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:

Compare structural and organization characteristics of Porifera and Cnidaria
Describe the progressive development of tissues and their relevance to animal complexity
Identify the two general body forms found in the Cnidaria
Describe the identifying features of the major cnidarian classes

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

Describe the organizational features of the simplest multicellular organisms
Explain the various body forms and bodily functions of sponges

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

Describe the distinguishing characteristics of echinoderms
Describe the distinguishing characteristics of chordates

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

Describe the structural organization of nematodes
Describe the importance of Caenorhabditis elegans in research
Describe the features of Tardigrades

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

Describe the unique anatomical and morphological features of flatworms, rotifers, and Nemertea
Identify an important extracoelomic cavity found in Nemertea
Explain the key features of Platyhelminthes and their importance as parasites

Like a time machine, amber fossils take us back in the earth's history to discover the plants, animals and ecological relationships of prehistoric ecosystems. This resource has several interesting pictures of a variety of Dominican organisms trapped in amber.

Students explore the relationship between living things and their environment, and how the environment can impact a species' ability to survive, while referring to the text to ask and answer questions.