LIVING EARTH

Another sumptuous feast in the Eyewitness series, consisting of spectacular full-color photographs that explore the world of plants and animals. Chapters are devoted to evolution of life on earth, growth and reproduction of flora and fauna, diversity of habitats, and preservation of life forms. Every double-page layout is a visual treat with a large central photograph and a dozen smaller captioned photos. Bold headlines announce the topic- -``Anatomy of a Butterfly,'' ``Fossil Evidence,'' ``Island Life,'' etc.—and are followed by a brief, difficult opening text that most readers will ignore. The captions provide, sometimes, the scientific names of species depicted, identify body parts, or give odd facts. A glossary helps with some terms; the index is extensive but does not guide readers to the primary discussion of a topic, e.g., there are eight references to photosynthesis, some of which are extremely brief, and others that do not actually use the term. (photos, diagrams, maps, glossary, index) (Nonfiction. 10-12)