From tiny insects to sleek sharks and majestic elephants, this book invites you to explore the animal kingdom up close - from nose to tail. Whether you're interested in specific animal groups such as mammals or birds or have a passion for wildlife photography, this beautiful book will delight, fascinate, and surprise.
DK's elegant new introduction to wild animals is packed with dramatic photography that celebrates their beauty. Crystal-clear diagrams then explain how animals work and describe how they are adapted to do different things and to survive in different environments. The unique nose-to-tail approach, with chapters on different body parts, allows you to focus in on the beauty of the antenna of a moth, the flight feathers of a parrot, or the feeding tentacles of a jellyfish. The Science of Animals also explores how we have depicted animals in art throughout the ages, from zoological drawings that recorded new discoveries to great paintings inspired by a deep connection to the natural world. With fascinating stories, such as how animals communicate, defend their territories, and attract mates, The Science of Animals offers an engaging introduction to the extraordinary diversity of the animal kingdom.
Reviews (67)
A very fine purchase
I gave this as a gift to an animal lover who was "over the moon" with delight at the beautiful pictures and important information well presented. Highly recommend.
Super doesn’t even fit this book
Beautiful book great gift for everyone
Book for all ages.
I bought this book for my 7 year old neice who loves animals, however, it's so beautifully illustrated and informative that I'm going to keep it for myself. She can look at it when here.
Brilliant book
I study Zoology at university and bought this book to support my studies and it did not disappoint. The detailed information written and the excellent species examples given were brilliant, informative and it makes for an excellent read. Some of the jargon is a bit complex, so younger audiences may not fully understand what is written, but for myself it was perfect. Bought it second hand for significantly cheaper than the original retail price and it arrived with only a few chips in the spine, thoroughly impressed!
A perfect gift
This book has everything: a nice balance between pure science and interesting act; stunning illustrations and all at a reasonable price. It supplements much that I follow on TV and all under the cool gaze of Chris Packham (whose "puff" on Sunday Brunch guided me to this book). I wish I'd had it when I was but a youngster 75 years ago..... JF
Visually stunning, informative book...
This book is beautiful and perfect for anyone who loves nature/wildlife and is interested in how animals evolved and the function of their attributes. It is made in typical DK style with lots of stunning photographs with accompanying information. There are not large amounts of text, but enough to be interesting and informative. There are also some sections on animal art throughout history and a glossary at the back. It is suitable for any age really, although younger children may find some of the scientific language difficult to read. It a large book (approx 31cm x 26cm) and quite weighty. It has 336 pages. Would make a lovely gift for any animal lover (or yourself!)
Perfect to teach the kids about wildlife!
This book is amazing!the fact that chris packham has put his name to it was the main factor for me looking at it initially. This book has excellent photography and in depth descriptions of the creatures featured.the great thing about a book is you see things you weren't necessarily looking for,unlike the internet where you get what you type in.the kids love looking through it.
Beautiful pictures but low information content
This is more a photo book than an informative book. It has beautiful full-page photos, but not many details for my child to read and learn. It is not what I had expected. My child was disappointed and I returned it.
Love Animals a must get.
Love this book beautifully photographed and good information foreword by Chris Packham and Natural History museum endorsed.
Beautifully presented book
Excellently presented with wonderful photos and a good source of knowledge on different characteristics of different animals
A very fine purchase
I gave this as a gift to an animal lover who was "over the moon" with delight at the beautiful pictures and important information well presented. Highly recommend.
Super doesn’t even fit this book
Beautiful book great gift for everyone
Book for all ages.
I bought this book for my 7 year old neice who loves animals, however, it's so beautifully illustrated and informative that I'm going to keep it for myself. She can look at it when here.
Brilliant book
I study Zoology at university and bought this book to support my studies and it did not disappoint. The detailed information written and the excellent species examples given were brilliant, informative and it makes for an excellent read. Some of the jargon is a bit complex, so younger audiences may not fully understand what is written, but for myself it was perfect. Bought it second hand for significantly cheaper than the original retail price and it arrived with only a few chips in the spine, thoroughly impressed!
A perfect gift
This book has everything: a nice balance between pure science and interesting act; stunning illustrations and all at a reasonable price. It supplements much that I follow on TV and all under the cool gaze of Chris Packham (whose "puff" on Sunday Brunch guided me to this book). I wish I'd had it when I was but a youngster 75 years ago..... JF
Visually stunning, informative book...
This book is beautiful and perfect for anyone who loves nature/wildlife and is interested in how animals evolved and the function of their attributes. It is made in typical DK style with lots of stunning photographs with accompanying information. There are not large amounts of text, but enough to be interesting and informative. There are also some sections on animal art throughout history and a glossary at the back. It is suitable for any age really, although younger children may find some of the scientific language difficult to read. It a large book (approx 31cm x 26cm) and quite weighty. It has 336 pages. Would make a lovely gift for any animal lover (or yourself!)
Perfect to teach the kids about wildlife!
