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Embark on an extraordinary journey into the hidden world of moss. Just like adventurers seeking the Big Five animals on an African safari, we invite you to discover the wonders of the microscopic Big Five organisms that dwell within the mosses on our roofs, walls and pavements. Let’s go on a Moss Safari!
On your journey into this miniature universe, your guide will reveal the secrets of this hidden realm. Here, you’ll soon encounter those microscopic Big Five: the robust moss mites, the excitable nematodes, the adaptable rotifers, the resilient tardigrades and the elusive gastrotrichs. Each of these remarkable organisms possesses astonishing adaptations to survive in this surprisingly harsh habitat. As Andrew unveils the behaviour and ecology of these little-known organisms, you'll find yourself captivated by their intriguing stories, shedding light on their significance in evolution, global ecosystems and even in medical breakthroughs. Each animal is the subject of cutting-edge scientific research and much of the science is not yet done.
Whether an armchair naturalist, a student of biology or an amateur microscopist, you will be entranced by this quest and will never see moss in the same way again. Be prepared to get inspired and maybe pick up your own microscope to embark on a search to find the Big Five.
This remarkable book is an absolute must-have for any beginner microscopist. For those just stepping into the microscopic world, this book is not just helpful - it’s empowering.
— Stefan Luketa
A great teaching aid for anyone teaching key stages 2 or 3... The author’s passion for the subject clearly comes across and I would recommend this to anyone (teacher/academic/student) who is searching for a more knowledge-based read.
— Elizabeth Ramaswamy
— Mike Samworth
For teachers Moss Safari is a pedagogical gift, brimming with practical applications, cross-curricular potential and a spirit of exploration. For students it offers empowerment... For the rest of us it is a timely reminder that scientific wonder is always within reach, often hiding in plain sight.
— Mike Follows
I really enjoyed this book, and I am sure I am going to continue to enjoy it... If you’ve been looking for an excuse to buy that microscope or if you have one already but you haven’t used it since unboxing, then this book is highly recommended.
— Caroline Plant
Perfect for KS3 and KS4 (ages 11–16) classrooms, this book is ideal for both teachers and students... Ultimately, Moss Safari brings microbiology to life. It transforms humble moss into a gateway to discovery, curiosity and scientific thinking.
— Mike Follows
Dr Andrew Chandler-Grevatt is an amateur naturalist with a fascination for moss and its inhabitants. Andrew has a doctorate in science education and his main job is training new science teachers at the University of Brighton. Andrew introduces the life in moss to schools, families and adult audiences through live Moss Safaris. He lives in Brighton with his husband, two dogs and a moss-covered roof that provides plenty to explore.
Foreword by Dr George McGavin
Acknowledgements
Introduction
1 Moss Safari Briefing: The Ecosystem
2 Moss Safari Briefing: The Big Five Animals
3 Mites
4 Nematodes
5 Rotifers
6 Tardigrades
7 Gastrotrichs
8 Beyond the Big Five
9 Doing Your Own Moss Safari
10 Expedition Review
Appendix 1: Tree of Life and the Big Five
Appendix 2: Geological history of the Big Five
Appendix 3: Human history and the Big Five
Glossary
References
Index