This is a thrilling face-to-face encounter with the intimate lives, elaborate displays and extraordinary behaviour of animals in their own environment. Internationally renowned zoologist and presenter of TV's Animal Planet, Charlotte Uhlenbroek, leads a compelling study that brings the animal kingdom to vivid life. Illustrated with astonishing wildlife photography and action sequences, every aspect of animal life and behaviour is explored and explained - from courtship rituals and birth to hunting and death. Mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates - thousands of all kinds are featured. How the animal kingdom is organized, and how animals' bodies function are all explained, while outstanding action sequences bring key behavioural traits to life and critical conservation issues are also considered. From the fleeting life of a mayfly to the 10-year courtship of the manikin, this is the animal kingdom laid bare in all its awe-inspiring glory and detail.