Biology for Dummies

An updated edition of the ultimate guide to understanding biology
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, 2nd Edition answers all your questions about how living things work.
Written in plain English and packed with dozens of illustrations, quick-reference
Cheat Sheets, and helpful tables and diagrams, it cuts right to the chase with fast-paced, easy-to-absorb explanations of the life processes common to all organisms.
More than 20% new and updated content, including a substantial overhaul to the organization of topics to make it a friendly classroom supplement
Coverage of the most recent developments and discoveries in evolutionary, reproductive, and ecological biology
Includes practical, up-to-date examples
Whether you're currently enrolled in a biology class or just want to know more about this fascinating and ever-evolving field of study, this engaging guide will give you a grip on complex biology concepts and unlock the mysteries of how life works in no time.

Rene Fester Kratz, PhD, is a Biology Instructor at Everett Community College and a member of the North Cascades and Olympic Science Partnership.
Donna Rae Siegfried has been published in Prevention, Runner's World, Men's Health, and Organic Gardening.

Introduction.
Part I: Biology Basics.
Chapter 1: Exploring the Living World.
Chapter 2: How Life Is Studied.
Chapter 3: The Chemistry of Life.
Chapter 4: The Living Cell.
Chapter 5: Acquiring Energy to Run the Motor.
Part II: Cell Reproduction and Genetics: Let's Talk about Sex, Baby.
Chapter 6: Dividing to Conquer: Cell Division.
Chapter 7: Making Mendel Proud: Understanding Genetics.
Chapter 8: Reading the Book of Life: DNA and Proteins.
Chapter 9: Engineering the Code: DNA Technology.
Part III: It’s a Small, Interconnected World.
Chapter 10: Biodiversity and Classifi cation.
Chapter 11: Observing How Organisms Get Along.
Chapter 12: Evolving Species in an Ever-Changing World.
Part IV: Systems Galore! Animal Structure and Function.
Chapter 13: Pondering the Principles of Physiology.
Chapter 14: Moving and Shaking: Skeletal and Muscular Systems.
Chapter 15: Going with the Flow: Respiratory and Circulatory Systems.
Chapter 16: Checking Out the Plumbing: Animal Digestive and Excretory Systems.
Chapter 17: Fighting Back: Human Defenses.
Chapter 18: The Nervous and Endocrine Systems, Messengers Extraordinaire.
Chapter 19: Reproduction 101: Making More Animals.
Part V: It’s Not Easy Being Green: Plant Structure and Function.
Chapter 20: Living the Life of a Plant.
Chapter 21: Probing into Plant Physiology.
Part VI: The Par t of Tens.
Chapter 22: Ten Great Biology Discoveries.
Chapter 23: Ten Ways Biology Affects Your Life.
Index.