Product Description

Using an inquiry-based approach, this text emphasises experimentation - those who grasp the experimental underpinnings of biological concepts find it easier to assimilate new information. This second edition has been updated, with new coverage of ecology.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2847075 in Books
• Published on: 2000-08
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 960 pages

Customer Reviews

"Asking about Life" is like one big interesting story about "How Life Works"
This book is like a conversation with Dr. Tobin and Dr. Dusheck: "How do organisms get energy from the sun?", "What is a virus?", "How are tropical rain forests being destroyed?, "What are the risks of recombinant DNA in agriculture?", How do humans learn?", "How do hormones help keep blood glucose at a nearly constant level?".

There are 7 major topics: chemistry and cell biology, genetics, evolution, diversity, ecology, structural and physiological adaptations of both plants and animals. These major topics are being subdivided into several chapters of about 20 pages and each one starts with telling you a story about the people behind the discoveries you're about to read.

This book is written for someone who is new in the field of biological sciences (prior knowledge of biochemistry or physiology is not necessary). So if you're familiar with the structure of DNA and proteins, or with cell and organ functions, you'll read of lot of things you already know but even then, I still think reading this book may give you some extra perspective or insight into the scientific basis of "life".

Excellent as a textbook for an introductory biology course but especially for autodidactic learning.