READING & REFLECTION ON TEXT

READING AND REFLECTION

SL. NO.	CONTENT	PAGE NO.
1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ABOUT THE BOOK AND AUTHOR
3.	CONTENT OF THE BOOK
4.	CONCLUSION
5.	MY OPINION

INTRODUCTION

          Reading and Reflection is a process to enhance the proficiency of reading, writing, thinking and communicating in the language of instruction. It also helps to develop the metacognitive skills and enhance the capacities as readers and writers by becoming participants in the process of reading and writing.

          As a part of the two year B. Ed curriculum, teacher trainees are intended to conduct a reading and reflection of anyone text of their choice and interest. Reading helps to develop aesthetic, cultural, vocational and professional ethics and values with this objective in mind student teacher reflect, read and review upon the text book they read.

ABOUT THE BOOK AND THE AUTHOR

          Sir David Attenborough, born on 8^th May 1926 an English Broadcaster and Natural Historian.  He is best known for writing and presenting.  He is a former senior Manger at the BBC.  He is the only person to have won BAFTA’s for programmes in each of black and white, colour, HD, 3D and 4K.  Attenborough is widely considered as a national treasure in Britain.  Attenborough, who has produced and narrated numerous nature related works, is a strong advocate for fighting climate change.

          David Attenborough has been watching and learning all his life.  A fascinating and complete insight into the group of animals to which we overselves belong.  He introduces us to the most diverse group of animals ever to live on earth, from the smallest – the two-inch pygmy shrew, to the largest The Blue Whale.  “The Life of Mammals” is the story of 4,000 species which have outlived the dinosaurs and conquered the farthest places on earth.

CONTENT OF THE BOOK

          Based on the spectacular book “The Life of Mammals” is written by David Attenborough introduces us to the most diverse group of animals ever to live on earth, from the smallest-the two-inch Pygmy Shrew to the largest-the blue whale, from the slowest the sloth, to the swiftest-the cheetah, from the least attractive-the naked mole rat, to the most irresistible-a human baby.  The “Life of Mammals” is the story of 4,000 species that have outlived the dinosaurs and conquered the farthest places on earth.  With bodies kept worm by thick coats to fur and their developing young protected and nourished within their bodies, they have managed to colonize every part of the globe, dry or wet, hot or cold.  Their adaptations for finding food have also had a profound effect on the way they move, socialize, mate and breed.

          The book “The Life of Mammals” includes ten chapters.  Nearly every page is graced with stunning photographs of Animals.  A thorough and entertaining overview of one of evolutions greatest success stories, the series is loosely structured to follow the development of mammals, beginning with the basics in “A winning Design, which classifies what makes a mammal different from reptiles and birds – no, it’s hot egg-laying both the Platypus and the Echidna are egg-laying mammals.  It’s their ability to adapt.

          The first chapter gives a general overview of mammals and looks at their diversity and why they thrive.  Second chapter “Insect Hunters” focuses on those who have specifically adapted to eating insects-insectivores.  The third chapter “Plant Predators” focuses on those mammals who have specifically adapted to eating plants herbivorous.

          The fourth chapter “Chisellers” examine rodents, which are characterized by strong, sharp, continuously growing incisors.  Fifth chapter “Meat Eaters” focuses on those mammals who have specifically adapted to eating meat carnivores.  Sixth chapter “The Opportunists” focuses on mammals who have specifically adapted to eating various diet-omnivores.  Seventh chapter “Return to the Water” focus on mammals living in the ocean such as Whales, Sea Lions, and Seals.  The Eighth chapter “Life on the Trees” explores those mammals who make their home in the trees, such as Small Bears and Fruit Bats.  The ninth chapter “The Social Climbers” deals with the lives of monkeys and their complex social hierarchies.  The tenth and last chapter “Food for Thought” studies apes and the evolution of human society to its current state.

CONCLUSION

          “The Life of Mammals” is a nature related book written and presented by David Attenborough.  A study of the evolution and habits of various mammal species, each of the ten chapters look at one mammal groups and discusses the different factor of their day-to-day existence and their evolutionary origin.

          Attenborough’s friendly, informative writing style, this is a terrific introduction to the wonders of our hairy, milk-producing relatives.  The Life of Mammals is the story of 4,000 species which have outlined the dinosaurs and conquered the farthest places on earth.

MY OPINION

In “The Life of Mammals” British naturalist, Sir. David Attenborough turns his attention to the order of Mammals.  The most diverse of Vertebrates, Mammals include the largest animals on earth (Blue Whales), animals that fly (Bats) and animals that can eat almost any type of food.  The author makes sense of this diversity by dividing mammals into easily understandable groups and explaining how evolution has shaped the lives of each of these groups of Mammals.  Attenborough discusses what makes a mammal, then goes on to discuss the varying lifestyles of Mammalian species.

Attenborough heavily illustrated with more than 200 colour photos to provide us with a beautiful and interesting window into the lives of these diverse and fascinating animals.

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