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:

Identify bacterial diseases that caused historically important plagues and epidemics
Describe the link between biofilms and foodborne diseases
Explain how overuse of antibiotics may be creating “super bugs”
Explain the importance of MRSA with respect to the problems of antibiotic resistance

Differentiate between different levels of scientific evidence using this infographic. Discover eight distinct levels of scientific evidence arranged in a pyramid that reflects a spectrum of quality. This resource was developed in partnership with Dr. Katrine Wallace, an epidemiologist, educator and science literacy influencer.

Meet an epidemiologist and see how these disease detectives are working to help the spread of the Coronavirus. Included are discussion questions to go along with the video. [1:00]

How would you do as an epidmeiologist? Find out in this interactive simulation. Your mission will be to interview people and trace the transmission of a mysterious disease.