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 two major innovations that allowed seed plants to reproduce in the absence of water
Explain when seed plants first appeared and when gymnosperms became the dominant plant group
Discuss the purpose of pollen grains and seeds
Describe the significance of angiosperms bearing both flowers and fruit

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

Discuss the type of seeds produced by gymnosperms, as well as other characteristics of gymnosperms
Identify the geological era dominated by the gymnosperms and describe the conditions to which they were adapted
List the four groups of modern-day gymnosperms and provide examples of each
Describe the life cycle of a typical gymnosperm

Aaylah is learning how to group some plants. Help her identify different types of plants.