Earth is a unique place to live. Being just the right size and distance from the sun to maintain life is remarkable! Life depends on non-life in order to live. Explore the interdependence of living and nonliving things in ecosystems with this dynamic science book. Fifth grade readers will learn about the definition of life, the importance of soil, the nitrogen and oxygen cycles, and more through this high-interest informational text filled with vibrant photographs. Aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards, a hands-on "Think Like a Scientist" lab activity and a "Your Turn" page at the end of the book support STEM Education and provide young scientists with an opportunity to apply what they've learned in the text. Helpful diagrams and text features, such as a glossary and index, are also included to reinforce content-area literacy and improve close reading.