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:

Discuss how fertilization occurs
Explain how the embryo forms from the zygote
Discuss the role of cleavage and gastrulation in animal development

This time-lapse microphotography of developing embryos shows the common ancestry of all vertebrates. Footage from NOVA: "Odyssey of Life." [4:42]

This video segment from NOVA: "The Shape of Things" follows the growth of a duck embryo, from a single fertilized egg cell to a complex, hatching duckling. [2:43]

The shared set of genes for body segments, possessed by all animals, are discussed in this video segment from Evolution: "Great Transformations."

The entire text of Charles Darwin's book, The Origin of Species is available on this site. This link is specifically for the chapter that discusses embryology as evidence for evolution.

This video segment from NOVA: "18 Ways to Make a Baby" describes a technique used to determine the health of a developing embryo. [3:35]

Psychology is designed to meet scope and sequence requirements for the single-semester introduction to psychology course. The book offers a comprehensive treatment of core concepts, grounded in both classic studies and current and emerging research. The text also includes coverage of the DSM-5 in examinations of psychological disorders. Psychology incorporates discussions that reflect the diversity within the discipline, as well as the diversity of cultures and communities across the globe.Senior Contributing AuthorsRose M. Spielman, Formerly of Quinnipiac UniversityContributing AuthorsKathryn Dumper, Bainbridge State CollegeWilliam Jenkins, Mercer UniversityArlene Lacombe, Saint Joseph's UniversityMarilyn Lovett, Livingstone CollegeMarion Perlmutter, University of Michigan

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

Describe the stages of prenatal development and recognize the importance of prenatal care
Discuss physical, cognitive, and emotional development that occurs from infancy through childhood
Discuss physical, cognitive, and emotional development that occurs during adolescence
Discuss physical, cognitive, and emotional development that occurs in adulthood

Students learn about stem cells, and how these cells are used in medical research and treatments. Find out scientific facts, read several case studies, and participate in a group debate activity to explore the ethics of this topic. A self-check quiz follows the learning activity.