The thirteenth edition of Biology is a traditional, comprehensive introductory biology textbook, with coverage from Cell Structure and Function to the Conservation of Biodiversity. The book, which centers on the evolution and diversity of organisms, is appropriate for any one-or two-semester biology course. Biology uses concise, precise writing to present the material as succinctly as possible, enabling students--even non-majors--to master the foundational concepts before coming to class.
The main themes emphasized in the text include biological systems, evolution, and the nature of science. These themes are integrated into all aspects of the textbook, from the unit learning outcomes to the theme-based feature readings in the text. At the start of each chapter, "Following the Themes" introduces the relationship of the chapter's content to each of the themes. At the end of each chapter, "Connecting the Concepts with the Themes" not only reminds the student of the relationships between chapter content and the three core themes, but also acts as a prelude to topics in the next few chapters of the text. In essence, the themes act as the threads that unite the concepts throughout the text, enabling the student to see relationships from the molecular to ecosystem levels of biology.