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 estuaries, where the fresh water rivers meet the salt water of the oceans. The unique features of estuaries are explained, followed by a look into estuarine food webs. Next find out about the different plants and animals that call estuaries home. A list of resources completes the fact sheet.

This site contains a wealth of information. You can click on shorelines, temperate oceans and tropical oceans. Each page contains links to even more information.

California's China Camp State Park is an important environmental and historic site which has a natural watershed along the shores of San Francisco Bay. Features in the estuary include an extensive intertidal salt marsh, meadow, and oak habitat. [4:55]

A quick overview of how a combined sewer overflow system works, and why heavy rains can be bad for estuaries. [1:42]

Follow this group of students through their scavenger hunt in the estuary. Take a look at the living and nonliving things that make this ecosystem a special place. [9:38]

Young students learn about plankton (in particular phytoplankton) and why it is vital to life on this planet. [9:59]

The estuary stands as the last barrier between the Pacific Ocean and pollution. Its mix of plants and silt acts as a filter that purifies contaminated inland rain and flood waters before they reach the ocean. [3:47]

Produced by the Association of National Estuary Programs as a fun explanation of what estuaries are and why they are important. [7:23]

Learn about the SWMP Program (System Wide Monitoring Program) and see how high-tech underwater equipment helps keep track of conditions in the estuary at all times. [8:25]

Students measure water quality in the NY-NJ Estuary using simple tools. Scientists explain the importance of good water quality and talk about what causes water quality declines. [5:44]

Eelgrass is one of the most important indicator plants in the estuary. Learn about how the health of this plant is often a measure of the health of the ecosystem. Also includes a look at how septic systems impact estuary plants. [7:22]

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]