A Dead Log

Small Worlds introduces children to ecology and ecosystems by concentrating on life in a small part of a larger habitat. Beginning with a description of the habitat, the book then looks at the plants and animals that live there. Young readers are introduced to:
-- the relationships that exist between groups of organisms and their environment
-- important ecological concepts, such as producers, consumers, decomposers, and food webs, explained and illustrated with examples
-- activities that encourage children to investigate ecosystems closer to home
-- tips on observing safely without disturbing nature or endangering themselves

A living tree is home to many different creatures. When the tree dies, a different group of animals and plants move in. A Dead Log describes the diverse kinds of insects, plants, and animals that live on and under a dead tree's bark as well as inside the log itself. A fantastic fact box tells children how to identify different insects and a special section gives tips on how to become a log detective. Concepts are explained such as:
-- camouflage
-- food webs
-- shelter
-- how fungi reproduce
-- the process of decay in a log