Biology is grounded in an evolutionary basis and includes exciting features that highlight careers in the biological sciences and everyday applications of the concepts at hand. To meet the needs of today’s instructors and students, some topics have been condensed and combined; for example, phylogenetic trees are presented in the various ways they are currently being developed by scholars, so instructors can adapt their teaching to the approach that works best in their classroom. The book also includes an innovative art program that incorporates critical thinking and clicker questions to help students understand—and apply—key concepts.
Senior Contributors:
Yael Avissar, Rhode Island College, Cell Biology
Jung Choi, Georgia Institute of Technology, Genetics
Jean DeSaix, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Evolution
Vladimir Jurukovski, Suffolk County Community College, Animal Physiology
Robert Wise, University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh, Plant Biology
Connie Rye, East Mississippi Community College, General Content Lead
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Table of Contents
-
The Study of Life
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- Introduction to the Study of Life
- The Science of Biology
- Themes and Concepts of Biology
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The Chemical Foundation of Life
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- Introduction to the Chemical Foundation of Life
- Atoms, Isotopes, Ions, and Molecules: The Building Blocks
- Water
- Carbon
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Biological Macromolecules
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- Introduction to Biological Macromolecules
- Synthesis of Biological Macromolecules
- Carbohydrates
- Lipids
- Proteins
- Nucleic Acids
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Cell Structure
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- Introduction to Cell Structure
- Studying Cells
- Prokaryotic Cells
- Eukaryotic Cells
- The Endomembrane System and Proteins
- The Cytoskeleton
- Connections between Cells and Cellular Activities
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Structure and Function of Plasma Membranes
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- Introduction to Structure and Function of Plasma Membranes
- Components and Structure
- Passive Transport
- Active Transport
- Bulk Transport
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Metabolism
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- Introduction to Metabolism
- Energy and Metabolism
- The Laws of Thermodynamics
- Potential, Kinetic, Free, and Activation Energy
- ATP
- Enzymes
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Cellular Respiration
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- Introduction to Cellular Respiration
- Energy in Living Systems
- Glycolysis
- Oxidation of Pyruvate and the Citric Acid Cycle
- Oxidative Phosphorylation
- Metabolism without Oxygen
- Connections of Carbohydrate, Protein, and Lipid Metabolic Pathways
- Regulation of Cellular Respiration
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Photosynthesis
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- Introduction to Photosynthesis
- Overview of Photosynthesis
- The Light-Dependent Reaction of Photosynthesis
- Using Light to Make Organic Molecules
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Cell Communication
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- Introduction to Cell Communication
- Signaling Molecules and Cellular Receptors
- Propagation of the Signal
- Response to the Signal
- Signaling in Single-Celled Organisms
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Cell Reproduction
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- Introduction to Cell Reproduction
- Cell Division
- The Cell Cycle
- Control of the Cell Cycle
- Cancer and the Cell Cycle
- Prokaryotic Cell Division
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Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction
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- Introduction to Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction
- Process of Meiosis
- Sexual Reproduction
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Mendel's Experiments and Heredity
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- Introduction to Mendel's Experiments and Heredity
- Mendel’s Experiments and the Laws of Probability
- Characteristics and Traits
- Laws of Inheritance
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Modern Understandings of Inheritance
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- Introduction to Modern Understandings of Inheritance
- Chromosomal Theory and Sex Chromosomes
- Genetic Linkages and Distances
- Chromosomal Basis of Inherited Disorders
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DNA Structure and Function
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- Introduction to DNA Structure and Function
- Historical Experiments to Modern Understanding
- DNA Structure and Sequencing
- Basics of DNA Structure and Replication
- DNA Replication in Prokaryotes
- DNA Replication in Eukaryotes
- DNA Repair
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Genes and Proteins
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- Introduction to Genes and Proteins
- Genes and Their Functions
- The Genetic Code
- Prokaryotic Transcription
- Eukaryotic Transcription
- RNA Processing in Eukaryotes
- Ribosomes and Protein Synthesis
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Gene Expression
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- Introduction to Gene Expression
- Regulation of Gene Expression
- Prokaryotic Regulation
- Eukaryotic Regulation
- Eukaryotic Transcription Control
- Eukaryotic Postranscriptional Control
- Eukaryotic Translational and Post-translational Control
