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Full Description
Embark on an extraordinary journey into the hidden world of moss. Just like adventurers seeking the Big Five animals on an African safari, we invite you to discover the wonders of the microscopic Big Five organisms that dwell within the mosses on our roofs, walls and pavements. Let's go on a Moss Safari!
On your journey into this miniature universe, your guide will reveal the secrets of this hidden realm. Here, you'll soon encounter those microscopic Big Five: the robust moss mites, the excitable nematodes, the adaptable rotifers, the resilient tardigrades and the elusive gastrotrichs. Each of these remarkable organisms possesses astonishing adaptations to survive in this surprisingly harsh habitat. As Andrew unveils the behaviour and ecology of these little-known organisms, you'll find yourself captivated by their intriguing stories, shedding light on their significance in evolution, global ecosystems and even in medical breakthroughs. Each animal is the subject of cutting-edge scientific research and much of the science is not yet done.
Whether an armchair naturalist, a student of biology or an amateur microscopist, you will be entranced by this quest and will never see moss in the same way again. Be prepared to get inspired and maybe pick up your own microscope to embark on a search to find the Big Five.
Contents
Foreword by Dr George McGavin
Acknowledgements
Introduction
1 Moss Safari Briefing: The Ecosystem
2 Moss Safari Briefing: The Big Five Animals
3 Mites
4 Nematodes
5 Rotifers
6 Tardigrades
7 Gastrotrichs
8 Beyond the Big Five
9 Doing Your Own Moss Safari
10 Expedition Review
Appendix 1: Tree of Life and the Big Five
Appendix 2: Geological history of the Big Five
Appendix 3: Human history and the Big Five
Glossary
References
Index
