Includes bibliographical references (p. [249]-250) and index.

The Biosphere -- From Organisms to Ecosystems -- Changing Populations -- The Evolution of Life -- Explaining Changes over Time -- Explaining Geographic Similarities and Differences -- Evolution by Natural Selection -- Adaptations and Survival -- The Human Species -- The Origin of Life -- Cells and Genetics -- The Study of Cells -- Explaining Variations -- Inheritance and Evolution -- DNA, RNA, and Protein -- Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology -- Organs and Systems -- From Cells to Organ Systems -- Using and Distributing Materials in the Body -- Shielding and Supporting the Body -- Sending Chemical and Electrical Signals in the Body -- Creating a New Individual -- A Survey of Organisms -- The Beginnings of Classification -- The Five-Kingdom System -- Humans in the Biosphere -- Human Population Growth -- Human Effects on Natural Resources -- Science as a Human Endeavor -- The Future of the Biosphere -- Investigations -- The Biosphere -- The Evolution of Life -- Cells and Genetics -- Organs and Systems -- A Survey of Organisms -- Humans in the Biosphere -- Investigating Biology on the Internet -- Units of Measurement: Metric System and English System -- Landmarks in Biology.

This volume provides students an introduction to the science of biology. It details the history of biology, as well as many of the field's basic theories and concepts for students. It demonstrates the modern tools and techniques that biologists use today. The book presents the most noteworthy discoveries in biology, including those that affect our daily lives, and easy experiments are provided for students to replicate for biology assignments or their own personal study.