For non-majors/mixed biology courses.

An Inquiry Approach that engages students in critical thinking through the use of relatable case studies and more.

With a proven and effective tradition of engaging readers with real-world applications, high-interest case studies, and inquiry-based pedagogy, Biology: Life on Earthfosters a lifetime of discovery and scientific understanding.  Maintaining the conversational, question-and-answer presentation style that has made the text a best-seller, the Eleventh Edition continues to incorporate true and relevant Case Studies throughout each chapter, along with new, more extensive guidance for developing critical thinking skills and scientific literacy. 

MasteringBiology^™ not included. Students, if MasteringBiology is a recommended/mandatory component of the course, please ask your instructor for the correct ISBN and course ID. MasteringBiology should only be purchased when required by an instructor. Instructors, contact your Pearson representative for more information.

MasteringBiology is an online homework, tutorial, and assessment product proven to improve results by helping students quickly master concepts. Students benefit from self-paced tutorials that feature personalized wrong-answer feedback and hints that emulate the office-hour experience and help keep students on track. With a wide range of interactive, engaging, and assignable activities, students are encouraged to actively learn and retain tough course concepts.

Table of Contents

1. An Introduction to Life on Earth

Part I: THE LIFE OF THE 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

Part II: INHERITANCE

9. The Continuity of Life: Cellular Reproduction

10. Patterns of Inheritance

11. DNA: The Molecule of Heredity

12. Gene Expression and Regulation

13. Biotechnology

Part III: EVOLUTION AND DIVERSITY OF LIFE

14. Principles of Evolution

15. How Populations Evolve

16. The Origin of Species

17. The History of Life

18. Systematics: Seeking Order Amid 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

Part IV. BEHAVIOR AND ECOLOGY

25. Animal Behavior

26. Population Growth and Regulation

27. Community Interactions

28. Energy Flow and Nutrient Cycling in Ecosystems

29. Earth’s Diverse Ecosystems

30. Conserving Earth’s Biodiversity

Part V. 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. Defense Against Disease

37. Chemical Control of the Animal Body: The Endocrine System

38. The Nervous System

39. The Senses

40. Action and Support: The Muscles and Skeleton

41. Animal Reproduction

42. Animal Development

Part VI. PLANT ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

43. Plant Anatomy and Nutrient Transport

44. Plant Reproduction and Development

45. Plant Responses to the Environment