"We all assume we know what life is, but the more scientists learn about the living world-from protocells to brains, from zygotes to pandemic viruses-the harder they find it is to locate life's edge"--

Specifically designed for and correlated to the curriulum of a middle school science course, this collection contains a number of video series that explore key concepts of the Life sciences and help instructors to teach challenging concepts. The films, and accompanying teacher materials, are a great asset for teachers and teachers in training to use to integrate video into their lesson plans to capture the attention of young minds and enhance learning....

Specifically designed for and correlated to the curriulum of a primary school science course, this collection contains a number of video series that explore the key concepts of Life and Health and help instructors to teach challenging concepts. The films, and accompanying teacher materials, are a great asset for teachers and teachers in training to use to integrate video into their lesson plans to capture the attention of young minds and enhance learning....

Donald R. Prothero's Evolution is an entertaining and rigorous history of the transitional forms and series found in the the fossil record. Its engaging narrative of scientific discovery and well-grounded analysis has led to the book's widespread adoption in courses that teach the nature and value of fossil evidence. Evolution tackles flood geology, rock dating, Neo-Darwinism, and macroevolution. It includes extensive coverage of the primordial soup,...

It took centuries of scientific effort--and a lot of luck--to discover and establish the diversity of dinosaur species we now know. How did we learn that Triceratops had three horns? Why don't many paleontologists consider Brontosaurus a valid species? What convinced scientists that modern birds are relatives of ancient Velociraptor? In this book, Donald R. Prothero tells the fascinating stories behind the most important fossil finds and the intrepid...

This book lets us peer into the world of microbes -- not as germs to be eradicated, but as invaluable parts of our lives -- allowing us to see how ubiquitous and vital microbes are: they sculpt our organs, defend us from disease, break down our food, educate our immune systems, guide our behavior, bombard our genomes with their genes, and grant us incredible abilities. While much of the prevailing discussion around the microbiome has focused on its...

"Zoologist Bill Schutt delivers a look at hearts from across the animal kingdom, from insects to whales to humans. Illustrated with black-and-white line drawings"--

Describes the startling discoveries being made in the very real science of astrobiology, an intriguing new field that blends astronomy, biology, and geology to explore the possibility of life on other planets. Jeffrey Bennett takes readers beyond UFOs to discuss some of the tantalizing questions astrobiologists grapple with every day: What is life and how does it begin? What makes a planet or moon habitable? Is there life on Mars or elsewhere in the...

Reveals the ecological importance of the oak tree, discussing its month-by-month role in the planet's seasonal cycles, and shares practical advice about how to plant and care for an oak.

"This is the 4th edition of a book exploring botanical techniques for gardeners"-- What happens inside a seed after it is planted? How are plants structured? How do plants reproduce? The answers to these and other questions about complex plant processes can be found in the bestselling Botany for Gardeners. This updated edition addresses scientific advances, changes in nomenclature and taxonomy, and more. Botany for Gardeners shares accessible information...