It's not just humans working to combat global warming. Meet the
ecosystem engineers who are improving our planet's health!
In this unique look at how one animal can make a difference for the
planet, Adrienne Mason, a marine biologist, reveals how whales are
ecosystem engineers -- animals that create, modify or maintain a habitat
or ecosystem. Whales do this by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in
the atmosphere. They store a large amount of carbon in their bodies for
decades, even centuries; when they die, they sink to the ocean floor,
taking their carbon with them. Whales also deposit nutrients into the
ocean that help feed phytoplankton, which, in turn, draw carbon out of
the atmosphere and into the ocean during photosynthesis. More carbon in
the ocean means less carbon in the atmosphere -- all thanks to whales!
Using a highly visual approach and a slow build of concepts, this
fascinating book explores how whales play an essential role in
maintaining a healthy ocean and, by extension, a healthy and biodiverse
planet. Nearly half the book provides information on whales, including
types of whales, what they eat and poop and how they migrate. It then
moves on to describe the consequences of a warming planet and the ways
that whales can help. Kim Smith's stunning art brings the concepts to
life. Part of the Ecosystem Guardians series, this book has strong STEM
connections in life and environmental science, with curriculum links to
biodiversity, ecosystems, food webs and animal habitats and
characteristics. It contains a glossary, resources, information on how
children can help and an index.
