Cambridge Social Biology Topics – serie

This book, first published in 1984, opens with a consideration of crops in general and goes on to examine specific crops such as wheat, rye and barley. The author then considers various types of farming, using settled agriculture, crop rotation and intensive systems as his examples. This is followed by a chapter on grass conservation and then by a detailed discussion of various types of livestock. The next chapter is devoted to problems of land reclamation. Finally, the author considers several subjects which are currently the source of debate and controversy. These include hedgerows, the use of chemical fertilisers and the provision of recreational areas.

This book opens with a description of the human reproductive system followed by accounts of fertilisation and development from puberty through to menopause. Information on pregnancy, birth control, infertility, twins and other aspects of reproductive study is included. Ageing and the problems arising from the process are considered. This is followed by demographic methods and population changes both in the UK and in other countries. Some comparisons are made with animal populations and the problems of population growth are discussed.

First published in 1990, this book provides a broad coverage of the subject of human nutrition. Starting with a discussion of the basic chemistry or the major food substances it goes on to deal with the digestion, absorption and metabolism of food and with the normal and abnormal functioning of the major organs involved in metabolism. The concept of a balanced diet is discussed in detail and the special dietary requirements of various human groups are considered together with the problems of over- and under-nutrition. The final chapter covers the ways in which we deal with food from production to consumption.

This series in intended for those students following advanced level social biology and related syllabuses. Each text deals with a specific topic area and the series as a whole provides a stimulating introduction to a subject of growing importance. The control of disease and the active encouragement of good health is a major priority of nations worldwide. This book gives a detailed study of a number of diseases and health problems from which common themes and underlying principles emerge. Details of transmission, treatment and control are covered as well as epidemiology and sociooeconomic factors - particularly the implications of AIDS. Topics range from infectious diseases, pulmonary disease and malaria to immunology, transplantation and physical fitness.

This is a comprehensive account of the behaviour and social organisation of humans and other animals. The development and evolution of all types of behaviour are reviewed using up-to-date examples. There is a full survey of all the classic behavioural research including the latest information available. The concepts of aggression and altruism are explained. there are detailed accounts of social organisation in insect and ape communities. Finally, the book discusses human behaviour and social organisation: the development of individuals within society and the biological and cultural bases of human social behaviour are examined.

This series of A-level social biology topic books responds to the changing demands of social biology syllabuses, with each text dealing with a particular area of interest. Although the series is primarily intended for students of A-level social biology, the books will appeal to students studying a wide range of biological subjects at A-level. Environmental Concerns covers topics common to several A-level human and social biology syllabuses. It is particularly relevant to the human ecology and conservation options. The text focuses on the social and economic implications of current ecological issues as well as the basic biological concepts involved. It deals with the causes, effects and prevention of atmospheric and water pollution as well as with the disruption of ecosystems by changes in land use. The conflict of interests between conservation and exploitation is discussed, along with management techniques including the controversial method of culling to maintain diversity. The moral and aesthetic aspects of conservation and management are emphasised throughout, in addition to the scientific background of these techniques.

This introductory textbook covers the biochemical, behavioural and social factors which influence the mind. It discusses all major groups of drugs which are commonly misused, including drugs normally available only on prescription, hallucinogenic drugs, narcotics, and socially acceptable drugs such as caffeine and nicotine. Alcohol, as the most widely used drug of abuse in most developed countries, is considered in detail: the biological effects of alcohol, the problems resulting from alcohol use, and the means by which alcohol abuse can be controlled, are all discussed. The final chapters deal with mental health and mental illness. An excellent introduction to the topic for advanced school and beginning undergraduate biology students.