Jason L. Worley - Böcker

Biology: A Historical Perspective, Volume II builds on the foundation established in Volume I, continuing the exploration of key scientific concepts and the notable contributions of underrepresented scientists like Heinrich Anton de Bary, Sergei Navashin, Agnes Robertson Arber, and Rebecca Lee Crumpler.This volume is organized into 15 chapters covering a broad spectrum of topics, beginning with fundamental concepts related to the origin and diversification of life, including speciation, macroevolution, and extinction, before delving into systematics and the methods biologists use to trace the phylogenetic history of organisms. The text offers a comprehensive examination of the evolution, general characteristics, and biological diversity across all kingdoms of life, starting with prokaryotes and protists, and concluding with invertebrates, vertebrates, and primates. Additionally, it investigates the origin and evolutionary history of modern humans and the organ systems that sustain human life. The volume concludes with an exploration of population, community, and ecosystem ecology, before addressing biodiversity and its importance to humanity, the current anthropogenic threats it faces, and ongoing conservation efforts aimed at preserving it for future generations.Biology is recommended for both major and non-major courses, providing students with a solid foundation in essential biological concepts while also fostering curiosity and deepening their understanding of the historical perspective of biological science.

Biology: A Historical Perspective, Volume I introduces students to key concepts of the science curriculum and the scientists responsible for the significant discoveries and developments within the discipline. The text also provides readers with a unique historical perspective into the accomplishments of often underrepresented scientists such as Jean Vance, Friedrich Miescher, Walther Flemming, and Edith Rebecca Saunders, among others.Each chapter begins with a brief biographical sketch of a scientist who helped shape the current understanding of a particular scientific concept. The opening chapter introduces science and its main components, including the scientific method. It also defines biology and presents the scientists who were instrumental in classifying life. Additional chapters explore the basic concepts of chemistry, macromolecules, cells, metabolism, and energy flow between organisms. Students learn about the structure of DNA and chromosomes, the cell cycle, theories regarding inheritance, the fixity of species, the Hardy-Weinberg principle, evolution, and more.The revised first edition features small corrections throughout as well as the addition of listed sources at the end of each chapter and a glossary at the end of the book.Biology is the first textbook in a two-volume series that celebrates the scientists behind significant findings and principles. It is ideal for foundational courses in biology.