Describes the physical characteristics and habits of the North American pronghorn antelope and discusses its adaptation to a prairie environment and the effects of civilization on its well-being.

Join Professor Valerius Geist and photography Michael Francis as they salute the pronghorn antelope, the little brother of the American bison. This swift, smart, beautiful animal is the last survivor of North America's original large mammals. &break;&break;Val Geist of Calgary tells the fascinating story of the pronghorn, which has preserved through harsh and constant threats. If the pronghorn had not survived, the Great Plains today would be without a plains-adapted big-game animal. &break;&break;Geist's extensive biological and archaeological knowledge offers a unique, awe-inspiring look at the magnificent animal. Geist's story-telling ability captures all the science, history and beauty the pronghorn has to offer. &break;&break;More than 100 of Francis' colorful images captures the allure of the prairie and the heart of pronghorn country. Travel west with Geist and Francis. You'll soon understand why so many volunteers worked so hard to keep the prairies a place where the pronghorn can thrive and enthrall.

Delve below the Earth, soar beyond the heavens and scour every corner of the planet to discover wonders far greater in number than the world's Big Seven -- and just as astounding. A riveting read for weird science buffs of all ages and an ideal way for parents and kids to share the thrills of learning, 1000 "Wonders of Nature" spotlights incredible animals, formidable forces of weather and mysterious occurrences -- and clearly explains the facts of science behind them all. Filled with 1,300 up-close and astounding full-color photos of the most intriguing living creatures and impressive natural spectacles. Chapters highlight: -- Nature's Great Events, from the self-healing secrets of Peruvian parrots to the underwater fireworks sparked by spawning corals -- Amazing Animals, from lizards that walk on water to fish that spend the night in slimy "sleeping bags" to birds that feast on blood -- Microscopic Marvels, from destructive plant viruses that hitch rides with insects to friendly fungi that supply trees with essential minerals -- Heavenly Amazements, from diamond showers that fall from the sun to comets, quasars and blue moons -- Forces of Nature, from the world's tallest waterfall to horrific hurricanes, terrifying tornadoes and volatile volcanoes

During his first year of life on the Great Plains, a pronghorn learns from his mother the techniques of survival.

North America’s fastest mammal, the pronghorn can accelerate explosively from a standing start to a top speed of 60 miles per hour—but it can also cruise at 45 miles per hour for many miles. What accounts for the speed of this extraordinary animal, a denizen of the American outback, and what can be observed of this creature’s way of life? And what is it like to be a field biologist dedicating twenty years to studying this species? In Built for Speed, John A. Byers answers these questions as he draws an intimate portrait of the most charismatic resident of the American Great Plains. The National Bison Range in western Montana, established in 1908 to snatch bison from the brink of extinction, also inadvertently rescued the largest known remnant of Palouse Prairie. It is within this grassland habitat—home to meadowlarks, rattlesnakes, bighorn sheep, coyotes, elk, snipe, and a panoply of wildflowers—that Byers observes the pronghorn’s life from birth to death (a life often as brief as four days, sometimes as long as fifteen years) and from season to season. Readers will also experience the vicarious pleasures of a biologist who is eager to race a pronghorn in his truck, scrutinize bison dung through binoculars, and peer through the gathering dusk of a rainy evening to count the display dives of snipe. A vivid and memorable tale of a first-rate scientist’s twenty-year encounter with a magnificent animal, the story of the pronghorn is also a reminder of the crucial role we can play in preserving the fleeting life of the native American grassland.

Ive always observed my surroundings since I was a boy. I noticed the wonders with a true sense of joy. For some reason I remember much from the past. Who would guess such memories would last. Theres natural beauty wherever you go. The most impressive are the parks I know. I remember my engineering education plus what Ive read. Science is wonderful. This has to be said. I think of all the progress humans have made. Weve just started. Can we make the grade? This book follows the popular Huckleberry Days The authors poetic presentation of the good old ways, A Sampler of Uncommon Sense and Good Times, Emotional Trips, Whimsy and More in Rhymes, World War II, to the Greatest Generation A Poetic History of the Wars Duration, And Emotional Poems, How We Live and How We Die. Some Will Make You Think, Others Will Make You Cry. All are available. Barnes and Noble is an ordering source. One can also Google Amazon.com of course.