Summary

Intended to complement the material typically taught in high school biology and introductory college biology courses, Encyclopedia of Life Science is a two-volume reference set based on the National Science Education Standards. More than 200 comprehensive entries, arranged by topic or theme, cover concepts, theories, sub-disciplines, biographies, common methods, and techniques relevant to modern science.

The definitive reference in the area of life science, this accessible full-color resource provides historical perspectives, portrays science as a human endeavor, and gives insight into the process of scientific inquiry by incorporating biographical profiles of people who have contributed significantly to the development of the life sciences. Processes that shape the natural world and life within it are also discussed in this in-depth encyclopedia. Instruments and methodology-related entries focus on the tools and procedures used by scientists to gather information, conduct experiments, and perform analyses. Other entries summarize the major branches and sub-disciplines of life science and describe selected applications of the information and technology gleaned from life science research.

Topics include:

• The cell
• The molecular basis of heredity
• Biological evolution
• Interdependence of organisms
• Matter, energy, and organization in living systems
• The behavior of organisms.

Specifications

Full-color photographs and line illustrations. Index. Appendixes. Glossary. Cross-references. Chronology. Further resources. In two volumes.

About the Author(s)

Katherine Cullen, Ph.D., holds a doctorate in molecular biology from Vanderbilt University. She has taught college-level courses on the cell in molecular life sciences for 12 years, currently at Oberlin College in Ohio. Cullen acted as abridgement editor for four Schaum’s Easy Outlines: Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, and Beginning Chemistry.