Trundling along in essentially the same form for some 220 million years, turtles have seen dinosaurs come and go, mammals emerge, and humankind expand its dominion. Is it any wonder the persistent reptile bested the hare? In this engaging book physiologist Donald Jackson shares a lifetime of observation of this curious creature, allowing us a look under the shell of an animal at once so familiar and so strange. Here we discover how the turtle's proverbial slowness helps it survive a long, cold winter under ice. How the shell not only serves as a protective home but also influences such essential functions as buoyancy control, breathing, and surviving remarkably long periods without oxygen, and how many other physiological features help define this unique animal. Jackson offers insight into what exactly it's like to live inside a shell-to carry the heavy carapace on land and in water, to breathe without an expandable ribcage, to have sex with all that body armor intervening. Along the way we also learn something about the process of scientific discovery-how the answer to one question leads to new questions, how a chance observation can change the direction of study, and above all how new research always builds on the previous work of others. A clear and informative exposition of physiological concepts using the turtle as a model organism, the book is as interesting for what it tells us about scientific investigation as it is for its deep and detailed understanding of how the enduring turtle "works."

Biologists have long marvelled at how anadromous salmonids - fish that pass from rivers into oceans and back - survive as they migrate between these two very different environments. Yet, relatively little is understood about what happens to salmonids in the estuaries where they make this transition from fresh to salt water. This book distills the current knowledge of how eighteen salmonid species around the world (including salmon, steelhead, char, and trout) are adapted to estuaries. It discusses why the waters where rivers and oceans meet are critical to salmonid survival and how these vital habitats can be preserved and recovered.

Dive into the depths and discover the mysteries of the world of water in this beautiful book for young readers. From myths and legends, folklore and fables, to amazing discoveries, and undiscovered depths - children will love exploring the amazing world of water in this beautifully illustrated book for young readers. Dive between the pages of Underwater World into the ocean depths to discover sunken lands, and sail in and out of legends laden with weird and wonderful monsters. This educational book for 7-9 year olds will teach curious children all about the ocean, magical creatures and mythology, mysteries and the unexplained. Dive straight in with this educational book to discover: - A variety of exciting topics surrounding water, including sunken cities, ghost ships, Ocean gods and goddesses, and mythical creatures such as the kraken, merpeople, selkies, and sirens. - Most of the world's cultures that share mythology around water together in one place; from gods and goddesses to beasts of the deep. - Exciting and informative text and beautiful hand-painted illustrations that bring the subject to life. Water - it can be hard as rock, silky soft, and often barely there. We can't live without it, but can't breathe within it. This shape-shifting element washes in on our shores, pours on our towns, and winds through our fields. We are mostly made out of water, but how much do we really know about it? Children will love learning all about the world of water in this beautifully illustrated and colourful book. At DK, we believe in the power of discovery. So why stop there? If you like Underwater World, then why not complete the collection? Take a peek inside the enchanting and mythological world of dragons with Dragon World, and discover their fascinating history.

Essential Fly Fishing - an all-colour handbook - presents the fundamentals of this great sport quickly and effectively. Proven teaching techniques and bright, helpful colour illustrations will enable new fly fishers to: find fish in streams, lakes, and salt water; select and assemble proper, balanced tackle; cast a fly line with authority - with rhythm, not strength; recognise and learn to simulate natural fish foods; learn techniques that really work; tie effective knots that have maximum strength; and begin the endlessly interesting process of tying your own flies. This book concisely explains fishing ethics, offers helpful safety precautions, and defines basic angling terms. The chapter on fly-rod fish describes the unique sport that many species - from trout to whitefish - offer fly fishers. Essential Fly Fishing is a crisp, helpful, superbly illustrated primer of the highest rank.

The brand new heartwarming festive read from bestseller Sarah Bennett!Music sensation Aurora Storm finally has her career back on track, but then she's caught up in a media storm. Desperate to distract from the story, she enlists the one man she trusts to pretend to be her boyfriend. Meanwhile, in the small seaside village of Mermaids Point, Nick Morgan never expected to see Aurora again. When she calls out of the blue needing his help, he agrees at once. It feels like she's back in his life for a reason, and he's determined to make the most of it. Aurora joins Nick and the rest of his family for their festive celebrations and, as the snow falls, Aurora finds herself caught up in the romance of Christmas. But having tasted worldwide fame, can she ever be content with village life? Two weeks is all Nick has to prove to Aurora that there's a happy ending for them both in Mermaids Point. There's always a second chance for love in a Sarah Bennett story, so escape to the seaside village of Mermaids Point for a festive, feel-good treat. Perfect for all fans of Trisha Ashley, Holly Martin and Milly Johnson. Praise for Sarah Bennett: 'A gorgeous story packed with love, romance and heartfelt emotion. Will bring sunshine into your day!' Phillipa Ashley 'Cosy, heartwarming and moving, this story is as beautiful as its cover.' Samantha Tonge 'Happy Endings at Mermaids Point has passion in spades, romance to make you blush and a community that cares. I hoped this story would just keep on going.' Celia Anderson 'What a finale to a fabulous season! I absolutely loved the story and it was wonderful to see all the characters get their much deserved happily ever after! An absolutely gorgeous Christmas read!' Katie Ginger 'This is a real page turner, with a brisk plot and a really emotional core. The community we've grown to love at Mermaid's Point is alive with love, laughter and vibrancy!' Fay Keenan 'I loved Nick and Aurora's story, and want the Morgan family to adopt me. Sarah Bennett has surpassed herself.' Jules Wake 'This is the perfect escapist read and I can't wait to follow the characters in what promises to be a wonderful series. Five sparkling stars!' Rachel Griffiths'What a Mer-mazing book! I'm so glad this is a series and I'll get to meet the characters again because you won't want to leave them after the final page.' Catherine Miller 'I inhaled this book in two days. Absolutely gorgeous. Sarah Bennett is back, and better than ever!' Rachel Burton 'A perfect heartwarming read full of family, romance and intrigue, set in a stunning location - what's not to love?' Bella Osborne

Otters by Nicola Chester is an accessible and lively account of an intriguing and much-loved animal that, surprisingly, is still endangered and rarely seen despite a recent resurgence that has seen it expand from the remote countryside into our cities. Nicola's charming, informed text brings this elusive and exciting mammal into sharper focus revealing what an otter is, and how they live, feed, play and breed. Nicola reflects on how otters exist in our imaginations culturally and how that has changed over the years. She also examines the many challenges otters have faced, exposing what brought them to the brink of extinction, and explores the challenges we face in trying to find and watch otters in the wild. Each Spotlight title is carefully designed to introduce readers to the lives and behaviour of our favourite birds and mammals.