Synopses & Reviews
Gene therapy. Forensic DNA profiling. Biochemistry. Biotechnology. Cloning. Stem Cells. Super Bugs. Genetically modified food. Botany. Zoology. Sex. The study of life and living organisms is ancient, broad and ongoing. Biology combines the Greek word for life, bios, with the suffix -ology, or science/study/knowledge of. The new, completely revised and updated
The Handy Biology Answer Book, examines, explains, and traces mankind's understanding of this important topic.
This handy reference is the go-to guide for students and the more learned alike. It answers questions in plain English on all aspects of human, animal, plant, and microbial biology. It also introduces the scientists behind the breathtaking advances. Easy to use and a friendly reference source, The Handy Biology Answer Book explains the workings of cell structures, bacteria, viruses, fungi, plant and animal characteristics and diversity, endangered plants and animals, evolution, adaption and the environment, DNA and chromosomes, genetics and genetic engineering, laboratory techniques, and much more.
From the newsworthy to the practical and from the medical to the historical, this entertaining and informative book brings the complexity of life into focus through the well-researched answers to more than 1,250 common biology questions, such as and#133;
What is life?
How many different species are on Earth?
Why do you need protein in your diet?
Why is stem cell research controversial?
Do animals suffer from allergies just like humans?
What is the Human Genome Project?
Why do birds fly in formation?
Can the environment affect genes?
Whatand#8217;s the difference between antibiotics and antibacterials?
Do bacteria get addicted to caffeine?
What famous childrenand#8217;s author studied and drew illustrations of fungi?
How is a fairy ring formed?
What was the historical significance of hemp?
How are seedless grapes grown?
What is the most expensive spice in the world?
What is social Darwinism?
What do the numbers inside the recycling symbol on plastic containers mean?
Is IQ genetically controlled?
What are vitamins and minerals?
Why are carbohydrates a major part of the human diet?
Can animals suffer from psychological disorders?
Review
"Written in the question/answer format that is typical of inquisitive adolescents, the authors introduce the field of biology as well as the many careers within the field. The authors recognize that their book contains highlights spanning the breadth of biology and#133;.
The Handy Biology Answer Book is a great place to start and it ends with an excellent recommendation to pursue your favorite topic." and#151;
National Science Teachers Association Recommends"and#133; a miscellany of very brief answers to some interesting and surprising questions about topics in the biological sciences. and#133;write[n] in a lay conversational style, appropriate for general readers, and the questions addressed are consistently interesting. and#133; Recommended." and#150; Choice
"...diligently updated and revised...More than 100 black-and-white pictures, diagrams, and charts grace this reference book, adding support to numerous topics. A vast glossary defining key terminology, suggested books, websites, news sites, and a detailed index conclude this helpful and inviting book." and#150; School Library Journal
"The Handy Biology Answer Book...is the ultimate reference guide to life science." and#151;Bella Online
"Everything youand#8217;ve always wanted to know about biology (and probably much more) has been asked and answered in this informative, engrossing and entertaining book." and#151;University of Pittsburgh
"This book best serves public libraries and high school media centers. These students as well as the general public will find the text engaging and the material useful." and#151;ARBA
Synopsis
Easy to use and friendly guide explains the inner workings of cells, bacteria, viruses, fungi, plants, animals, as well as evolution, the environment, DNA and chromosomes, genetics and genetic engineering, laboratory techniques, and much, much more. Gene therapy. Forensic DNA profiling. Biochemistry. Biotechnology. Cloning. Stem Cells. Super Bugs. Genetically modified food. Botany. Zoology. Sex. The study of life and living organisms is ancient, broad, and ongoing. Biology combines the Greek word for life, bios, with the suffix -ology, or science/study/knowledge of. The new, completely revised and updated The Handy Biology Answer Book examines, explains, and traces mankind's understanding of this important topic.
From the newsworthy to the practical and from the medical to the historical, this entertaining and informative book brings the complexity of life into focus through the well-researched answers to more than 1,250 common biology questions, such as ... What is life? Why do you need protein in your diet? Do animals suffer from allergies just like humans? What is the Human Genome Project? Why do birds fly in formation? Can the environment affect genes? Do bacteria get addicted to caffeine? What was the historical significance of hemp? How are seedless grapes grown? What is social Darwinism? Can animals suffer from psychological disorders?
The Handy Biology Answer Book has clear, concise answers to questions on everything from genetics to the anatomy of cells to the emotional life of elephants, and from the environment and ecology to human biology and evolution. It's a must-have for any student of life With many photos, illustrations, and other graphics, this tome is richly illustrated. Its helpful bibliography and extensive index add to its usefulness.
Synopsis
Gene Therapy. DNA Profiling. Cloning. Stem Cells. Super Bugs. Botany. Zoology. Sex.The study of life and living organisms is ancient, broad, and ongoing. The thoroughly revised and completely updated second edition of The Handy Biology Answer Book examines, explains, and traces mankindand#8217;s understanding of this important topic. From the newsworthy to the practical and from the medical to the historical, this entertaining and informative book brings the complexity of life into focus through the well-researched answers to nearly 1,300 common biology questions, including and#133;
andbull; What is social Darwinism?
andbull; Is IQ genetically controlled?
andbull; Do animals commit murder?
andbull; How did DNA help and#147;discoverand#8221; King Richard III?
andbull; Is obesity inherited?
The Handy Biology Answer Book covers all aspects of human, animal, plant, and microbial biology. It also introduces the scientists behind the breathtaking advances, tracing scientific history and milestones. It explains the inner workings of cells, as well as bacteria, viruses, fungi, plant and animal characteristics and diversity, endangered plants and animals, evolution, adaption and the environment, DNA and chromosomes, genetics and genetic engineering, laboratory techniques, and much more. This handy reference is the go-to guide for students and the more learned alike. Itand#8217;s for anyone interested in life!
About the Author
Patricia Barnes-Svarney is a science and science fiction writer. Over the past few decades, she has written or coauthored more than 35 books, including Visible Ink Pressand#8217; The Handy Dinosaur Answer Book, The Handy Math Answer Book, and The Handy Ocean Answer Book. She is the author of When the Earth Moves: Rogue Earthquakes, Tremors, and Aftershocks, and she was also the editor/author of the award-winning New York Public Library Science Desk Reference.
Thomas E. Svarney is a scientist who has written extensively about the natural world. His books, with Patricia Barnes-Svarney, include Visible Ink Pressand#8217; The Handy Dinosaur Answer Book, The Handy Math Answer Book, and The Handy Ocean Answer Book, and he is also the author of Skies of Fury: Weather Weirdness around the World and The Oryx Guide to Natural History.
They live in Endicott, New York.