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Wonderful Life: The Burgess Shale and the Nature of History
by Stephen Jay Gould"[An] extraordinary book. . . . Mr. Gould is an exceptional combination of scientist and science writer. . . . He is thus exceptionally well placed to tell these stories, and he tells them with fervor and intelligence."--James Gleick, New York Times Book Review High in the Canadian Rockies is a small limestone quarry formed 530 million years ago called the Burgess Shale. It hold the remains of an ancient sea where dozens of strange creatures lived--a forgotten corner of evolution preserved in awesome detail. In this book Stephen Jay Gould explores what the Burgess Shale tells us about evolution and the nature of history.
Wonderful Life with the Elements: The Periodic Table Personified
by Bunpei YorifujiFrom the brilliant mind of Japanese artist Bunpei Yorifuji comes Wonderful Life with the Elements, an illustrated guide to the periodic table that gives chemistry a friendly face.In this super periodic table, every element is a unique character whose properties are represented visually: heavy elements are fat, man-made elements are robots, and noble gases sport impressive afros. Every detail is significant, from the length of an element's beard to the clothes on its back. You'll also learn about each element's discovery, its common uses, and other vital stats like whether it floats—or explodes—in water.Why bother trudging through a traditional periodic table? In this periodic paradise, the elements are people too. And once you've met them, you'll never forget them.
The Wonderful World of Slime
by Liz HuyckDid you know that humans are actually pretty slimy? Slide into the wonderful world of slippery, sticky slime! Learn about the important functions of slime, and how it is necessary for most living organisms. Slime helps with many important functions including eating, breathing, moving, and self-defense. Learn how many animals depend on slime—the number may surprise you!
Wonderful Worms (Little Entomologist 4D)
by Megan Cooley PetersonDig in the dirt and you'll find . . . worms! But did you know that many live underwater? Or that some can grow as long as 9 feet? Excite kids' natural curiosity with this Smithsonian Little Entomologist book about wonderful worms from around the world. Readers will be wowed by the amazing variety of wrigglers and up-close photos, while also learning about bug behavior, life cycles, classification, and more. The engaging, leveled text supports life science curriculum.
Wonderland: How Play Made the Modern World
by Steven JohnsonFrom the New York Times-bestselling author of How We Got to Now and Where Good Ideas Come From, a look at the world-changing innovations we made while keeping ourselves entertained. This lushly illustrated history of popular entertainment takes a long-zoom approach, contending that the pursuit of novelty and wonder is a powerful driver of world-shaping technological change. Steven Johnson argues that, throughout history, the cutting edge of innovation lies wherever people are working the hardest to keep themselves and others amused. Johnson's storytelling is just as delightful as the inventions he describes, full of surprising stops along the journey from simple concepts to complex modern systems. He introduces us to the colorful innovators of leisure: the explorers, proprietors, showmen, and artists who changed the trajectory of history with their luxurious wares, exotic meals, taverns, gambling tables, and magic shows. Johnson compellingly argues that observers of technological and social trends should be looking for clues in novel amusements. You'll find the future wherever people are having the most fun.From the Hardcover edition.
Wonderland: A Year of Britain's Wildlife, Day by Day
by Brett Westwood Stephen MossA SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER'Vibrant, fascinating, poetic - a year in living things: all the things we love, all the things we wish we could, all the little things we step over and never know - the best of British wildlife from two superb naturalists and writers' CHRIS PACKHAMFrom blackbirds, beavers and beetles to tawny owls, natterjack toads and lemon slugs. Every day of the year, winter or summer, in every corner of the British Isles, there's plenty to see if you know where - and how - to look. From encounters with the curious black redstart, which winters on our rocky coasts, to the tiny green snowdrop shoots that are the first sign that spring might be round the corner. And from the blossom-time and dawn choruses of April and May into the abundant noisiness of summer, where days start with hawker dragonflies and drowsy bumblebees and end with glow-worms and ghost moths; to autumn when in the early morning mist of London's Richmond Park male red deer lock horns in competition for a mate.Nature is always full of surprises - whether it's the strange behaviour of clothes moths or the gruesome larder of the strike. Distilling two lifetimes' knowledge, expert insight and enthusiasm, award-winning authors and passionate naturalists Brett Westwood and Stephen Moss take us through the year, day by day, sharing the unexpected delights that we can experience in our skies, beaches, rivers, fields, forests and back gardens. There are all kinds of adventures waiting on your doorstep, any day of the year, all you need is Wonderland.
