This "Who's Who" of the animal kingdom is a fascinating reference book examining nearly 2000 species in detail, from mammals and birds to reptiles, amphibians, and fishes. Top wildlife artists have illustrated each one in full color, making the book a visual treasure as well as a comprehensive catalog of the staggering diversity of vertebrate animals.The text is organized by order and then family, with an overview of characteristics shared by animals within each family. Each animal is described in detail, including its breeding patterns and feeding habits, along with other intriguing adaptations or behaviors. Information such as common and scientific names, geographic locations, habitat, and size can be seen at a glance for every species.The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Animals has been written by leading scientists in each field and has now been revised to incorporate cladograms for each class, new scientific findings, and the latest status of animals threatened with extinction. It will stand as the best and most accurate presentation of the animal world available.