"Concepts of Biology", Third Edition, recognizes the value of the traditional approach while still engaging students in the excitement of relevancy to themselves and the world around them. The text abounds with analogies and engaging illustrations as it proceeds from an examination of chemistry to the biosphere.
A significant new feature of this edition is the integration of media assets into the chapter content. Virtually every section of the textbook is now linked to MP3 files, 3D and 2D animations of biological processes, and National Geographic and ScienCentral videos. In addition, McGraw-Hill offers a full suite of adaptive learning tools including LearnSmart, LearnSmart Labs, LearnSmart Prep, LearnSmart Achieve, and SmartBook, all designed to assess a student's existing knowledge base and then adapt to address any deficiencies (see pages xii-xiii).
The conceptual approach of this text is apparent in its organization. "Concepts of Biology" is organized around the five major theories of biology : The Cell Theory, The Gene Theory, The Theory of Homeostasis, The Theory of Ecosystems, and The Theory of Evolution. The evolutionary theme was strengthened this edition to show the relevancy of the evolutionary approach. Natural selection, for example explains how resistance occurs among bacteria as well as pests, and common descent explains why the same genes, such as Hox genes, are found in organisms as different as bacteria, plants, and humans. Today, an understanding of evolution is assisting researchers in numerous fields from molecular biology to ecological restoration. To be consistent with this trend, the explanatory power of evolution has been increased in the running text, the chapter introductions, and the applications.
The revised introductions are now entitled "Looking at Life." Their varied topics illustrate how biology pertains to the life of organisms, including humans. The many applications in this text reflect its major themes : evolution, relevancy, and the scientific process. Like all parts of this text, the introductions and applications encourage a conceptual understanding of life.
Unit 1 Organisms are Composed of Cells
Unit 2 Genes Control the Traits of Organisms
Unit 3 Organisms are Related and Adapted to Their Environment
Unit 4 Plants are Homeostatic
Unit 5 Animals are Homeostatic
Unit 6 Organisms Live in Ecosystems