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:

List the characteristics of fungi
Describe the composition of the mycelium
Describe the mode of nutrition of fungi
Explain sexual and asexual reproduction in fungi

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

Identify fungi and place them into the five major phyla according to current classification
Describe each phylum in terms of major representative species and patterns of reproduction

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

Describe the role of fungi in various ecosystems
Describe mutualistic relationships of fungi with plant roots and photosynthetic organisms
Describe the beneficial relationship between some fungi and insects

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

Describe some fungal parasites and pathogens of plants
Describe the different types of fungal infections in humans
Explain why antifungal therapy is hampered by the similarity between fungal and animal cells

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

Describe the importance of fungi to the balance of the environment
Summarize the role of fungi in agriculture and food and beverage preparation
Describe the importance of fungi in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries
Discuss the role of fungi as model organisms

Students investigate decomposers and the role of decomposers in maintaining the flow of nutrients in an environment. Students also learn how engineers use decomposers to help clean up wastes in a process known as bioremediation. This lesson concludes a series of six lessons in which students use their growing understanding of various environments and the engineering design process, to design and create their own model biodome ecosystems.

Answer review questions about taking care of trees, and advance for the win!

Exploratorium helps you to grow your own mold terrarium. Includes directions and an explanation for what you see growing on your food!

This article discusses the many lichens found in the Arctic and Antarctica and their unique characteristics.

Animated introductory film on the basics of organisms from the Kingdom Fungi. Learn about what they are, how they live, and why they are important to us. [5:34]

This nonfiction article, written for students in grades 4-5, explores lichens: a partnership between an alga and a fungus. Modified versions are available for students in younger grades.

A wonderful place to learn all about the fungi. click on the buttons at the bottom of the page to go to sections on their life history, systematics and morphology.