polynesia and the Gulf of Mexico, she has befriended octopuses with strikingly different personalities—gentle Athena, assertive Octavia, curious Kali, and joyful Karma. Each creature shows her cleverness in myriad ways: escaping enclosures like an orangutan; jetting water to bounce balls; and endlessly tricking companions with multiple “sleights of hand” to get food.Scientists have only recently accepted the intelligence of dogs, birds, and chimpanzees but now are watching octopuses solve problems and are trying to decipher the meaning of the animal’s color-changing techniques. With her “joyful passion for these intelligent and fascinating creatures” (Library Journal Editors’ Spring Pick), Montgomery chronicles the growing appreciation of this mollusk as she tells a unique love story. By turns funny, entertaining, touching, and profound, The Soul of an Octopus reveals what octopuses can teach us about the meeting of two very different minds.
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Jerry A. Coyne
Why Evolution Is True
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The proof for evolution is vast, varied, and magnificent, drawn from different fields of scientific inquiry. Todat, scientists are documenting species splitting into two, observing animals and plants adapting before our eyes,and finding more and more fossils capturing what happened eons ago--dinosaurs that have sprouted feathers, fish that have grown limbs. In this unique and accessible summary of the facts supporting the theory of natural selection, Jerry A. Coyne eloquently shows that evolution does nothing to destroy the beauty of life, only enhances it. By demonstrating the "indelible stamp" of the processes first proposed by Darwin, Coyne does not aim to prove creationism wrong. Rather, by using irrefutable evidence, it sets out to prove evolution right."OUTSTANDINGLY GOOD...COYNE'S KNOWLEDGE OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY IS PRODIGIOUS, HIS DEPLOYMENT OF IT AS MASTERFUL AS HIS TOUCH IS LIGHT." --RICHARD DAWKINS, THE TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT
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George Levine, Charles Darwin
The Origin of Species (Barnes & Noble Classics Series)
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On December 27, 1831, Charles Darwin left Plymouth Harbor aboard the H. M. S. Beagle. For the next five years, the naturalist conducted research on plants and animals from around the globe, amassing a body of evidence that would culminate in one of the greatest discoveries in the history of mankind—the theory of evolution.In The Origin of Species, Darwin convincingly demonstrates the fact of evolution: that existing animals and plants cannot have appeared separately, but must have slowly transformed from ancestral creatures. Most important, Origin fully explains the mechanism that effects such a transformation: natural selection, the idea that made evolution scientifically intelligible for the first time.One of the few revolutionary works of science that is engrossingly readable, The Origin of Species not only launched the science of modern biology, but has influenced all subsequent literary, philosophical, and religious thinkers since.George Levine, Kenneth Burke Professor of English Literature at Rutgers University, has written extensively about Darwin and science-literature relations, particularly in Darwin and the Novelists. He is the author of many related books, including The Realistic Imagination, Dying to Know, and his birdwatching memoirs, Lifebirds.
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Vanessa Woods, Brian Hare
The Genius of Dogs : Discovering the Unique Intelligence of Man's Best Friend
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The Genius of Dogs is a must-read for all dog owners who want to gain a deeper understanding of their canine companion. Dr. Brian Hare's research uncovers the unique intelligence of dogs and helps readers build a better relationship with their furry friends. With engaging anecdotes and scientific evidence, this book provides valuable insights into how dogs think and behave.
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Edward O. Wilson
Consilience : The Unity of Knowledge
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This book is recommended for readers who are curious about the interconnectedness of the world. Wilson's argument about the unity of knowledge and the need to find "consilience" is compelling. He seamlessly weaves together ancient Greek concepts and modern science, and it's fascinating to see how different branches of knowledge can be united. Overall, a must-read for anyone interested in the interconnectedness of our world and the quest for a unified theory of knowledge.
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Dian Fossey
Gorillas in the Mist
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Gorillas in the Mist is an inspiring read for those interested in wildlife conservation and primate behavior. Dian Fossey's personal account of her immersive thirteen-year journey in the African rainforest and her efforts to protect the mountain gorillas is both informative and emotional. The book provides a unique insight into the lives of these fascinating animals, making it a must-read for animal lovers and conservationists alike.
