Thinking About Biology: An Introductory Biology Laboratory Manual (2nd Edition)

This manual offers a unique, extensively class tested approach to introductory biology laboratory. A full range of activities show how basic biological concepts can be applied to a wide variety of plants, animals, and microorganisms. The exercises are designed to stimulate curiosity and provide understanding of the processes of investigation that are basic to science. This helps readers to: 1) gain practical experience that will help them understand lecture concepts, 2) acquire the basic knowledge needed to make informed decisions about biological questions that arise in everyday life, 3) develop the problem-solving skills that will lead to success in school and in a competitive job market, and 4) learn to work effectively and productively as a member of a team. Exercises include interdependence among organisms, windows to a microscopic world, functions and properties of cells, cellular respiration, nutrient analysis of foods, factors that affect enzyme activity, functions of tissues and organs, dissecting the fetal pig, organs of the abdominal cavity, the circulatory system, introduction to forensic biology, mitosis and asexual reproduction, connecting meiosis and genetics, useful applications of genetics, introduction to molecular genetics, biotechnology and population ecology. For those needing a comprehensive introduction to biology.