Known for its thorough coverage of diversity, animal physiology, ecology, and environmental issues, this comprehensive book engages students in asking and answering questions during the course.   

Biology: Life on Earth helps instructors and students manage a wealth of scientific information in a manner that is both meaningful and long-lasting for students. The authors encourage students to learn according to their own style, and to relate this information to their own lives. In each chapter, the Eighth Edition of this trusted biology resource features significant content revisions as well as new figures and photographs.

Table of Contents

Brief Contents

1      An Introduction to Life on Earth  1

Unit One

The Life of a Cell  

2      Atoms, Molecules, and Life  

3      Biological Molecules  

4      Cell Structure and Function  

5      Cell Membrane Structure and Function

6      Energy Flow in the Life of a Cell  

7      Capturing Solar Energy: Photosynthesis  

8      Harvesting Energy: Glycolysis and Cellular Respiration  

Unit Two

Inheritance  

9      DNA: The Molecule of Heredity  

10    Gene Expression and Regulation  

11    The Continuity of Life: Cellular Reproduction  

12    Patterns of Inheritance  

13    Biotechnology
  

Unit Three

Evolution  

14    Principles of Evolution  

15    How Organisms Evolve  

16    The Origin of Species  

17    The History of Life  

18    Systematics: Seeking Order Amidst Diversity  

19    The Diversity of Prokaryotes and Viruses

20    The Diversity of Protists

21    The Diversity of Plants  

22    The Diversity of Fungi  

23    Animal Diversity I: Invertebrates  

24    Animal Diversity II: Vertebrates  

Unit Four

Behavior and Ecology  

25    Animal Behavior  

26    Population Growth and Regulation  

27    Community Interactions  

28    How Do Ecosystems Work? 

29    Earth’s Diverse Ecosystems

30    Conserving Life on Earth 

Unit Five

Animal Anatomy and Physiology  

31    Homeostasis and the Organization of the Animal Body  

32    Circulation  

33    Respiration  

34    Nutrition and Digestion  

35    The Urinary System  

36    Defenses Against Disease  

37    Chemical Control of the Animal Body: The Endocrine System  

38    The Nervous System and the Senses  

39    Action and Support: The Muscles and Skeleton  

40    Animal Reproduction 

41    Animal Development  

Unit Six

Plant Anatomy and Physiology  

42    Plant Anatomy and Nutrient Transport  

43    Plant Reproduction and Development  

44    Plant Responses to the Environment