Spurs, Spines, and Quills

Animals need to defend themselves and their territories against attackers. They have to win mates. Some must catch and kill prey. Luckily, they have built-in weapons to help them fight and survive. The Komodo dragon has serrated teeth and a toxic bite. The Mexican fireleg tarantula lobs barbed hairs at its enemies. The striped polecat shoots a revolting spray out of its backside. Six titles in the Nature’s Wonderful Weapons series help young readers explore the natural defenses of animals from the fascinating to the freaky: Antlers, Horns, and Ossicones; Sprays, Secretions, and Shocks; Spurs, Spines, and Quills; Tails, Stingers, and Harpoons; Talons, Claws, and Pincers; and Tusks, Teeth, and Fangs. Wildlife experts Julie and David Lavender explain the science behind animal weaponry in these high-interest books that include amazing photographs, fascinating facts, a glossary and index, reading comprehension questions, and resources for further learning.