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Roberto Appiani, Alessandro Guastoni
Minerals
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Excerpted from the Mineralogy is the science of minerals. To the uninitiated, mineralogy can appear to be a very complicated subject. Many of the disciplines that form its core, such as chemistry, crystallography, physics and mathematics, can constitute forbidding barriers to understanding this fascinating natural science. This book endeavors to eliminate such barriers and to accompany the reader seeking to enter the world of minerals. The primary goals of this introduction are to illustrate some of the principal properties of minerals, present the modern tools used in their study, describe the natural environments in which minerals are formed, and explain the criteria by which minerals are classified. The main section of this book is an illustrated guide to 288 mineral species, all of them illustrated with unique photographs taken by nature photographer Roberto Appiani. Special thanks go to Dr. Federico Pezzotta, Curator of Mineralogy and Petrography at the Museum of Natural History in Milan, Italy, who wrote the section of this introduction that deals with the environments in which minerals are formed. Minerals are crystalline substances that are found in their natural state. Minerals are familiar to everyone, as they compose the rocks and mountains around us, as well as the sand on our beaches and the soil in our gardens. Many of the products we use every day are composed of toothpaste, for example, contains microcrystals of mica, calcite and fluorite, while detergents contain such mineral additives as calcite, dolomite, clays and zeolites. Minerals are components of meteorites and planets, while gemstones are nothing more than rough fragments of crystals, unusually transparent or colorful, that have been cut to emphasize their brilliance and transparency. Minerals have always had great importance in our world; from the dawn of history, each step in mankind's development can be measured by the use of metals. Today, minerals are the principal elements of steel and special alloys, and are integral to electronic and communication devices; they ace also used in the space industry and in the manufacture of a great many everyday items. The science of mineralogy came into being in relatively recent times. In order to understand the scientific criteria that governs its principles, one needs to trace the most important steps along its path over the centuries. The oldest use of minerals is related to primitive humans used natural pigments, hematite reds and manganese oxide blacks, to paint the walls of the caves in which they lived. About 5,000 years ago, the Egyptians were making objects from precious metals, using such colored minerals as malachite, lazurite and the emerald variety of beryl. The first texts to deal with mineralogical subjects were those of the Greek Theophrastus, around 370 B.C., and Pliny the Elder 400 years later. With Historio Naturalis , Pliny describes the perfect geometric shapes of crystals, laying the basis for the science of mineralogy. However, it is the German physician and scientist Georgius Agricola who is considered the father of mineralogy. In De Re Metallica ("On Metals"), first printed in 1556, Agricola describes the mining practices of his day in great detail, especially the techniques for exploiting and refining minerals and the procedures involved in the use of fusion to extract metals. Modern crystallography, the study of the forms that compose crystals, was born between the second half of the 1600s and the end of the 1700s, thanks to the contributions of Nicholas Steno, Carangeot and Romé de l'Isle. In 1801, Abbé René-Just Haüy discovered that minerals are composed of countless "molecules" that exactly reproduce the shape of their crystals, anticipating important discoveries that would only be confirmed a century later. During the 19th century, numerous scientists investigated the chemistry of minerals, among them Swedish chemist Jöns Jakob Berzelius, who established the princip1es of modern mineral classification. The beginning of the 20th century marks a fundamental step in the history of mineralogy, with the dlscovecy of the structure of minerals by German physicist Max von Laue in 1912. Experiments performed using X-rays proved for the first time that minerals are composed of atoms precisely arranged according to exact rules. In the early 1960s, electronic microprobe analysis made possible the study of the chemical composition of minerals, and in comparatively short periods of time, enabled accurate chemical analysis of mineral fragments of even the smallest size (down to 4/100,000 of an inch or 0.001 mm). In the early 1970s, another highly advanced instrument, the transmission electron microscope, went into common use in laboratories and universities (at least those able to afford its high cost). Capable of magnifying millions of times, this tool opened a new frontier in mineralogy, allowing the direct observation of the atoms and the structures that compose minerals.
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Allen J. Coombs
Dictionary of Plant Names
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The "Dictionary of Plant Names" is a must-have for anyone interested in botany or gardening. Not only does it provide the meanings and derivations of over 3500 plant names, but it also includes common name cross-references, geographical distribution, and name origins. At a bargain price, this comprehensive book is an essential tool for all plant enthusiasts.
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Susan H. Gray
Paleontology (a True Book: Earth Science)
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Discover how paleontologists dig deep to discover these remains and how they use them to learn more about the plants and animals that once covered the planet. A True Earth Science series presents fascinating facts and fun activities that will engage the budding earth scientist, while exploring the fields of geology, meteorology, ecology, and more. This series includes an age appropriate (grades 3-5) introduction to curriculum-relevant subjects and a robust resource section that encourages independent study. Millions of years ago, Earth was populated by animals unlike any that we know today. The only way to learn anything about these extinct species is to study the remains they have left behind in Earth's rocks and soil.
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Camilla de la Bedoyere
100 Facts - Nocturnal Animals
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Step into the twilight and encounter a world of night-loving creatures. The secretive lives of nocturnal animals are explored in detail through one hundred facts, fantastic images, and fun cartoons. Read how they communicate and hunt, discover why they are active at night, and learn about the super senses that help them to thrive in the dark.
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Michele Rodda, Anthony Lamb
A Guide to the Hoyas of Borneo
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This book is a must-read for plant enthusiasts, as it delves into the diverse collection of Hoyas found in Borneo. The authors have meticulously researched and photographed these stunning plants, providing readers with an in-depth guide to their unique beauty and care requirements. Users would likely appreciate the detailed information and stunning visuals provided in this book.
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Gordon Grice
The Red Hourglass - Lives Of The Predators
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This book is not for the faint-hearted. Gordon D. Grice takes you on a thrilling journey into the dark and gruesome world of nature's predators. With vivid descriptions and a masterful storytelling style, Grice reveals the unnerving and terrifying behaviors of these creatures. Prepare to be both fascinated and horrified as you uncover the truth behind the red hourglass. These pages hold no mercy, just like the predators themselves.