- Cancer and Gene Regulation
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Biotechnology and Genomics
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- Introduction to Biotechnology and Genomics
- Biotechnology
- Mapping Genomes
- Whole-Genome Sequencing
- Categorizing Genomes: Achaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya
- Genomics and Proteomics
- Applying Genomics
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Evolution and the Origin of Species
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- Introduction to Evolution and the Origin of Species
- Darwin and Natural Selection
- Patterns and the Process of Evolution
- Evidence for Evolution
- Misconceptions and Criticisms of Evolution
- Evolving New Species and The Role of Reproduction
- Forming a New Species
- Reconnection and Rates of Speciation
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The Evolution of Populations
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- Introduction to the Evolution of Populations
- The Development of Evolutionary Theory
- Changes in Allele Frequency
- Generation and Maintenance of Population Variation
- Adaptive Evolution
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Phylogenies and the History of Life
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- Introduction to Phylogenies and the History of Life
- Organizing Life on Earth
- Determining Evolutionary Relationships
- Perspectives on the Phylogenetic Tree
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Viruses
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- Introduction to Viruses
- Virus Morphology
- The Diversity of Viruses
- Virus Replication Cycles
- Prions and Viroids
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Prokaryotes: Bacteria and Archaea
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- Introduction to Prokaryotes: Bacteria and Archaea
- Prokaryotic Diversity
- Structure of Prokaryotes
- Prokaryotic Metabolism
- Bacterial Diseases in Humans
- Beneficial Prokaryotes
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Protists
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- Introduction to Protists
- Eukaryotic Origins
- Characteristics of Protists
- Groups of Protists
- Functions of Protists
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Fungi
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- Introduction to Fungi
- Characteristics of Fungi
- Classification of Fungi
- Ecology of Fungi
- Fungal Parasites and Pathogens
- Importance of Fungi
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Seedless Plants
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- Introduction to Seedless Plants
- The Plant Kingdom
- The Green Algae are Precursors of Land Plants
- Bryophytes Lack Tracheids and Roots
- Seedless Vascular Plants Include Ferns and Other Related Plants
- The Importance of Seedless Vascular Plants
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Seed Plants
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- Introduction to Seed Plants
- Evolution of Seed Plants
- Gymnosperms
- Angiosperms
- The Role of Seed Plants
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Introduction to Animal Diversity
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- Introduction to Animal Diversity
- Features Of The Animal Kingdom
- Features That Classify Animals
- Animal Phylogeny
- Evolution Of The Animal Kingdom
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Invertebrates
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- Introduction to Invertebrates
- Animals that lack true tissues- Phylum Porifera
- Phylum Cnidaria
- Phylum Ctenophora
- Phylum Platyhelminthes
- Phylum Nematoda
- Phylum Rotifera
- Distinction between coelomates
- Phylum Nemertea
- Phylum Mollusca
- Phylum Annelida
- Phylum Arthropoda
- Phylum Echinodermata
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Vertebrates
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- Introduction to Vertebrates
- Chordates
- Fishes
- Amphibians
- Reptiles
- Birds
- Mammals
- The Evolution of the Primates
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Plant Form and Physiology
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- Introduction to Plant Form and Physiology
- The Plant Body
- Stems
- Roots
- Leaves
- Transport in Plants
- Plant Sensory Systems and Responses
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Soil and Plant Nutrition
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- Introduction to Soil and Plant Nutrition
- Nutritional Requirements of Plants
- The Soil
- Nutritional Adaptations of Plants
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Plant Reproduction
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- Introduction to Plant Reproduction
- Reproductive Development and Structures
- Pollination and Fertilization
- Asexual Reproduction
- Plant Lifespans
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The Animal Body: Basic Form and Function
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- Introduction to the Animal Body: Basic Form and Function
- Animal Form and Function
- Animal Primary Tissues
- Vertebrate Animal Organ Systems
- Homeostasis
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Animal Nutrition and the Digestive System
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- Introduction to Animal Nutrition and the Digestive System
- Types of Digestive Systems
- Parts of the Digestive System
- The Animal Diet
- How Diet and Digestion Produce Energy
- Digestive System Processes
- Digestive System Regulation
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The Nervous System
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- Introduction to the Nervous System
- Neurons and Glia
- How Neurons Communicate
- The Central Nervous System
- The Peripheral Nervous System
- Nervous System Disorders
