Biology 2e is designed to cover the scope and sequence requirements of a typical two-semester biology course for science majors. The text provides comprehensive coverage of foundational research and core biology concepts through an evolutionary lens. Biology includes rich features that engage students in scientific inquiry, highlight careers in the biological sciences, and offer everyday applications. The book also includes various types of practice and homework questions that help students understand—and apply—key concepts. The 2nd edition has been revised to incorporate clearer, more current, and more dynamic explanations, while maintaining the same organization as the first edition. Art and illustrations have been substantially improved, and the textbook features additional assessments and related resources.

By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:

Describe the process of digestion
Detail the steps involved in digestion and absorption
Define elimination
Explain the role of both the small and large intestines in absorption

By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:

Discuss the role of neural regulation in digestive processes
Explain how hormones regulate digestion

By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:

Explain the processes of digestion and absorption
Compare and contrast different types of digestive systems
Explain the specialized functions of the organs involved in processing food in the body
Describe the ways in which organs work together to digest food and absorb nutrients

By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:

Explain why an animal’s diet should be balanced and meet the needs of the body
Define the primary components of food
Describe the essential nutrients required for cellular function that cannot be synthesized by the animal body
Explain how energy is produced through diet and digestion
Describe how excess carbohydrates and energy are stored in the body

By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:

Discuss internal and external methods of fertilization
Describe the methods used by animals for development of offspring during gestation
Describe the anatomical adaptions that occurred in animals to facilitate reproduction