Wonderland: A Year of Britain's Wildlife, Day by Day
by Brett Westwood Stephen Moss'Vibrant, fascinating, poetic - a year in living things: all the things we love, all the things we wish we could, all the little things we step over and never know - the best of British wildlife from two superb naturalists and writers' CHRIS PACKHAMA life-affirming nature diary - with something amazing to see and experience on every day of the year -from award-winning authors and Springwatch experts Brett Westwood and Stephen Moss.From blackbirds, beavers and beetles to tawny owls, natterjack toads and lemon slugs. Every day of the year, winter or summer, in every corner of the British Isles, there's plenty to see if you know where - and how - to look. From encounters with the curious black redstart, which winters on our rocky coasts, to the tiny green snowdrop shoots that are the first sign that spring might be round the corner. And from the blossom-time and dawn choruses of April and May into the abundant noisiness of summer, where days start with hawker dragonflies and drowsy bumblebees and end with glow-worms and ghost moths; to autumn when in the early morning mist of London's Richmond Park male red deer lock horns in competition for a mate.Nature is always full of surprises - whether it's the strange behaviour of clothes moths or the gruesome larder of the strike. Distilling two lifetimes' knowledge, expert insight and enthusiasm, award-winning authors and passionate naturalists Brett Westwood and Stephen Moss take us through the year, day by day, sharing the unexpected delights that we can experience in our skies, beaches, rivers, fields, forests and back gardens. There are all kinds of adventures waiting on your doorstep, any day of the year, all you need is Wonderland. (P)2017 John Murray Press
Wonders and Rarities: The Marvelous Book That Traveled the World and Mapped the Cosmos
by Travis Zadeh“The wonders and curiosities of the Islamic imagination await discovery by a new generation of readers in this superb and very enjoyable book by Travis Zadeh.”—Orhan Pamuk, winner of the Nobel Prize in LiteratureThe astonishing biography of one of the world’s most influential books.During the thirteenth century, the Persian naturalist and judge Zakariyyāʾ Qazwīnī authored what became one of the most influential works of natural history in the world: Wonders and Rarities. Exploring the dazzling movements of the stars above, the strange minutiae of the minerals beneath the earth, and everything in between, Qazwīnī offered a captivating account of the cosmos. With fine paintings and leading science, Wonders and Rarities inspired generations as it traveled through madrasas and courts, unveiling the magical powers of nature. Yet after circulating for centuries, first in Arabic and Persian, then in Turkish and Urdu, Qazwīnī’s compendium eventually came to stand as a strange, if beautiful, emblem of medieval ignorance.Restoring Qazwīnī to his place as a herald of the rare and astonishing, Travis Zadeh dramatically revises the place of wonder in the history of Islamic philosophy, science, and literature. From the Mongol conquests to the rise of European imperialism and Islamic reform, Zadeh shows, wonder provided an enduring way to conceive of the world—at once constituting an affective reaction, an aesthetic stance, a performance of piety, and a cognitive state. Yet through the course of colonial modernity, Qazwīnī’s universe of marvels helped advance the notion that Muslims lived in a timeless world of superstition and enchantment, unaware of the western hemisphere or the earth’s rotation around the sun.Recovering Qazwīnī’s ideas and his reception, Zadeh invites us into a forgotten world of thought, where wonder mastered the senses through the power of reason and the pleasure of contemplation.
Wonders California Content Reader Grade 4
by The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc.A content reader for Grade 4 students. Meets California state standards.
