These books survey crucial biological concepts. Seven processes (movement, respiration, sensitivity, nutrition, excretion, reproduction, and growth), food chains and webs, biodiversity, conservation, and animal case studies provide a detailed picture of the connectedness of earth's creatures. The spacious design includes captioned photos, sidebars, and helpful charts and diagrams. Essential vocabulary is defined throughout. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

BRIGHT, Michael . The Future of Life on Earth . maps. ISBN 978-1-4109-4399-6 ; ISBN 978-1-4109-4406-1 . LC 2011017719. CLAYBOURNE, Anna . Life Processes . ISBN 978-1-4109-4396-5 ; ISBN 978-1-4109-4403-0 . LC 2011017697. SNEDDEN, Robert . Adaptation and Survival . chron. ISBN 978-1-4109-4401-6 ; ISBN 978-1-4109-4408-5 . LC 2011017724. SNEDDEN, Robert . Variation in Living Things . ISBN 978-1-4109-4400-9 ; ISBN 978-1-4109-4407-8 . LC 2011017721. SOLWAY, Andrew . Food Chains and Webs . ISBN 978-1-4109-4397-2 ; ISBN 978-1-4109-4404-7 . LC 2011017698. ea vol: 48p. (The Web of Life Series). charts. diags. illus. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Heinemann / Raintree . 2012. PLB $33.99; pap. $8.99. Gr 5-8 Whether comparing a blue whale to a puffball fungus or discussing chimpanzee communication or the Census of Marine Life project, this informative series fulfills core standards for life-science studies. The forthright writing covers organisms' adaptations and habitats, natural selection, and elemental genetics. Intriguing photos, diagrams, and text boxes enhance each volume. However, Life Processes asserts that "Identical twins share exactly the same DNA, so they are just like clones," but Variation contradicts this by stating that researchers have recently discovered that "there are some differences."