Monarchs and Milkweed

Monarchs and Milkweed PDF

Author: Anurag Agrawal

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Published: 2017-03-07

Total Pages: 296

ISBN-13: 1400884764

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The fascinating and complex evolutionary relationship of the monarch butterfly and the milkweed plant Monarch butterflies are one of nature's most recognizable creatures, known for their bright colors and epic annual migration from the United States and Canada to Mexico. Yet there is much more to the monarch than its distinctive presence and mythic journeying. In Monarchs and Milkweed, Anurag Agrawal presents a vivid investigation into how the monarch butterfly has evolved closely alongside the milkweed—a toxic plant named for the sticky white substance emitted when its leaves are damaged—and how this inextricable and intimate relationship has been like an arms race over the millennia, a battle of exploitation and defense between two fascinating species. The monarch life cycle begins each spring when it deposits eggs on milkweed leaves. But this dependency of monarchs on milkweeds as food is not reciprocated, and milkweeds do all they can to poison or thwart the young monarchs. Agrawal delves into major scientific discoveries, including his own pioneering research, and traces how plant poisons have not only shaped monarch-milkweed interactions but have also been culturally important for centuries. Agrawal presents current ideas regarding the recent decline in monarch populations, including habitat destruction, increased winter storms, and lack of milkweed—the last one a theory that the author rejects. He evaluates the current sustainability of monarchs and reveals a novel explanation for their plummeting numbers. Lavishly illustrated with more than eighty color photos and images, Monarchs and Milkweed takes readers on an unforgettable exploration of one of nature's most important and sophisticated evolutionary relationships.

The Humane Gardener

The Humane Gardener PDF

Author: Nancy Lawson

Publisher: Chronicle Books

Published: 2017-04-18

Total Pages: 226

ISBN-13: 1616896175

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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.

Butterfly Park

Butterfly Park PDF

Author: Elly MacKay

Publisher: Running Press Kids

Published: 2015-05-05

Total Pages: 42

ISBN-13: 0762453397

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Elly MacKay's luminous paper-cut illustrations and enchanting story encourage community, friendship, and wonderment in the beauty of everyday life.

The Monarch Butterfly

The Monarch Butterfly PDF

Author: Karen Suzanne Oberhauser

Publisher: Cornell University Press

Published: 2004

Total Pages: 268

ISBN-13: 9780801441882

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Synthesizes current scientific knowledge on the life cycle, behavior, spectacular migration, and conservation of this charismatic insect.

Monarch Butterfly 101

Monarch Butterfly 101 PDF

Author: HowExpert

Publisher: HowExpert

Published: 2017-06-28

Total Pages: 59

ISBN-13: 1647587794

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This book tells what people believe about the monarch, why people love it, why it is important to science, the history of the monarch, the meaning of its name, and what the purpose of the monarch’s life is. - It gives a full description of what the monarch looks like, the metamorphosis, and a description of its four stages of its life. - It describes the monarch’s habitat, diseases, common predators, and what they do to avoid them. - It gives a description of the famous migration of the monarchs to Mexico and California every year. - It tells of the habits of the monarch including what they eat, the importance of milkweed plants, their mating habits, and other interesting facts. - It will list the reasons why the monarch is disappearing and how several organizations are working hard to save them. - There is a list of things to do to help save the caterpillars so they have the chance to become beautiful monarchs. - This book explains how we can keep the monarch from becoming classified as an endangered species. - The book has a list in the last chapter of places you can go to see exhibits and the live monarch along with other butterflies. About the Expert: Raised in the countryside of lovely central Minnesota, Jessica Dumas had plenty of butterflies around and was amazed by them. When she grew up, she married and moved to the city, had three children and a career. Her love for butterflies dwindled. Several years later her mom died from breast cancer. She left her several butterfly-related personal items. Jessica's love for butterflies was rekindled and in remembrance of her, she became an advocate and lover of butterflies with the desire to write about them. She has written poems about butterflies but this is her first butterfly book. Jessica hopes you enjoy it! HowExpert publishes quick 'how to' guides on all topics from A to Z by everyday experts.

The Photo Ark

The Photo Ark PDF

Author: Joel Sartore

Publisher: National Geographic Books

Published: 2017

Total Pages: 404

ISBN-13: 1426217773

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This book of photography represents National Geographic's Photo Ark, a major cross-platform initiative and lifelong project by photographer Joel Sartore to make portraits of the world's animals -- especially those that are endangered. His message: to know these animals is to save them. Sartore intends to photograph every animal in captivity in the world. He is circling the globe, visiting zoos and wildlife rescue centers to create studio portraits of 12,000 species, with an emphasis on those facing extinction. He has photographed more than 6,000 already and now, thanks to a multi-year partnership with National Geographic, he may reach his goal. This book showcases his animal portraits: from tiny to mammoth, from the Florida grasshopper sparrow to the greater one-horned rhinoceros. Paired with the prose of veteran wildlife writer Douglas Chadwick, this book presents an argument for saving all the species of our planet.