Reviews
Scientifically accurate, up-to-date, and highly accessible, Nature's Flyers will interest not only amateur and professional ornithologists, ecologists, evolutionary biologists, physiologists, and engineers, but also anyone who is curious about the effects of flight on the evolution and diversity of the natural world.
Alexander achieves the difficult feat of explaining intrinsically complex phenomena without using mathematical or entomological jargon. As a result, the book is clear, beautifully written, and suitable for people at all levels... It introduces readers to some long-standing puzzles... How do some insects manage to fly nonstop over hundreds of miles? How do migrating birds find their way?... I recommend the book to anyone who is curious about flight.
Alexander does an excellent job of keeping the amazement and appreciation alive while clearly explaining the complexities of flight in a manner accessible to anyone... a thoroughly enjoyable and informative book.
This is a fascinating book and would make a valuable addition to the school library.
This book provides a useful popular-level treatment of animal flight, covering not just biomechanical but also ecological and evolutionary aspects of aerial locomotion... No comparable treatment of flight exists in the literature.
Book Details
Foreword, by Steven Vogel
Preface
1. Introduction
2. How Wings Work
3. Gliding and Soaring
4. Flapping and Hovering
5. Staying on Course and Changing Direction
6. Fueling Flight
7. Evolving Flyers
8. Migrating
Foreword, by Steven Vogel
Preface
1. Introduction
2. How Wings Work
3. Gliding and Soaring
4. Flapping and Hovering
5. Staying on Course and Changing Direction
6. Fueling Flight
7. Evolving Flyers
8. Migrating
9. Finding the Way
10. The Global Impact of Animal Flight
11. Have the Birds and Bees Taught Us Anything Useful?
Notes
Glossary
Bibliography
Index