This book is amazing!the fact that chris packham has put his name to it was the main factor for me looking at it initially. This book has excellent photography and in depth descriptions of the creatures featured.the great thing about a book is you see things you weren't necessarily looking for,unlike the internet where you get what you type in.the kids love looking through it.
Beautiful pictures but low information content
This is more a photo book than an informative book. It has beautiful full-page photos, but not many details for my child to read and learn. It is not what I had expected. My child was disappointed and I returned it.
Love Animals a must get.
Love this book beautifully photographed and good information foreword by Chris Packham and Natural History museum endorsed.
Beautifully presented book
Excellently presented with wonderful photos and a good source of knowledge on different characteristics of different animals
A beautiful book very detailed and informative
I bought this for my 12 year old cousin. She is delighted with the book (as are the rest of the family) The information and illustrations are excellent.
Beautiful Coffee Table Book
Truly stunning book and really simple to pick up and read a section. Great information, without boring the reader. Love it.
Grandchildren love this book
Brilliant book amazing photos
Beautiful
I bought this book for both my brother and sister and both loved it. Gorgeous photographs and interesting facts, a beautiful coffee table book.
Gorgeous book
Bought this for daughter after I saw Chris packham interview - gorgeous book, held on till it came down in price a bit though, original price too much for me.
Amazing animal book for all ages
Bought as a Christmas gift for a 10 year old, book is beautiful, with amazing images.
Stunning Photography
A beautiful book with short, clearly written bites of science on each page. My favourite book of this year. Would make a good present.
Beautiful book!
This is a beautiful book with amazing pictures and content about animal kingdom; shape and size, skeletons, skin, coats and armour, etc. It is big book, it arrived in good condition.
Brilliant
My grandson is studying Animal Husbandry and it's been excellent for him.
Wonderful insight into the wonderful world of animals m
Amazing photographs. Each section is a detailed part of each animal. Brilliant.
Beautiful book
Bought this as a Christmas present and it’s so beautiful am going to buy one for myself as well. Fabulous
fantastic book
I bought this book for my nephews 10th birthday and wished I had bought one for myself. A lovely book, very informative with brilliant illustrations. Totally recommend it to anyone with an interest in animals. My nephew loves it too.
stunning
fantastic pictures clear concise layout easy to follow
Amazing Book
Got this book for my daughter....she is 3 at the moment but interested in Animals already. For her age she knows quite alot. Every single page is fascinating.
Beautiful
Excellent images and explanations.
An excellent gift
Very interesting book with beautiful pictures
Great book , lots of information , easy to read
Superb book , bought as a present
Photos amazing and full of interesting facts
Present for my 16 year old daughter. She absolutely loves it. Excellent photos and really interesting commentary
Thank you
Thank you
wonderful illustrations
Excellent book up to usual DK standards giving not only colourful illustrations but scientific detail of how animals work.
I am very happy
I am very happy
Amazing photos
Bought as a Christmas present for a family member. The book is lovely and the photography is out of this world. Really lovely book. Very happy.
Great book!
I’m about to start a zoology course next year, so i thought i would start getting information into my brain! this book is full of information. Very happy with my purchase!
It's a picturebook
I was hoping for more than just pictures
Informative
Very nice read
Useful information and great photos
Bought this book for my son for his university studies and he has found it extremely useful.
Years of enjoyment
This was given as a Christmas Gift, to an inquisitive young boy, who loves reading it with his Dad, and as he gets older will enjoy even more?
Very well illustrated.
Looked a very well illustrated book. Bought 2 as presents. Both recipients were very thrilled with it.
Love it
Was delivered quickly, very interesting book and some lovely photos and facts.
Great buy
Beautiful book my 12yr old love it
Great book great service
Arrived in great condition and very quickly way before I expected. Great service. Book is sat upon dinner table to occupy kids, they are loving it.
It’s a book for life!
It’s excellent
Amazing book
Beautiful
Present
Fab Book - for everyone to enjoy
Brilliant book
Brilliant book with great information and beautiful pictures . My granddaughter loves it
Good buy
Delivered on time and as described very informative book
Cover in poor condition
Great book, very informative and assists my uni course well but cover came in poor condition
Beautiful book
Lovely book for my daughter's birthday
My Grandson 6 loves this book he has carried it around for days and is now a mine if information!
Beautiful book lots on interesting facts and illustrations. Great for different ages.
Fabulous book
Lovely photos and great information
Very informative!
Superb level of detail and really pretty pictures!
Brilliant and exceptional book. Must read
Brilliant reference guide and learning book on all aspects of nature and animals. Best science book in decades.
Super fast delivery
Super fast delivery and really pleased
Good quality
Wonderful pictures. Lots of up to date knowledge of the natural world. Excellent!
Amazing pictures, fantastic book
Absolutely beautiful book, great present for my son. Amazing photos.
Beautiful
Beautiful photos. Bought for my eight year old as a gift, she loves it
Beautiful
A beautiful book