Synopses & Reviews
This text presents the key concepts and applications of biology in an engaging, logical, and clear manner. Because of the nature of biology, each edition of this text has undergone a major revision. Accordingly, the Eighth Edition has been substantially revised, as well. With the help of 300 researchers, the text continues to reflect the latest changes in biology. Its organizational enhancements continue to improve the text's flow. The book also continues to pay close attention to new applications in the field in order to hold students' interests. This edition contains many new conceptual illustrations that help students visualize difficult concepts and complicated structures.
Description
1323171 System requirements: CD-ROM drive. Includes bibliographical references and indexes.
About the Author
For the past two decades, Cecie Starr has been known as one of the best-selling biology textbook authors. Her texts, appreciated for their clarity in both the written word and the visual representation of biological concepts, include multiple editions of BIOLOGY: THE UNITY AND DIVERSITY OF LIFE, BIOLOGY: CONCEPTS AND APPLICATIONS, and BIOLOGY TODAY AND TOMORROW. Her original dream was to become an architect. Instead of building houses, she now builds, with care and attention to detail, incredible texts based on this philosophy: "I invite students into a chapter through an intriguing story. Once inside, they get the great windows that biologists construct on the world of life. Biology is not just another house. It is a conceptual mansion. I hope to do it justice." Ralph Taggart, Former Chair of Biological Sciences at Michigan State University, Ralph Taggert is now the chair of Geological Sciences. Professor Taggart, known for his outstanding research in Paleobotany, has taught the general biology course for over 20 years.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION. 1. Methods and Concepts in Biology. I. PRINCIPLES OF CELLULAR LIFE. 2. Chemical Foundations for Cells. 3. Carbon Compounds in Cells. 4. Cell Structure and Function. 5. A Closer Look at Cell Membranes. 6. Ground Rules of Metabolism. 7. Energy-Acquiring Pathways. 8. Energy-Releasing Pathways. II. PRINCIPLES OF INHERITANCE. 9. Cell Division and Mitosis. 10. Meiosis. 11. Observable Patterns of Inheritance. 12. Chromosomes and Human Genetics. 13. DNA Structure and Function. 14. From DNA to Proteins. 15. Control of Gene Expression. 16. Recombinant DNA and Genetic Engineering. 17. Emergence of Evolutionary Thought. 18. Microevolution. 19. Speciation. 20. The Macroevolutionary Puzzle. IV. EVOLUTION AND DIVERSITY. 21. The Origin and Evolution of Life. 22. Bacteria and Viruses. 23. Protistans. 24. Fungi. 25. Plants. 26. Animals: The Invertebrates. 27. Animals: The Vertebrates. 28. Human Evolution: A Case Study. V. PLANT STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION. 29. Plant Tissues. 30. Plant Nutrition and Transport. 31. Plant Reproduction. 32. Plant Growth and Development. VI. ANIMAL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION. 33. Tissues, Organ Systems, and Homeostasis. 34. Information Flow and the Neuron. 35. Neural Control. 36. The Senses. 37. Endocrine Control. 38. Protection, Support and Movement. 39. Circulation. 40. Immunity. 41. Respiration. 42. Digestion and Human Nutrition. 43. Control of Solutes, Water, and Temperature. 44. Principles of Reproduction and Development. 45. Human Reproduction and Development. VII. ECOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR. 46. Population Ecology. 47. Community Interactions. 48. Ecosystems. 49. The Biosphere. 50. Human Impact on the Biosphere. 51. An Evolutionary View of Behavior. 52. Social Behavior.