This authoritative volume starts with a clear introduction to the animal world, examining the reasons for the apparently infinite variety of animal forms and the major evolutionary developments. Animal anatomy, life-cycles and the principles of classification are also explored. This is followed by a superbly illustrated survey of world habitats, showing how animals have adapted to each environment and the threats that face both wildlife and plants today. The main part of the book, an up-to-date and comprehensive animal catalogue, looks in detail at each major group and provides absorbing profiles of over 2,000 individual species. Spectacular photographic portraits bring a vast array of animals vividly to life, with special features on well-known and important creatures such as the Galapagos tortoise. Each species profile is supported by maps and symbols showing distribution and habitat, as well as key information on size, population and conservation status, forming a valuable reference database.