Book dossier

This Is Not a Weasel

by Philip B. Mortenson

"This useful reference takes on a wide-ranging list of monikers for all types of plants and animals. It lays to rest any lingering confusion over the distinctions between seemingly related - yet crucially distinct - terms, such as hare and rabbit; seal and sea lion; moss and lichen; crocodile and alligator; skate and ray; turtle and tortoise; and mink, sable, ferret, ermine, stoat, and weasel. Reviewed by an impressive cadre of experts, this authoritative guide defines and clarifies 240 frequently misapplied plant- and animal-related terms, covers wild and domestic plants, insects, fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals, debunks common misconceptions and exposes flagrant misuse of terms, and identifies sources of confusion from history, the popular media, and scientific literature."--Jacket.