Includes index and glossary.

Contents: Introduction: Invitation to biology -- Principles of cellular life: Life's chemical basis -- Molecules of life -- Cell structure -- Ground rules of metabolism -- Where it starts - Photosynthesis -- How cells release chemical energy -- Genetics: DNA structure and function -- From DNA to protein -- Control of gene expression -- How cells reproduce -- Meiosis and sexual reproduction -- Observing patterns in inherited traits -- Human inheritance -- Biotechnology -- Principles of evolution: Evidence of evolution -- Processes of evolution -- Life's origin and early evolution -- Evolution and biodiversity: Viruses, bacteria and archaea -- The protists -- Plant evolution -- Fungi -- Animals I: Major invertebrate groups -- Animals II: The Chordates -- How plants work: Plant tissues -- Plant nutrition and transport -- Plant reproduction and development -- How animals work: Animal tissues and organ systems -- Neural control -- Sensory perception -- Endocrine control -- Structural support and movement -- Circulation -- Immunity -- Respiration -- Digestion and Human Nutrition -- Maintaining the internal environment -- Reproduction and development -- Principles of ecology: Animal behavior -- Population ecology -- Community ecology -- Ecosystems -- The biosphere -- Human effects on the biosphere