Some species of porcupines have 30,000 quills. Sea horses have bony plates to make them less appetizing, and a sea urchin’s spines may be 1 foot (30 cm) long and venomous. These animals are definitely equipped to survive in their native habitats, much to the disappointment of their predators! In this lively volume, young zoologists will learn about various types of body coverings that help creatures, such as the echidna and the pangolin, stay alive. Photographs of animals in action and a graphic organizer further reinforce the importance of adaptations in the wild.

Some species of porcupines have 30,000 quills. Sea horses have bony plates to make them less appetizing, and a sea urchin’s spines may be 1 foot (30 cm) long and venomous. These animals are definitely equipped to survive in their native habitats, much to the disappointment of their predators! In this lively volume, young zoologists will learn about various types of body coverings that help creatures, such as the echidna and the pangolin, stay alive. Photographs of animals in action and a graphic organizer further reinforce the importance of adaptations in the wild.

Armored skin, bony plates, and shells are key defenses animals employ to survive in their natural surroundings. By examining the many forms animal armor can take, readers will have the opportunity to explore the physical makeup of turtle shells, armadillo bands, and millipede exoskeletons, among others. They'll learn how animals use their armor to protect against specific predators. Lively fact boxes, along with sidebars and accessible descriptions of current scientific research, help students discover the more unusual aspects of animal armor. Full-color photographs of the animals and close-ups of their special features enhance the narrative while a list of recent books and websites encourage further exploration of the topic.

Your pet hedgehog just made a spitball. Is that normal? This book introduces readers to the ins and outs of care for a pet hedgehog. Readers will get information to help them decide if a hedgehog is the right pet for them as well as the how-to's of caring for hedgehogs.

Stenches, slime, excrement, and vomit are all gross—and very effective—animal defenses. A dog that has been sprayed by a skunk will rarely want to approach the furry animal again. The seabird called the fulmar spews a stinky vomit powerful enough to cause a bird to drown! These are just two of the creatures in the spotlight of this entertaining volume. Readers will learn just how powerful defensive adaptations can be against even the deadliest predators. Essential science vocabulary, demonstrative photographs, and surprising fact boxes augment this book’s motivating and educational content.

Pronghorn, kangaroos, rhinos, and ostriches all have something in common: speed! They’re not only fast, but they’re fast enough to outrun their predators. This crucial adaptation has enabled them to survive in their various habitats amongst ferocious animals that seek to consume them. Readers will love reading about the swift beasts in this book and how they thwart their enemies. Key science concepts, such as adaptations and habitats, are interwoven into the text. Action photographs in the wild, a graphic organizer, and fact boxes are highlights of this engagingly designed volume.

Nature is tricky, and the animals in this book prove it. Camouflage is a remarkable adaptation that manifests itself through coloring, shape, and movement. This entertaining and informative text explains the different forms of camouflage that animals employ to survive in their environments. Arctic hares, octopuses, penguins, praying mantises, polar bears, and zebras are some of the high-interest animals in disguise in this volume packed with essential science concepts and bright photographs.