 2008-12-30 - Well written, but somewhat dated
This book packs 55 chapters of biological concepts into over 1200 pages of text, which allows the book to effectively introduce the vast discipline of biology. As a drawback, the book is too comprehensive. It doesn't delve deeply into any subject, but breadth is generally in keeping with introductory science courses.
The text is accompanied by a concepts CD. I did not find it useful, because my professors were hesitant to recommend it. Too many concepts are overly simplified on the CD yet explained thoroughly in the text.
The book contains a wide variety of wonderful pictures of all kinds of organisms, as well as the expected charts, graphs, diagrams, figures, and biological pathways. Each concept concludes with one or more questions to challenge your understanding of the text, and each chapter ends with a self-quiz as well as more challenging questions.
The eighth edition of this text was recently released, and I imagine that there will be changes. Some of the information on stem cells and ecology is outdated in the seventh edition.
Finally, I should point out that while the book is very well-written, it's also very boring to read for long periods of time. This book is best read in short periods of time or when you don't understand a concept presented in class.
Subjects of each unit:
1. The Chemistry of Life - basic chemistry, water, carbon molecules, structure and function of macromolecules
2. The Cell (an excellent unit) - cell structure and functions, including metabolism, respiration, photosynthesis, cell communication, and the cell cycle
3. Genetics - meiosis, Mendel, chromosomes, transcription and translation, viruses and bacteria, and DNA technologies
4. Mechanism of Evolution - Darwin, population genetics, origin of species, phylogeny and systematics
5. The Evolutionary History of Biological Diversity - natural history of living things
6. Plant Form and Function
7. Animal Form and Function
8. Ecology
 2008-11-24 - Never Got the Book - Amazon is the WORST
I ordered this book and paid for expidited shipping. It never came. Amamzon refuse a timely refund, and the actuall seller never returned my emails. This is worst expirience I'v eever had with an Internet purchase. Will never use Amazon again.
 2008-10-04 - ~
Even though it isnt the newest version, the book is VERY similar to the 8e. Easy to understand. Have used it in 2 bio classes (one in high school and now in college).
2008-09-30 - great condition
The book was in great condition and arrived relatively fast... I would recommend this seller to my friend...
2008-09-29 - Biology Text
This is the text my son is assigned to use for his Advance Placement Biology class in High School. He finds it very thorough and informative. The study guide that accompanies this text is also good to have.
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