What Happened to the Mammoths

by Myers, Jack

• ISBN13: 9781590782804
• ISBN10: 1590782801
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-01-01
• Publisher: Boyds Mills Pr

Summary

How do cats purr? How does a homing pigeon find its way home? Why do baby alligators need cavities? These are just a few of the questions that scientists tackle in this book of Science in Action. The twelve explorations cover some of kids' favorite animals. The creatures--some lovable, some creepy, and all amazing--are the reader's gateway into the world of real science. And the reader will discover that science is much more than a collection of facts--it offers adventures in discovery. The reader comes along as scientists learn surprising new things, and as they end up with new and fascinating questions. Many full-color illustrations help draw young scientists into this stimulating book.

Table of Contents

Introduction	7	(2)
Dolphins Catch a Wave	9	(5)
Sometimes they would rather surf than swim
How Cats Purr	14	(5)
They use their vocal cords to do both: meow and purr
Alligators Get Cavities, Too	19	(3)
. . .in their eggshells
A Surprising Thing About Alligators	22	(5)
Temperature has a big effect on their young
Diving	27	(6)
How can the Weddell seal dive so deep?
The Dinosaur That Came Home	33	(4)
After millions of years, Ava resurfaced in Montana
The Lonely Giant Panda	37	(5)
Pandas are hooked on bamboo as their fast food
Magnetic Bacteria	42	(3)
Some of the smallest swimmers have compasses
The Magnetic Sense	45	(4)
How many creatures have built-in compasses?
The Sharp Eyes of the Falcon	49	(5)
Scientists invented an eye test for a falcon
Butterflies That Taste Bad	54	(3)
Does the viceroy taste bad, or is it just fooling?
What Happened to the Mammoths?	57	(5)
Eleven thousand years ago, they disappeared
Bibliography	62	(1)
Index	63