Cornell U. Press

The mammals of Costa Rica; a natural history and field guide.

With 400 color and b&w drawings, synthesis of the scientific literature, and details from firsthand observation, this almost- pocket guide (5x8 inches) offers accounts of all of Costa Rica's readily identifiable terrestrial and freshwater mammals. Descriptions include key identification features, range maps, local folklore and mythology, and information on natural history and conservation. The illustrations show not only the mammals themselves, but also their tracks, foods, and skulls. The guide provides an entry point into a general study of tropical ecology and conservation for both first- time and experienced visitors to Costa Rica and the American tropics, as well as for naturalists, students, and researchers. Wainwright is a naturalist and instructor for tropical ecology courses in Costa Rica. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Seeds for the future; the impact of genetically modified crops on the environment.

Genetically modified (GM) food has passed from mere controversy to outright fear on many levels, and according to Thomson (microbiology, U. of Cape Town) the scientific facts are often obscured by the negative fantasies. In her quantitative studies of GM crops, she finds that the benefits far outweigh the risks. For example, GM plants that resist pests do not have to be sprayed, resulting in better health for farm communities. Further, she has not seen evidence of GM crops damaging the environment even though they can be "programmed" to deliver supplemental nutrients, vaccines and antibodies. However, she also finds that GM foods, for all the hope they offer, will always have to be monitored carefully to ensure biodiversity and to assess product safety and sustainability in the long term. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)