Easy to use and friendly guide explains the inner workings of cells, bacteria, viruses, fungi, plants, animals, as well as evolution, the environment, DNA and chromosomes, genetics and genetic engineering, laboratory techniques, and much, much more.Gene therapy. Forensic DNA profiling. Biochemistry. Biotechnology. Cloning. Stem Cells. Super Bugs. Genetically modified food. Botany. Zoology. Sex. The study of life and living organisms is ancient, broad, and ongoing. Biology combines the Greek word for life, bios, with the suffix -ology, or science/study/knowledge of. The new, completely revised and updated The Handy Biology Answer Book examines, explains, and traces mankind's understanding of this important topic.
From the newsworthy to the practical and from the medical to the historical, this entertaining and informative book brings the complexity of life into focus through the well-researched answers to more than 1,250 common biology questions, such as What is life?Why do you need protein in your diet?Do animals suffer from allergies just like humans?What is the Human Genome Project? Why do birds fly in formation? Can the environment affect genes?Do bacteria get addicted to caffeine?What was the historical significance of hemp?How are seedless grapes grown? What is social Darwinism?Can animals suffer from psychological disorders?
The Handy Biology Answer Book has clear, concise answers to questions on everything from genetics to the anatomy of cells to the emotional life of elephants, and from the environment and ecology to human biology and evolution. It's a must-have for any student of life! With many photos, illustrations, and other graphics, this tome is richly illustrated. Its helpful bibliography and extensive index add to its usefulness.
Industry Reviews
"Written in the question/answer format that is typical of inquisitive adolescents, the authors introduce the field of biology as well as the many careers within the field. The authors recognize that their book contains highlights spanning the breadth of biology ?. The Handy Biology Answer Book is a great place to start and it ends with an excellent recommendation to pursue your favorite topic." ?National Science Teachers Association Recommends
"? a miscellany of very brief answers to some interesting and surprising questions about topics in the biological sciences. ?write[n] in a lay conversational style, appropriate for general readers, and the questions addressed are consistently interesting. ? Recommended." ? Choice
"...diligently updated and revised...More than 100 black-and-white pictures, diagrams, and charts grace this reference book, adding support to numerous topics. A vast glossary defining key terminology, suggested books, websites, news sites, and a detailed index conclude this helpful and inviting book." ? School Library Journal
"The Handy Biology Answer Book...is the ultimate reference guide to life science." ?Bella Online
"Everything you've always wanted to know about biology (and probably much more) has been asked and answered in this informative, engrossing and entertaining book." ?University of Pittsburgh
"This book best serves public libraries and high school media centers. These students as well as the general public will find the text engaging and the material useful." ?ARBA
