Biology: Life on Earth with Physiology » (8th Edition)

Terry and Gerry Audesirk grew up in New Jersey, where they met as undergraduates. After marrying in 1970, they moved to California, where Terry earned her doctorate in marine ecology at the University of Southern California and Gerry earned his doctorate in neurobiology at the California Institute of Technology. As postdoctoral students at the University of Washington's marine laboratories, they worked together on the neural bases of behavior, using a marine mollusk as a model system.

Terry and Gerry are now professors of biology at the University of Colorado at Denver, where they have taught introductory biology and neurobiology since 1982. In their research lab, funded by the National Institutes of Health, they investigate the mechanisms by which neurons are harmed by low levels of environmental pollutants.

Terry and Gerry share a deep appreciation of nature and of the outdoors. They enjoy hiking in the Rockies, running near their home in the foothills west of Denver, and attempting to garden at 7000 feet in the presence of hungry deer and elk. They are long-time members of many conservation organizations. Their daughter, Heather, has added another focus to their lives.

Bruce E. Byers, a midwesterner transplanted to the hills of western Massachusetts, is a professor in the biology department at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He's been a member of the faculty at UMass (where he also completed his doctoral degree) since 1993. Bruce teaches introductory biology courses for both nonmajors and majors; he also teaches courses in ornithology and animal behavior.

A lifelong fascination with birds ultimately led Bruce to scientific exploration of avian biology. His current research focuses on the behavioral ecology of birds, especially on the function and evolution of the vocal signals that birds use to communicate. The pursuit of vocalizations often takes Bruce outdoors, where he can be found before dawn, tape recorder in hand, awaiting the first songs of a new day.

The number of biology-related issues in our society is growing constantly. This book helps readers digest a wealth of scientific information with relevant references and examples. Includes new Links to Life feature–ends each chapter on a relevant note with short, informally written segments on familiar topics, such as “Health Food.” Contains Earth Watch, Health Watch, and Scientific Inquiry Essays that introduce readers to the exploration of key environmental and health-related issues. Features a striking illustration program with consistent, strategic use of color, revised multi-part figures, and updated labels and captions. A fascinating reference for anyone interested in learning more about biological issues in our world.

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