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Julie Urbanik
Placing Animals - An Introduction To The Geography Of Human-Animal Relations
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Placing Animals could be a good read for animal lovers interested in exploring the intersection of geography and animal studies. This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the field, with a focus on human-animal relations. The author examines the many ways in which animals are placed and positioned in our lives, from the food we eat to the pets we keep, and how these relationships shape our understanding of the world around us. This book is ideal for students looking to deepen their knowledge of the field, as well as anyone interested in the complex and fascinating ways in which humans and animals coexist.
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Larry Kimball, Margaret Gargiullo
A Field Guide To Plants Of Costa Rica
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This book is an essential guide for naturalists, both beginners and experts alike, who want to explore the wide variety of plants in Costa Rica. With over 850 species accompanied by color photographs and detailed descriptions, it is easy to identify the plants by type of vegetation. The illustrated glossary of plant parts, five maps of Costa Rica, and laminated covers make it a durable and practical tool for exploring the country's flora.
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Allan Savory, Center for Holistic Management
Holistic Resource Management
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Holistic Resource Management is a must-read for farmers and land managers who want to promote the health of their land through sustainable practices. The book presents a holistic approach to land management, emphasizing the importance of mimicking nature's processes. It offers practical guidance on implementing holistic management, making it an indispensable guide for individuals who want to make better decisions within their organizations or personal/professional lives. The book's unique feature is its emphasis on sustainable land management through nature-inspired practices, making it a valuable resource for those interested in environmental conservation.
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Various
Encyclopedia of Nature
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What is life like underground? Where can you find the world's ugliest fish? Why are fungi so fantastic? Take an amazing look at the natural world to find out. Discover plants and animals and where they live - from deserts to oceans, rainforests to mountains. And find out how living things evolve, reproduce, feed and defend themselves - watch a chameleon catch its prey and come face-to-face with a jellyfish propelling through water. Packed with curiosity quizzes, 'turn and learn' boxes and bite-sized facts to get your teeth into, there's lots to see and explore. It is perfect for homework or just for fun. Go ahead, take a leap into the natural world!
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John Farndon
Big Book of the Brain
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Marvel at the mind-boggling complexity of your brain, more intricate than even the most advanced supercomputer. Discover how human brains differ from those of other anmials, and what they have in common. Journey into the depths of your mind and find out what controls your thoughts, actions, emotions and memories.
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Unknown
Seeds
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Recommendation: This inspiring book highlights the crucial role that seeds play in our ecosystem and showcases the incredible efforts of scientists working to preserve them. A must-read for anyone interested in sustainability and the environment.
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London Natural History Museum
British Palaeozoic Fossils
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This book is perfect for paleontology enthusiasts who want to understand the diversity and classification of species during the Palaeozoic era in Britain. The accurate line drawings are a unique feature of this book that help readers identify each species and their geological distribution. The revised edition also accounts for recent discoveries and advancements in understanding the fossil record, making it a reliable reference guide.
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Billy Showell
Billy Showell's Botanical Painting in Watercolour
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Billy Showell's Botanical Painting in Watercolour is a comprehensive guide to mastering the art of botanical painting. Suitable for artists of all levels, this book offers expert guidance and step-by-step studies to help readers develop their skills. Billy's playful yet accurate botanical portraits are a feast for the eyes, and her techniques for working with texture, pattern, and color are invaluable. Whether you are a seasoned artist or a beginner, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the art of botanical painting.
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Edward O. Wilson
On Human Nature
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This book is a fascinating exploration of the intricate interplay between nature and nurture in determining human behavior. Edward O. Wilson challenges prevailing misconceptions and dives deep into the realm of biology's influence on our actions. Through his insightful analysis, he presents a compelling argument for the sociobiological limitations that might shape our destiny as humans. If you are intrigued by the hidden forces that drive human behavior, this thought-provoking masterpiece is a must-read. Get ready to delve into a captivating journey that will forever change your understanding of what it means to be human.
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Barbara Taylor
Monkeys and Apes and Their Relatives
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Find out about our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. See a baby marmoset hitching a ride on its mother's back, how gibbons zoom through the trees, and how a colobus monkey can sleep sitting up. We explore the differences between a selection of monkeys and apes, and some of their rare relatives such as lemurs.
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Step Into the Wonders of Nature
Discover the enthralling narratives of the natural world with Thryft's Nature collection. Here, you can find works by celebrated authors and environmentalists who bring the splendour of the earth to life. Whether you're passionate about conservation or enchanted by wilderness tales, our selection offers a variety of perspectives and stories. Explore titles that challenge, inspire, and awaken your ecological curiosity.
Yes, many books in the Nature collection explore crucial environmental issues, offering insights into conservation, biodiversity, and climate change.
Absolutely! Some works bridge the gap between nature and philosophy by exploring deep ecological thoughts. Consider also visiting our Philosophy collection for more contemplative reads.
Yes, our Nature collection includes titles focused on wildlife conservation and the efforts needed to protect various species globally.
We frequently update our Nature collection with new arrivals, so be sure to check back regularly for the latest finds. You might also enjoy exploring our selection in Science for a deeper dive into related topics.