The world's hungriest animal, the owner of the biggest footprints, the largest flock of birds, the most dangerous love life...here is a mind-blowing guide to the weirdest and most remarkable plants and animals on our planet. The entries are quirky yet informative, focusing on single species with bizarre lifestyles and impressive adaptations. Further information is given in a side panel, expanding the range of reference to more than 1,000 species. (For example, against the entry for the fastest growing plant, you can also find out about the fastest growing mammal, insect, and reptile). Lavishly illustrated and intelligently written, Extreme Nature is aimed at all those with an interest in life in the wild. The book assumes no knowledge while being scientifically rigorous enough to captivate every expert. Big in format and scope, it is a gorgeous and fascinating portrait of the natural wonders of our planet, including the slimiest animal, the oldest living fossil, and the deadliest plant.