Subtle Distinctions in Nature

Being able to distinguish a manatee from a dugong could tell you which continent you're on (if you're in doubt). Knowing the difference between a porcupine and a hedgehog lowers your risk of grievous bodily puncture. Deducing that the wiggly thing underfoot is a king snake and not a coral snake could save your life.

This deck of 48 Knowledge Cards offers entertaining illumination on the characteristics that set one animal (or plant or geological feature or meteorological event) apart from its seemingly similar neighbor. If you're a peripatetic naturalist, it's a compact take-along that helps you confirm your keen-eyed identifications. And if you're housebound What's the Difference provides an invaluable tool for determining (say) whether the nocturnal bouncing you hear outside is a family of wallabies or a mob of kangaroos.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this these cards supports the Sierra Club's efforts to preserve and protect the planet.