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.

I. The Study of Life
II. The Chemical Foundation of Life
III. Biological Macromolecules
IV. Cell Structure
V. Structure and Function of Plasma Membranes
VI. Metabolism
VII. Cellular Respiration
VIII. Photosynthesis
IX. Cell Communication
X. Cell Reproduction
XI. Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction
XII. Mendel's Experiments and Heredity
XIII. Modern Understandings of Inheritance
XIV. DNA Structure and Function
XV. Genes and Proteins
XVI. Gene Expression
XVII. Ethics and Societal Responsibility

A systematic study of the structure, function, ecology and evolution or organisms including bacteria, protists, fungi, plants and animals.
Chapter I. Evolution and the Origin of Species
Chapter II. The Evolution of Populations
Chapter III. Viruses
Chapter IV. Prokaryotes: Bacteria and Archaea
Chapter V. Protists
Chapter VI. Fungi
Chapter VII. Introduction to Animal Diversity
Chapter VIII. Invertebrates
Chapter IX. Vertebrates
Chapter X. Plant Form and Physiology
Chapter XI. Plant Reproduction
Chapter XII. The Animal Body: Basic Form and Function
Chapter XIII. Animal Nutrition and the Digestive System
Chapter XIV. The Nervous System
Chapter XV. Sensory Systems
Chapter XVI. The Endocrine System
Chapter XVII. The Musculoskeletal System
Chapter XVIII. The Respiratory System
Chapter XIX. The Circulatory System
Chapter XX. Osmotic Regulation and Excretion
Chapter XXI. The Immune System
Chapter XXII. Animal Reproduction and Development
Chapter XXIII. Ecology and the Biosphere
Chapter XXIV. Population and Community Ecology
Chapter XXV. Ecosystems
Chapter XXVI. Conservation Biology and Biodiversity

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Describe the process of digestionDetail the steps involved in digestion and absorptionDefine eliminationExplain the role of both the small and large intestines in absorption

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Discuss the role of neural regulation in digestive processesExplain how hormones regulate digestion

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Explain the processes of digestion and absorptionCompare and contrast different types of digestive systemsExplain the specialized functions of the organs involved in processing food in the bodyDescribe the ways in which organs work together to digest food and absorb nutrients

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Explain why an animal’s diet should be balanced and meet the needs of the bodyDefine the primary components of foodDescribe the essential nutrients required for cellular function that cannot be synthesized by the animal bodyExplain how energy is produced through diet and digestionDescribe how excess carbohydrates and energy are stored in the body

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Discuss internal and external methods of fertilizationDescribe the methods used by animals for development of offspring during gestationDescribe the anatomical adaptions that occurred in animals to facilitate reproduction

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Discuss how fertilization occursExplain how the embryo forms from the zygoteDiscuss the role of cleavage and gastrulation in animal development

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:Describe the roles of male and female reproductive hormonesDiscuss the interplay of the ovarian and menstrual cyclesDescribe the process of menopause

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Explain fetal development during the three trimesters of gestationDescribe labor and deliveryCompare the efficacy and duration of various types of contraceptionDiscuss causes of infertility and the therapeutic options available

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Describe human male and female reproductive anatomiesDiscuss the human sexual responseDescribe spermatogenesis and oogenesis and discuss their differences and similarities

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Describe the process of organogenesisIdentify the anatomical axes formed in vertebrates

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Describe advantages and disadvantages of asexual and sexual reproductionDiscuss asexual reproduction methodsDiscuss sexual reproduction methods

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Explain how vacuoles, present in microorganisms, work to excrete wasteDescribe the way in which flame cells and nephridia in worms perform excretory functions and maintain osmotic balanceExplain how insects use Malpighian tubules to excrete wastes and maintain osmotic balance

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Explain how hormonal cues help the kidneys synchronize the osmotic needs of the bodyDescribe how hormones like epinephrine, norepinephrine, renin-angiotensin, aldosterone, anti-diuretic hormone, and atrial natriuretic peptide help regulate waste elimination, maintain correct osmolarity, and perform other osmoregulatory functions