Maria Ruth Books - The Tundra of North America
Other Books
by
Maria Mudd Ruth
The Tundra of North America
Describes the dynamics of the tundra ecosystem six chapters, full-color photographs, and science experiments. Features the tundra regions of Alaska and Canada. For Middle School readers.
In an eminently readable text that is accompanied by appropriate full-color illustrations, young researchers learn about the vast open space at the northern edge of our continent. This treeless land stretches from Alaska across vast expanses of Canada and all the way up to the Arctic Ocean. As Ruth makes clear, this is not really a barren land--it teems with life and is a vital ecosystem. The cycle of migration, the roles of prey and predators, and the beauty of the flora and fauna are all there for readers to enjoy. Ruth states the pros and cons of development and exploitation of the rich mineral resources fairly. She recounts, for example, the situation of the snow geese whose feeding grounds have expanded into the Midwest. This has allowed the population to increase to such proportions that they are destroying crops and the tundra, which is wrecking havoc with other species. Some recommend letting nature take its course, while others recommend human interventions. There are no easy answers or clear solutions for maintaining balance. Words in bold type are defined in the glossary. There is a resource list of books and organizations and an index in this excellent resource, which is part of the "Ecosystems of North America" series.