The Wonders of Creation: Learning Stewardship from Narnia and Middle-Earth (Hansen Lectureship Series)
by Kristen PageWhen an author of fiction employs the imagination and sets characters in a new location, they are in a sense creating a world. Might such fictional worlds give us a deeper appreciation for our own?Many readers have found themselves, like the Pevensie children, transported by C. S. Lewis into Narnia, and they have traveled from Lantern Waste to Cair Paravel and the edge of the sea. Thanks to J. R. R. Tolkien, readers have also journeyed with Bilbo, Frodo, and their companions across Middle-earth from the Shire to the Lonely Mountain, the forest of Mirkwood, the mines of Moria, and the very fires of Mount Doom. But as often as we enter these fictional worlds as readers, we eventually return to our world refreshed with sharpened insight.The Wonders of CreationBased on the annual lecture series hosted at Wheaton College's Marion E. Wade Center, volumes in the Hansen Lectureship Series reflect on the imaginative work and lasting influence of seven British authors: Owen Barfield, G. K. Chesterton, C. S. Lewis, George MacDonald, Dorothy L. Sayers, J. R. R. Tolkien, and Charles Williams.
Wonders of Life: Exploring the Most Extraordinary Phenomenon in the Universe (Wonders Series)
by Brian Cox Andrew CohenIn Wonders of Life: Exploring the Most Extraordinary Force in the Universe, the definitive companion to the Discovery Science Channel series, Professor Brian Cox takes us on an incredible journey to discover the most complex, diverse, and unique force in the universe: life itself.Through his voyage of discovery, international bestselling author Brian Cox explains how the astonishing inventiveness of nature came about and uncovers the milestones in the epic journey from the origin of life to our own lives, with beautiful full-color illustrations throughout. From spectacular fountains of superheated water at the bottom of the Atlantic to the deepest rainforest, Cox seeks out the places where the biggest questions about life may be answered: What is life? Why do we need water? Why does life end?Physicist and professor Brian Cox uncovers the secrets of life in the most unexpected locations and in the most stunning detail in this beautiful full-color volume.
The Wonders of Marine Plankton
by Albert CalbetMarine plankton, despite their tiny size, are crucial for the functioning of marine food webs. It is not just about one organism eating another; when this happens, it helps release the nutrients accumulated within living matter, making them available again for microalgae. Plankton are present in freshwater and in all the seas and oceans on the planet. Moreover, they are responsible for supporting life on Earth and has provided us (on geological timescales) with a significant portion of the oxygen we breathe. In just a small spoonful of seawater, we can find around fifty million viruses, five million bacteria, hundreds of thousands of small unicellular flagellates, thousands of microscopic algae, five heterotrophic ciliates or dinoflagellates, and, with some luck, a small crustacean like copepods. This book aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and the general public, offering a captivating exploration of the fascinating world of marine plankton. Through engaging narratives and visually compelling illustrations, readers will gain insights into the importance of plankton in marine ecosystems, their diverse forms, and the crucial role they play in maintaining our planet's health.
Wonders of Seals and Sea Lions
by Joseph E. BrownFrom the book jacket: Playful, popular performers of many occanarium shows, seals and sea lions are air-breathing mammals that began leaving the land continents many millions of years ago to adapt to life in the sea. Called pinnipeds by scientists, their streamlined bodies and powerful flippers and fins make them adept, agile swimmers and divers. Once a year, however, they return briefly to land to form breeding colonies where their young are born, nourished, taught to swim, and finally weaned. wonders of seals and sea lions tells the story of these remarkable animals: their natural history, how they have adapted to life in the oceans, and of life in the colonies. It also describes how many species were tragically exploited and driven nearly to extinction by man, one of the pinnipeds' few predators. A summary chapter looks at the future, and what scientists are learning from seals and sea lions that may assist man himself in exploration of the increasingly important oceans.
Wonders of the Human Body
by Anthony RavielliDetailed, easy to understand children's book about how the human body functions.
Wonders of the Mind: Understanding the universe inside our heads
by Dr Francesca FotheringhamExplore the many pathways of the mind in this beautiful celebration of brain power and neurodiversity, written by developmental psychologist, Dr. Francesca Fotheringham and published in association with The British Psychological Society.Wonders of the Mind is a beautiful and powerful look at the workings of the brain and the complexity of the mind. Explore the chemical messages that guide our bodies, the changes brains and minds undergo as they grow, our emotions, memories and the power of sleep. Enhance your understanding of both neurodiversity and mental health through clear and sensitive introductions to each topic. Consider the influence of physical health, culture and language on the mind - and try out some brain teasers to see it all in action! Perfect for readers aged 9 and up.This is the fourth book in a series published by Wayland and illustrated by Jan Bielecki that take an authoritative look at the wonders of science - making complex ideas accessible to kids. Other books in the series include: Wonders of the Night Sky and The Future of the Universe by Professor Raman Prinja and The Wonders of Time, by Emily Akkermans, which were published in association with Royal Observatory Greenwich.
