Animal Biology

When Jennifer Doudna was a sixth grader in Hilo, Hawaii, she came home from school one afternoon and found a book on her bed. It was The Double Helix, James Watson’s account of how he and Francis Crick had discovered the structure of DNA, the spiral-staircase molecule that carries the genetic instruction code for all forms of life. This book guided Jennifer Doudna to focus her studies not on DNA, but on what seemed to take a backseat in biochemistry: figuring out the structure of RNA, a closely related molecule that enables the genetic instructions coded in DNA to express themselves.

Natalie Angier knows all that scientists know—and sometimes more—about the power of symmetry in sexual relations, about the brutal courting habits of dolphins, about the grand deceit of orchids, about the impact of female and male preferences on evolution. She knows how scientists go about their work, and she describes their ways, their visions, and their arguments. Perhaps most poignantly, she understands the complexities and the sad necessity of death.

Like Solomon with his magic ring, famed Austrian ethologist Konrad Lorenz was a gifted student of the animal world. King Solomon's Ring, which brought him worldwide recognition, is a delightful collection of observations and insights into the lives of our furry and feathered friends, from our familiar furry companions to water shrews and jackdaws. A must listen for any animal lover.

Horses have a story to tell - one of resilience, sociability, and intelligence and of partnership with human beings. In The Horse, journalist and equestrienne Wendy Williams brings that story brilliantly to life. Williams chronicles the 56-million-year journey of horses as she visits with experts around the world, exploring what our biological affinities and differences can tell us about the bond between horses and humans and what our longtime companions might think and feel.

Scrub all you want, but you'll never get your body entirely clean. From rash causing itch mites to bacteria swimming in your stomach, meet the tiny creatures hitching a ride on your body.

Follow us on a journey around all the body parts of mammals, from eyes to ears, to legs to tails. Find out all about how each body part works, what it looks like and what it does and how each body part differs between species.

Follow us on a journey around all the body parts of reptiles, from eyes to teeth, to shells to tails. Find out all about how each body part works, what it looks like and what it does and how each body part differs between species.

Follow us on a journey around all the body parts of birds, from eyes to beaks, to feet to tails. Find out all about how each body part works, what it looks like, and what it does and how each body part differs between species.

Zombies have no control over their own minds. Some insects and other creepy crawlies have the power to turn other animals into zombies, controlling their behavior. Listeners will learn all about these creatures and the real-life zombies they are making.

Learn all about zebras!

Beautiful butterflies flutter about, catching our eyes with their bright colors. Their senses, eating habits, and life cycle are just as wondrous as their bright colors.

Penguins glide, slide, and dive. Find out what else these birds can do!

Scientists have long counseled against interpreting animal behavior in terms of human emotions, warning that such anthropomorphizing limits our ability to understand animals as they really are. Yet what are we to make of a female gorilla in a German zoo who spent days mourning the death of her baby? Or a wild female elephant who cared for a younger one after she was injured by a rambunctious teenage male?

Mason Bee Revolution explains how docile, hard-working, solitary mason bees (and their compatriots, the leafcutter bees) are even more productive pollinators than honeybees, and keeping them can be a fun, easy, backyard hobby for gardeners, conservationists, foodies, and families everywhere. While scientists search for answers to save the honeybee, Dave Hunter and his company, Crown Bees, are leading the effort to increase the population of other highly efficient pollinators.

When it comes to battle, some animals seem to be natural warriors. They may have spines or armor to fend off predators, or horns made to attack. Enemies that mess with these animals are in for an unpleasant surprise.

When these animals face a dangerous situation, they either run away, stay and fight, or hide from sight. Find out which of your favorite animals are masters of speed, strength, and stealth.

Remarkable new discoveries affirm the octopus as one of nature’s most intelligent and complex animals. This new book brings us closer than ever to these elusive creatures. The companion to the highly anticipated National Geographic television special, this book explores the alluring underwater world of the octopus—a creature that resembles an alien lifeform, but whose behavior has earned it a reputation as one of the most intelligent animals on the planet.

Describes some animals that move at extreme speeds when they jump, run, or fly. Some of the animals shown include a kangaroo, a zebra, a lion, and a bald eagle.

This audiobook describes how long some animals can live. Some of the animals shown include the dromedary camel, the Asian elephant, the box turtle, and the bowhead whale.

All living things develop through a unique life cycle, but some animals go through greater changes than others. This transformation is called metamorphosis. Learn more about two types of metamorphosis, complete and incomplete. Discover what animals are like throughout the stages of their lives.