Bacteria are an integral aspect of every habitat in which they occur and affect the lives of humans, other animals, and plants in many ways. Too often, we equate "bacterium" with "pathogen" and think of bacteria as things to avoid. In a guide for naturalists, students, teachers and tourists alike, Betsey Dexter Dyer lets the reader know that it is possible to observe bacteria with all the senses. Many groups of bacteria can be easily identified in the field (or in the refrigerator) without a microscope. Written for curious souls of all ages, the guide opens our eyes - and noses and ears - to this hidden (or neglected) world around us. Useful illustrations, including 120 colour photographs, accompany Dyer's lively text throughout.

Reviews

This isn't a book on how to avoid E.coli and other nefarious bacteria that invade our food and homes, but an amateur naturalist's guide to all sorts of bacteria that can be seen (and smelled) without a microscope, from their habitats (hot springs, marine mud flats, even urban areas), to how to recognize and identify them in all their remarkable diversity. After all, the author reminds us, bacteria are "the most predominant organisms on Earth," and she even recommends taking a "bacteriocentric" point of view in order to understand them. All the major groupings are covered, along with information on how to culture bacteria, use a microscope and practice good safety precautions. More than 100 color illustrations will assist the happy bacteria hunter as well. (June) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

"Bacteria are a driving force in global ecology, human physiology, earth history, evolution, and environmental issues. A Field Guide to Bacteria brings current thought about bacteria into everyday concepts of life."-Douglas Zook, Boston University"Bacteria are very important in human lives and in natural and engineered environments where they mediate extremely important processes from disease to nutrient cycling. The challenge is that bacteria are so small that they are not readily observed except with a very powerful microscope. Betsey Dexter Dyer's focus on 'field marks' provides a practical way to observe bacteria on a macroscopic scale or to see the manifestations of their activities."-James Staley, University of Washington