Wonders of the Night Sky
by Raman PrinjaInviting all who dare to wonder - come navigate the spectacular treasures of the night sky with bestselling and award-winning Professor Raman Prinja's inspiring look into our galaxy and beyond, published in association with Royal Observatory Greenwich.Encourage your kids to reach for the stars with this inspiring exploration of the night sky. Anyone with a view of the sky and a curious mind can be the next great Universe explorer!Wonders of the Night Sky invites children all over the world to look up - just as curious people before them have done for millennia - and to know why each wonder appears before their eyes. This beautiful book connects readers to the many parts of our Universe visible to the naked eye against the sky, explodes them on the page, then provides inspiring connections to the science behind the stellar backdrop. Professor Raman Prinja is the multi-award-winning Head of Department for Physics and Astronomy at University College London and a celebrated children's author. Professor Prinja pens this definitive look at the wonders above us, following on from the enormous success of his book Planetarium. Illustrator Jan Bielecki's striking depiction of each natural marvel will draw in readers to a lifetime of astronomical wonder. Astronomy starts with just looking up!If you like this, you'll also love the follow-up book, The Future of the Universe. Take what you've learned about the Universe and rocket trillions of years ahead in time to find out some amazing changes to come...
Wonders of the Universe
by Andrew Cohen Brian CoxExperience our universe as you've never seen it before 13.7 billion years old. 93 billion light-years across. It contains over 100 billion galaxies, each containing hundreds of billions of stars. This infinite, vast and complex Universe has been the subject of human fascination and scientific exploration for thousands of years. The wonders of the Universe might seem alien to us and impossible to understand, but away from the telescopes, the labs and the white coats, Professor Brian Cox uses the evidence found in the natural world on Earth to brilliantly explain the truth of the cosmos. Professor Cox will show how the vast and unfathomable phenomena of deep space can be explained, and even experienced, by re-examining the familiar here on Earth. He is determined to answer the most profound questions we can ask about ourselves and the world in which we live, but in a uniquely understandable way. The laws of light, gravity, time, matter and energy that govern us here on Earth are the same as those applied in the Universe. Using his expert knowledge and his infectious enthusiasm, Professor Cox shows us that if we can understand the impact of these governing laws on Earth it will bring us a step closer to an understanding of our Universe.
The Wonders of Time
by Emily AkkermansIt's time for a mind-blowing look at the history and mystery of time with the masters of timekeeping - travelling across the globe and even to the far reaches of space!The Wonders of Time is written by the expert Curator of Time at the home of timekeeping, Royal Observatory Greenwich. The book uncovers the history and mysteries of time: its beginnings, the methods of measuring it, how we experience it, different philosophies of time and the potential of time travel. Readers explore the timeline of timekeeping, looking at the evolution of our understanding from the Big Bang to today.Just some of the astonishing contents of The Wonders of Time: - The beginning of time in the Universe, on Earth and measuring time on other planets in the solar system- The shape of time (is it a circle? a line? a spiral?) and our natural body clocks- The invention of timekeeping straight through to quartz and atomic clocks- Coordinating timezones across the world- Record-breakers in time: lifespans in humans and animals- Considering our human urge to capture moments in time (take a photo! bury a time capsule!)- Take a tour of seven amazing clocks from around the worldThis is the third book in a series published by Wayland in association with Royal Observatory Greenwich exploring the wonders of science, illustrated by the super-creative Jan Bielecki. Other books in the series include: Wonders of the Night Sky and The Future of the Universe by Professor Raman Prinja.
The Wondrous Universe
by Gerhard BörnerThe world as it is viewed from modern physics and cosmology has many strange and unexpected features. Often these are in stark contrast with our everyday experience or our preconceptions, such as the concept of space and time as finite and changeable. Nevertheless it is this strange world which is the fundamental basis of our existence. Therefore modern science also has a few things to say about the age-old questions: Who are we? - Where do we come from? - Where are we going? The author, an experienced scientist and teacher, presents the knowledge that we have about our world for non-experts. He takes us on a journey through cosmology and the quantum world of elementary particles. And he sketches the impact of the insights gained into philosophical assumptions and religious beliefs in these disciplines. In the end he asks the speculative question whether there is something beyond the limits of the natural sciences.
