The Basics of Biology

Subjects:

• Science » Biology
• Science » Science (General)

Reviews:

• [H]as much to recommend it.
  —School Science Review December 2006
• This solid introduction provides an overview of the field; history, key concepts, and principles. Up-to-date information on ecology and genetics accompany basic coverage of evolution, body systems, and the classes of living organisms. An insert of color photographs complements the black-and-white drawings, charts, and graphs while boxed areas contain supplemental information, such as a discussion of the new imaging techniques used in medical diagnosis.
  —Curriculum Connections/School Library Journal Fall 2005
• [O]ffers an overview of the discipline, including its history and key concepts and principles....This overview is well suited to novice students. As a reference work, it will be most useful as background material to help students better understand biology articles, books, and news programs and, possibly as a study guide. A solid introduction.
  —School Library Journal April 2005
• The Basics of Biology is a well-written, non-threatening introduction to biology intended for the layperson. It is designed as a reference to allow the reader to understand biological articles, books and news programs. It has also been structured in accordance with the National Science Education Standards for high school biology so it could be used to develop curriculum.
  —E-Streams March 2005
• This book is useful for updating biology references for high school students or teachers at the middle school level.
  —VOYA February 2005
• [P]rovides very useful suggestions to high school students seeking topics for science projects....[a]dult users attempting to understand debates over gene typing, stem cell research and genetically altered foods may find this a useful, up-to-date review of fundamental issues in biology.
  —Lawrence Looks at Books November 2004
• Joining others in the basics of hard sciences' series is an important guide recommended as a pick for any student of college-level biology including quite a few at the advanced high school level. Students here receive an introduction to the science of biology, an overview of the history and key scientists and concepts involved in the discipline, and a topical arrangement which lends to easy browsing and information retrieval. An outstanding introduction combining simplicity of access with concrete facts.
  —MBR Bookwatch November 2004

Table of Contents:

• Preface
• Acknowledgments
• The Biosphere
• The Evolution of Life
• Cells and Genetics
• Organs and Systems
• A Survey of Organisms
• Humans in the Biosphere
• Investigations
• Appendix A: Investigating Biology on the Internet
• Appendix B: SI Units
• Appendix C: Landmarks in Biology
• Glossary
• Selected Bibliography
• For Further Reading
• Index