Concepts of Biology, Third Edition, recognizes the value of the traditional approach
while still engaging students in the excitement of relevancy to themselves and the
world around them. The text abounds with analogies and engaging illustrations as it
proceeds from an examination of chemistry to the biosphere.
A significant new feature of this edition is the integration of media assets into the
chapter content. Virtually every section of the textbook is now linked to MP3 files,
3D and 2D animations of biological processes, and National Geographic and
ScienCentral videos. In addition, McGraw-Hill offers a full suite of adaptive learning
tools including LearnSmart, LearnSmart Labs, LearnSmart Prep, LearnSmart
Achieve, and SmartBook, all designed to assess a student’s existing knowledge base
and then adapt to address any deficiencies (see pages xii-xiii).
The conceptual approach of this text is apparent in its organization. Concepts of Biology is organized around the five
major theories of biology: The Cell Theory, The Gene Theory, The Theory of Homeostasis, The Theory of Ecosystems,
and The Theory of Evolution. The evolutionary theme was strengthened this edition to show the relevancy of the
evolutionary approach. Natural selection, for example explains how resistance occurs among bacteria as well as
pests, and common descent explains why the same genes, such as Hox genes, are found in organisms as different as
bacteria, plants, and humans. Today, an understanding of evolution is assisting researchers in numerous fields from
molecular biology to ecological restoration. To be consistent with this trend, the explanatory power of evolution has
been increased in the running text, the chapter introductions, and the applications.
The revised introductions are now entitled “Looking at Life.” Their varied topics illustrate how biology pertains to
the life of organisms, including humans. The many applications in this text reflect its major themes: evolution,
relevancy, and the scientific process. Like all parts of this text, the introductions and applications encourage a conceptual understanding of life.
2014