This companion volume to "The Kingfisher Illustrated Animal encyclopaedia" is a guide to the living world and its inhabitants - both flora and fauna. There is a wide diversity of life and earth, from microscopic, single-celled organisms to giant redwoods and blue whales. This reference explores every major plant and animal group, illustrating the range of living things that is found in every corner of the planet. The encyclopaedia is arranged in three parts. The introductory section, "A Planet Apart", guides the reader through the formation of the planet, the beginning of life and evolution, to animal and plant life today. The second section, "The Living World", introduces the kingdoms of life on the planet, from microlife, through plants to animals. The third and main section of the book, "Wildlife Habitats", takes a detailed look at the world's habitats, with features that highlight topics such as "plant galls" and animal nomads". There are also special features that focus on animals or plants that are of particular interest, such as the black woodpecker or the bristlecone pine.