This illustrated and authoritative book, with more than 300 colour photographs and illustrations, examines the kingdom of fishes, amphibians and reptiles, birds and mammals in one detailed volume. The book is a comprehensive survey tracing the progression of animal life from the most primitive fish to the most highly developed mammal. The animals' feeding habits, reproductive cycles, anatomy, behavioural patterns, camouflage and other protective devices are detailed in an informative, accessible way which builds into a compendium of knowledge of animal life across the planet.