The ultimate guide to understanding biology
Have you ever wondered how the food you eat becomes the energy your body needs to keep going? The theory of evolution says that humans and chimps descended from a common ancestor, but does it tell us how and why? We humans are insatiably curious creatures who can’t help wondering how things work–starting with our own bodies. Wouldn’t it be great to have a single source of quick answers to all our questions about how living things work? Now there is.
From molecules to animals, cells to ecosystems, Biology For Dummies answers all your questions about how living things work. Written in plain English and packed with dozens of enlightening illustrations, this reference guide covers the most recent developments and discoveries in evolutionary, reproductive, and ecological biology. It’s also complemented with lots of practical, up-to-date examples to bring the information to life.
* Discover how living things work
* Think like a biologist and use scientific methods
* Understand lifecycle processes
Whether you’re enrolled in a biology class or just want to know more about this fascinating and ever-evolving field of study, Biology For Dummies will help you unlock the mysteries of how life works.
Table of Content
Introduction 1
Part 1: Biology Basics 5
Chapter 1: Exploring the Living World 7
Chapter 2: How Life Is Studied 13
Chapter 3: The Chemistry of Life 29
Chapter 4: The Living Cell 49
Chapter 5: Acquiring Energy to Run the Motor 67
Part 2: Let’s Talk about Sex, Baby: Cell Reproduction and Genetics 81
Chapter 6: Dividing to Conquer: Cell Division 83
Chapter 7: Making Mendel Proud: Understanding Genetics 103
Chapter 8: Reading the Book of Life: DNA and Proteins 119
Chapter 9: Engineering the Code: DNA Technology 135
Part 3: It’s a Small, Interconnected World 155
Chapter 10: Exploring the Living World: Biodiversity and Classification 157
Chapter 11: Observing How Organisms Get Along 173
Chapter 12: Evolving Species in an Ever-Changing World 197
Part 4: Systems Galore! Animal Structure and Function 217
Chapter 13: Pondering the Principles of Physiology 219
Chapter 14: Moving and Shaking: Skeletal and Muscular Systems 227
Chapter 15: Going with the Flow: Respiratory and Circulatory Systems 239
Chapter 16: Checking Out the Plumbing: Animal Digestive and Excretory Systems 259
Chapter 17: Fighting Back: Human Defenses 277
Chapter 18: The Nervous and Endocrine Systems, Messengers Extraordinaire 295
Chapter 19: Reproduction 101: Making More Animals 313
Part 5: It’s Not Easy Being Green: Plant Structure and Function 337
Chapter 20: Living the Life of a Plant 339
Chapter 21: Probing into Plant Physiology 351
Part 6: The Part of Tens 361
Chapter 22: Ten Great Biology Discoveries 363
Chapter 23: Ten Ways Biology Affects Your Life 369
Index 375
About the author
René Fester Kratz, Ph D, teaches biology at Everett Community College. Dr. Kratz holds a Ph D in Botany from the University of Washington. She works with other scientists and K-12 teachers to develop science curricula that align with national learning standards and the latest research on human learning.
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