This popular text, long known for its clear and engaging writing style, has been revised to include the newest thinking in pedagogy from science educators. The art program has been significantly expanded and a new series of feature illustrations, called Concept Integrators, have been included that provide a conceptual overview of the core concepts in biology. New part-closing cases, active learning boxes and the consistent framework provided by the well-planned pedagogy throughout each chapter make this text the ideal choice for the beginning biology student. Examples from natural history, improved chapter opening essays and engaging boxed essays also make biology more accessible and relevant to students. Extensive class-testing and a wide and thorough ancillary package (including a critical thinking workbook and a videodisk) also add to the effectiveness of this modern text, which has been chosen to accompany the new telecourse for first-year biology, The Secret of Life, produced by WGBH/Boston and the BBC.