Experiments are the plot that holds the story of biology together. ASKING ABOUT LIFE uses the process of experimentation to describe the scientific process and to illustrate the personal and professional motives that drive scientists to work so hard at asking and answering questions.

In this important revision, the authors continue to use thought-provoking chapter-opening stories to engage students in the process of science. At the same time, they focus on making the text more accessible through streamlined coverage (100 fewer pages in this edition) and a refined organization and design. New features make it easier for students to remember the main ideas. For example, Key Questions begin each chapter, main headings are numbered to make it easier for students to locate previously read information, and Chapter Summaries are organized around Key Questions. All these features provide consistency throughout each chapter.

Student support is also a main focus. A student CD-ROM, BiologyNow, packaged FREE with each copy of the text includes questions created around the text's opening stories and uses diagnostic pre-tests to generate a personalized learning plan for each student. Students also receive FREE access to InfoTrac® College Edition, an online university library with articles from 5,000 periodicals. Personal Tutor with SMARTHINKING, a FREE online live tutoring service rounds this powerful student supplements package.

For instructors, a Multimedia Manager provides all the text art in PowerPoint® form, as well as a great Instructor's Guide, an Electronic Test Bank, and WebTutor course management options. Instructors will receive CNN clips in the multimedia manager but the full set of CNN® Today video clips (294 in all) is available to adopters as well.

Updated throughout, the Third Edition captures the terrific excitement of current 21st century science and is accompanied by powerful new learning tools that expand the text's themes.