Apex Predators of the Amazon Rain Forest
Reading Level Grades 2-3Interest Level Grades 2 – 5Copyright 2017
Reviewed
Reading Level Grades 2-3Interest Level Grades 2 – 5Copyright 2017
ReviewedIn the murky rivers and tangled jungles of the Amazon rain forest live some of the world’s most skillful and fearsome predators. These powerful hunters are at the top of the food chain. They hunt and feed on their neighbors, but as apex predators, they have few enemies in their rain forest home. This Science Slam! series takes a look at eight fascinating predators—from water-dwelling caiman and arapaima to jaguars that prowl the dark forest and giant harpy eagles that hunt in the forest’s tallest trees. Each of the books in this series is expertly crafted to meet early elementary and science curriculum standards. Innovative, grade-appropriate activities and experiments, critical-thinking questions, and fascinating fact boxes will keep the pages turning.
Each featured beast fills an apex predator role in the rain forest ecosystem. Content focuses on predation in the first half, including the subject's diet and hunting methods, with photos that show some of the action of the hunt. Life cycles and habitats are also introduced. Writing is clear and direct, avoiding generalization. Readers learn, for example, that a bull shark is an apex predator in the Amazon, but not in the ocean. . . . Captioned photographs highlight key physical features, while occasional closeups and insets also support factual details effectively. Other features include a range map, ascience lab activity, and question boxes that actually promote critical thinking, rather than repetition of facts from within the text. VERDICT: Wellrounded species profiles suitable for reports.
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