Allaby M. Biomes of the Earth. Tropical Forests

Chelsea House, 2006 - 272 p.Perhaps no land based regions of the world offer a greater panoply of life than do the Earth's tropical forests. Sadly, despite the treasure trove of life that exists in the rain forests of the world, these gardens of life are diminishing on a daily basis. As Michael Allaby notes in this illustrated science title, the world's tropical forests are under attack by human beings bent upon increasing arable land, harvesting lumber, mining, or any number of other profit based or subsistence endeavors. Unfortunately, this wanton destruction affects the regions of the planet that have justly been described as the "lungs of the world." Yet, as readers of this title of the "Biomes of the Earth" series will discover, there is still hope for the world's tropical forests. A growing awareness of the importance of these forest biomes linked to fear of global warming might act to slow down the destruction that is still taking place. However, as species of plants and animals are snuffed out by human activity, the bio-diversity that rests at the heart of tropical forests is gradually diminished. Thus, this carefully researched, well written, and informative text is one that deals with an important element of not only scientific but also environmental study. This is a solid work of science that will be useful for both youngsters and adults.