Packed full of facts and detailed illustrations, this is a substantially updated family reference guide to the animals that inhabit our world. From the smallest mouse to the largest whale, this book offers a thorough introduction to an array of reptiles, amphibians and mammals, exploring their habits and habitats. Beginning with a biological and evolutionary overview of the animal kingdom, the book examines a huge range of animal characteristics, such as anatomy, survival instincts and reproduction, and takes a closer look at what it means to be an amphibian, reptile or mammal. The main part of the book describes animals from North and South America, Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia. Over 1000 illustrations, 800 distribution maps and information boxes detailing habitat, diet, size, life span and conservation status accompany the entries.