Catching Air: Taking the Leap with Gliding Animals

*NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book* 

*Junior Library Guild Selection 2017*

Only a few dozen vertebrate animals have evolved true gliding abilities, but they include an astonishing variety of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

Format: Hardback
Length: 48 pages
Publication date: 01 July 2019
Publisher: Tilbury House,U.S.

Despite the presence of North American flying squirrels and Australian sugar gliders, the vast majority of gliders reside in rainforests. Catching Air, accompanied by stunning photographs, takes us on a captivating journey across the globe to encounter these remarkable creatures, explore the reasons behind the high concentration of gliders in Southeast Asia, and uncover the evolutionary origins of this gravity-defying ability in Draco lizards, snakes, frogs, and mammals. Delving into the mysteries of gliders that fail to achieve full flight, the book sheds light on how bats made the crucial leap to become the only mammals capable of sustained flight. It also examines how Homo sapiens have circumvented natural evolution by employing wingsuits and hang gliders, raising intriguing questions about the nature of evolution itself.

Introduction:
Gliders, those remarkable animals that defy gravity with their soaring flight, inhabit a diverse range of habitats across the globe. While North American flying squirrels and Australian sugar gliders may grab our attention, it is the vast majority of gliders that reside in the lush rainforests. In Catching Air, we embark on a captivating journey to explore the world of gliders, uncovering their secrets, and understanding the factors that contribute to their abundance in specific regions.
Gliders in Rainforests:
Rainforests are the natural habitat of gliders, providing them with the ideal environment for their survival. The dense canopy of trees creates a sheltered environment, protecting them from predators and harsh weather conditions. The abundance of insects, nectar, and other food sources in these ecosystems sustains the gliders' energy requirements, allowing them to glide effortlessly through the air.
Distribution of Gliders:
Southeast Asia is a hotspot for glider diversity, with a wide range of species found in this region. The reasons behind this concentration are not fully understood, but researchers believe that factors such as climate, food availability, and habitat suitability play a significant role. Some species, such as the Asian palm civet, have adapted their diet to include gliders, making them an important food source for these animals.
Evolutionary Origins:
The ability to glide has evolved multiple times in different species across various branches of the animal kingdom. The Draco lizards, snakes, and frogs are among the earliest known examples of gliders. These creatures possess a unique combination of traits, including lightweight bones, long limbs, and specialized wing membranes, that enable them to glide through the air. The evolution of gliding in these species provides valuable insights into the mechanisms behind this remarkable adaptation.
Bat Flight:
Bats are the only mammals capable of sustained flight, and their evolutionary journey is a testament to the wonders of natural selection. Over millions of years, bats have evolved specialized wings that allow them to fly at high speeds and navigate through complex environments. The development of echolocation, a biological sonar system, has also played a crucial role in their ability to navigate and forage in darkness.
Homo Sapiens and Gliding:
While gliding has evolved primarily in other species, Homo sapiens have also explored the skies through the use of wingsuits and hang gliders. These human-powered aircraft allow us to experience the thrill of gliding, but they are not a natural extension of our evolutionary history. The development of these technologies requires specialized training and equipment, highlighting the remarkable achievements of human ingenuity.
Conclusion:
Gliders, with their gravity-defying abilities, continue to captivate our imagination and inspire scientific inquiry. Catching Air provides a comprehensive exploration of these remarkable animals, shedding light on their distribution, evolutionary origins, and the unique adaptations that enable them to glide through the air. By understanding the complexities of gliding, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity and adaptability of the animal kingdom.

Weight: 376g
Dimension: 210 x 262 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780884484967