Nichole Vivion - Easy Biology Step-By-Step

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Other titles in the series:
Easy Algebra Step-by-Step, Sandra Luna McCune and William D. Clark
Easy Chemistry Step-by-Step, Marian DeWane
Easy Mathematics Step-by-Step, William D. Clark and Sandra Luna McCune
Easy Precalculus Step-by-Step, Carolyn Wheater
Easy Writing Step-by-Step, Ann Longknife and K. D. Sullivan

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Easy Biology Step-by-Step is an accessible guide designed to introduce you to (or remind you of) the core concepts necessary for developing a thorough understanding of the study of life. Each chapter presents easy-to-follow descriptions of necessary information in short, targeted text with helpful supporting images.

The Foundation checklist provides an overview of the fundamentals of the subject.

The Step-by-Step definitions of key terms will build your understanding, including devices to help you remember their meaning.

Vertigo panels provide problem-solving techniques and tips on how to demystify a problem.

Misstep panels warn you of common mistakes or misconceptions.

Following each thorough description of a new concept, a review Exercise helps to reinforce and apply new concepts.

Learning biology can seem overwhelming for a few reasons. One major factor is the breadth of information involved; biology studies everything from the organic molecules that provide the fundamental structure of living things to the complex interactions between organisms and the nonliving environment in an ecosystem. Biology doesnt skimp on depth either, for at the most fundamental level, it involves biochemistry, principles that guide the metabolism of any cell or organism.

Another issue is the sheer number of vocabulary terms involved in the discipline. While it may seem as if learning biology is like learning a new language, the more you focus on recognizing the Greek and Latin roots present in terms, the more you are building an understanding of the meaning behind a term rather than simply memorizing a definition. You will learn to predict the meaning of new terms before you ever read the definition.

Easy Biology Step-by-Step was designed with these challenging aspects of learning biology in mind. Using the written descriptions, supporting images, step-by-step problem-solving techniques, pop-up boxes, and review questions, you should be armed with the tools necessary for mastering the fundamentals of this fascinating subject.

Biology is the study of all life-forms and life processes. The term is derived from bios (meaning life) and logos (meaning study of).

Biology includes a focus on both microscopic and macroscopic levels of organization, from cells and the smaller structures within them to tissues and organs within an individual organism and finally to the totality of ecosystems that constitute the living Earth, or biosphere.

Biologists characterize something as a living thing, or organism, if it possesses all six of the characteristics of life to some degree.