Profiles ten plants that have had an impact on world history, from chocolate and tea to corn and papyrus. Details the international impact of each of these plants and considers how our lives today would be different without them.

Ecosystems poses and answers a new question on nearly every double-page spread. Besides the obvious opener ("What is an ecosystem?"), the 20 questions here include: "What is a food chain?" and "What is a keystone species?"

Provides an overview of the equipment, techniques, safety and the basics and extremes of hiking.