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Sensory Systems and Movement
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- Introduction to Sensory Systems and Movement
- Sensory Processes
- Somatosensation
- Gustation and Olfaction
- Audition and Vestibular Sensation
- Vision
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The Endocrine System
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- Introduction to the Endocrine System
- Types of Hormones
- How Hormones Work
- Regulation of Body Processes
- Regulation of Hormone Production
- Endocrine Glands
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The Musculoskeletal System
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- Introduction to the Musculoskeletal System
- Types of Skeletal Systems
- Bone
- Joints and Skeletal Movement
- Muscle Contraction and Locomotion
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The Respiratory System
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- Introduction to The Respiratory System
- Organs of Gas Exchange
- Gas Exchange across Respiratory Surfaces
- Breathing and the Lungs
- Transport of Gases in Body Fluids
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The Circulatory System
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- Introduction to the Circulatory System
- Overview of the Circulatory System
- Components of the Blood
- The Heart and Blood Vessels
- Blood Flow and Blood Pressure Regulation
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Osmotic Regulation and Excretion
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- Introduction to Osmotic Regulation and Excretion
- Osmoregulation and Osmotic Balance
- The Kidneys and Osmoregulatory Organs
- Excretion Systems
- Nitrogenous Wastes
- Hormonal Control of Osmoregulatory Functions
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The Immune System
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- Introduction to the Immune System
- Innate Immune Response
- Adaptive Immune Response
- Antibodies
- Disruptions in the Immune System
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Animal Reproduction and Development
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- Introduction to Animal Reproduction and Development
- Reproduction Methods
- Fertilization
- Reproductive Anatomy and Gametogenesis
- Hormonal Control of Human Reproduction
- Human Pregnancy and Birth
- Processes of Development
- Vertebrate Formation and Organogenesis
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Ecology and the Biosphere
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- Introduction to Ecology and the Biosphere
- The Scope of Ecology
- Biogeography
- Terrestrial Biomes
- Aquatic Biomes
- Climate and the Effects of Global Climate Change
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Population and Community Ecology
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- Introduction to Population and Community Ecology
- Population Demography
- Life Histories and Natural Selection
- Environmental Limits to Population Growth
- Population Dynamics and Regulation
- Human Population Growth
- Community Ecology
- Behavioral Biology - Proximal and Ultimate Causes of Behavior
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Ecosystems
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- Introduction to Ecosystems
- Ecology for Ecosystems
- Energy Flow through Ecosystems
- Biogeochemical Cycles
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Conservation Biology and Biodiversity
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- Introduction to Conservation Biology and Biodiversity
- The Biodiversity Crisis
- The Importance of Biodiversity
- Threats to Biodiversity
- Preserving Biodiversity
Learning Resources
-
Wiley Plus for Biology-Fall 2013 Pilot
WileyPLUS provides an engaging online environment for effective teaching and learning. WileyPLUS builds students’ confidence because it takes the guesswork out of studying by providing a clear roadmap; what to do, how to do it, and if they did it right. With WileyPLUS, students take more initiative. Therefore, the course has has a greater impact on their learning experience. Adaptive tools provide students with a personal, adaptive learning experience so they can build their proficiency on topics and use their study time most effectively. Please let us know if you would like to participate in a Fall 2013 Pilot.
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Biology Powerpoint Slides (faculty only)
The PowerPoint slides are based on the extensive illustrations from College Physics. They can be edited, incorporated into lecture notes, and you are free to share with anyone in the community. This is a restricted item requiring faculty registration. NOTE: This file is very large and may take some time to download. Available Summer 2013.
- SimBio (Laboratory)
SimBio’s interactive modules (virtual labs and interactive tutorials and chapters) provide engaging, discovery-based learning tools that complement many of the chapters of Concepts of Biology. SimBio is best known for their EcoBeaker® and EvoBeaker® suites of simulated ecology and evolution laboratories that guide students through the “discovery” of important concepts via a mix of structured and open-ended experimentation on simulated systems. In response to popular demand, SimBio has begun applying the same powerful approaches to topics in cell biology, genetics, and neurobiology. All of SimBio’s modules include instant-feedback questions that enhance student comprehension and auto-graded questions that facilitate implementation.
Errata
OpenStax College prides itself on the accuracy of its textbooks. However, errors do occasionally occur. Building on the community-oriented nature of this project, we invite you to peruse the list of errata and to suggest corrections that we should make.
To view the errata list or suggest a correction, click here.