Wood Adhesives: Chemistry and Technology---Volume 2
by A. PizziThe perfect companion to the highly acclaimed Volume 1 of Wood Adhesives,Volume 2 presents stimulating discussions on technically and economically importantadhesives for wood bonding-covering their preparation and formulation, as well astechniques and suggestions for their application.Like its companion book, Wood Adhesives, Volume 2 provides up-to-date informationand analysis of new technologies and recent breakthroughs ... gives insightinto the relationship between adhesive chemistry and technical application . . . anddiscusses present and future trends likely to have considerable impact on the field.Elaborating upon general overviews presented in Volume 1, Wood Adhesives,Volume 2 includes a chapter on protein adhesives ... fills the gap on the chemistryof polyvinyl acetate wood adhesives ... contains a detailed discussion of formaldehydeemission ... and much more.A complementary and much needed follow-up to Volume 1, Wood Adhesives,Volume 2 is essential reading for wood technologists; adhesives and physicalchemists; forest products researchers; polymer scientists; chemical, mechanical, process,and civil engineers who must choose and apply wood adhesives; and advancedundergraduate and graduate students in the above disciplines.
Wood and Cellulosic Chemistry, Revised, and Expanded
by David N.S. Hon Nobuo ShiraishiThis text details the principal concepts and developments in wood science, chemistry and technology. It includes new chapters on the chemical synthesis of cellulose and its technology, preservation of wood resources and the conservation of waterlogged wood.
Wood and Paper: FOSS Science Stories
by Lawrence Hall of Science University of California at BerkeleyNIMAC-sourced textbook
Wood Density: Functional Trait in Plants
by Fernando Ramírez Jose KallarackalRecent research has shed light on the crucial role of wood density, a fundamental physical property, as a functional trait. This means wood density isn't just about how much a piece of wood weighs, but how it influences a plant's entire strategy for survival and growth. While variations exist between individual species, a surprising trend has emerged: the majority of this variation can be traced back to a plant's genus or even family. This strong phylogenetic signal indicates that wood density is a deeply ingrained characteristic, shaped by a plant's evolutionary history. This newfound understanding allows us to leverage wood density as a taxon-based functional trait. By considering the typical wood density of a plant group (like a genus or family), we can improve models and predictions related to various ecological and functional aspects in forests and plantations. Over the past couple of decades, scientists have been actively exploring the connections between wood density and a wide range of plant functions. Denser wood is often linked to slower growth rates, delayed reproduction, and increased mechanical strength. It also influences a plant's ability to transport water, resist death (mortality rate), and manage internal water balance (water potential). Additionally, wood density is closely tied to physiological aspects such as gas exchange and xylem hydraulic conductance, which are crucial for nutrient and water movement. Wood density is also an important parameter to determine the carbon sequestration capacity of a tree or vegetation, thus important in climate change research. This proposed book will delve into these fascinating connections, highlighting how wood density acts as a key player in shaping the lives of plants and the overall health of forest ecosystems.
Wood & Fire Safety 2024: Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Wood & Fire Safety 2024
by Oisik Das Linda Makovická Osvaldová Laura E. HasburghThis proceedings volume presents new scientific works of the research workers and experts in the field of Wood Science & Fire.It looks into the properties of various tree species across the continents affecting the fire-technical properties of wood and wood-based materials, its modifications, fire-retardant methods and other technological processes that have an impact on wood ignition and burning. The results of these findings have a direct impact on Building Construction and Design describing the fire safety of wooden buildings, mainly large and multi-story ones. The results of these experiments and findings may be applied, or are directly implemented into Fire Science, Hazard Control, Building Safety which makes the application of wood and wood materials in buildings possible, while maintaining strict fire regulations.One part of the contributions focuses on the symbiosis of the material and the fire-fighting technologies. Wood burning has its own specific features, therefore, the fire protection technologies need to be updated regularly. It also includes the issue of the intervention of fire-fighting and rescue teams in the fires of wooden buildings. Presentations deal with the issue of forest fires influenced by the climate changes, relief, fuel models based on the type and the age of the forest stand.