The ultimate guide to understanding biologyHave you ever wondered how the food you eat becomes the energy your body needs to keep going? The theory of evolution says that humans and chimps descended from a common ancestor, but does it tell us how and why? We humans are insatiably curious creatures who can't help wondering how things work--starting with our own bodies. Wouldn't it be great to have a single source of quick answers to all our questions about how living things work? Now there is.From molecules to animals, cells to ecosystems, Biology For Dummies answers all your questions about how living things work. Written in plain English and packed with dozens of enlightening illustrations, this reference guide covers the most recent developments and discoveries in evolutionary, reproductive, and ecological biology. It's also complemented with lots of practical, up-to-date examples to bring the information to life.* Discover how living things work* Think like a biologist and use scientific methods* Understand lifecycle processesWhether you're enrolled in a biology class or just want to know more about this fascinating and ever-evolving field of study, Biology For Dummies will help you unlock the mysteries of how life works.

Introduction 1Part 1: Biology Basics 5Chapter 1: Exploring the Living World 7Chapter 2: How Life Is Studied 13Chapter 3: The Chemistry of Life 29Chapter 4: The Living Cell 49Chapter 5: Acquiring Energy to Run the Motor 67Part 2: Let's Talk about Sex, Baby: Cell Reproduction and Genetics 81Chapter 6: Dividing to Conquer: Cell Division 83Chapter 7: Making Mendel Proud: Understanding Genetics 103Chapter 8: Reading the Book of Life: DNA and Proteins 119Chapter 9: Engineering the Code: DNA Technology 135Part 3: It's a Small, Interconnected World 155Chapter 10: Exploring the Living World: Biodiversity and Classification 157Chapter 11: Observing How Organisms Get Along 173Chapter 12: Evolving Species in an Ever-Changing World 197Part 4: Systems Galore! Animal Structure and Function 217Chapter 13: Pondering the Principles of Physiology 219Chapter 14: Moving and Shaking: Skeletal and Muscular Systems 227Chapter 15: Going with the Flow: Respiratory and Circulatory Systems 239Chapter 16: Checking Out the Plumbing: Animal Digestive and Excretory Systems 259Chapter 17: Fighting Back: Human Defenses 277Chapter 18: The Nervous and Endocrine Systems, Messengers Extraordinaire 295Chapter 19: Reproduction 101: Making More Animals 313Part 5: It's Not Easy Being Green: Plant Structure and Function 337Chapter 20: Living the Life of a Plant 339Chapter 21: Probing into Plant Physiology 351Part 6: The Part of Tens 361Chapter 22: Ten Great Biology Discoveries 363Chapter 23: Ten Ways Biology Affects Your Life 369Index 375