PREFACE

This book invites students into the world of life and includes theorethical information on basic principles of organization of life, cell, genetics, evolution, botany, zoology, human biology and biodiversity.

The consideration of basic principles of living beings and biotic processes is accompanied by observation of physical and chemical processes and approaches. As important parts of biology are briefly analyzed biomolecular, cellular and genetics backgrounds followed by consequent overview of the main groups of organisms.

The botanical chapters are supplemented by test questions concerning plant anatomy and physiology, plant form and function, plant reproduction and development, nutrition and transport, plant responses to the environment, common characteristics of microorganisms and fungi. It focuses on how the plants function and the consequences in ecological and evolutionary time. The book contains as well the anatomy and the physiology of the main representatives of zoological phylum which are shown in the classification chart of the animal kingdom. The book includes information on the structure of animal body, systems of circulation, respiration, nutrition and digestion, nervous system and senses, reproduction, animal development and behavior. The popular phylum-by-phylum approach has been retained providing a solid conceptual framework. Phylogenetic descriptions and review of each phylum before it is studied help students understand the relationships among animals and the animal diversity. Etymon for each phylum name helps students understand the terms: pronunciation guide is included to help students learn new terminology quickly. Separately are considered elements of Human Biology. Each unit of the book begins with an outline of the topics and the concepts that lie ahead. Major headings help students to navigate the concept based module which links logically together. At the end of each chapter there are test questions which prompt students to check their understanding.

The book has clear writing style. New terms (and important comments), summary and conclusions (in fold face), type for quick-reference are highlighted. The book contains classification tables and material concerning state of art of the contemporary biosphere.

Date: 2014-12-22; view: 856