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We Need Bees

by June SMALLS
9781641853101. SMALLS, June. We Need Prairie Dogs. ISBN 9781641853132.ea vol: 32p. (The Animal Files). charts. further reading. glossary. index. maps. photos. North Star Editions/Focus Readers. Jan. 2019. Tr. $28.50.
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Gr 4–6—The complexities of keystone species are presented clearly. Opening chapters introduce each animal and its crucial role in the ecosystem. Discussion of how wolves control elk populations, for example, moves smoothly into an explanation of how this also affects trees, songbirds, and beavers. A third chapter examines the threats to the featured animal, sometimes including population trends. Conclusions look at conservation efforts with varying degrees of detail. A spread in each book highlights a particular behavior, such as prairie dog communication. The term keystone species is introduced in some but not all titles, though it can apply to all of the groups. Full-page and half-page photos show the animals in their environments, with some examples of human interactions.
VERDICT This series serves as a solid introduction to keystone species.
Reviewed by Staff , May 01, 2019

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