Washoe County Library System

Introduces the Earth and its systems, discussing the environmental dangers caused by weather and people, how humans can make a positive difference, and the importance of the environment and conservation.

Describes the different types of plants and animals that live in the different layers of a tropical rain forest and how they fit into the rain forest ecology.

"In the 1990s, scientists lived inside Biosphere 2 (Biosphere 1 is the Earth itself) for two years, trying to figure out if colonizing Mars would ever be possible. Now scientists don't live there but instead conduct all sorts of studies and experiments aimed to help us better understand our environment and especially understand what sort of things are happening to it due to climate change and other man-made problems. It's a unique take on the Scientists...

From the deep oceans to the shallow coastlines, the world's seas are full of strange and wonderful creatures. The tiger shark glides quietly through the waters seeking a meal while Antarctic krill float under the ice near Antarctica. Sea otters play in shallow water along the coastline; meanwhile the ochre sea star sucks its meal from an unsuspecting mussel. The red mangrove tree appears to be walking as it grows on its prop roots. All are keystone...