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 effects of abiotic factors on the composition of plant and animal communities in aquatic biomes
Compare and contrast the characteristics of the ocean zones
Summarize the characteristics of standing water and flowing water freshwater biomes

Learn about the four types of deserts: hot and dry, semiarid, coastal, and cold with this key facts and information. Includes links to other biomes: aquatic, forest, grasslands, and tundra.

Make learning about Earth's biomes fun and easy with video clips, photographs, and diagrams. Learn about estuaries, the water environments formed where freshwater from rivers or streams mix salt ocean water. [6:38]