Biology Today: An Issues Approach

Front Cover
Garland Science, 2001 - Medical - 718 pages
Biology as a subject not only plays a major role within the scientific world but has broader implications that cross many boundaries. This work takes a modern and innovative approach to teaching introductory biology; it presents fundamental biological concepts within the context of current social issues. How do scientists affect our society at large? How are ethics and morals applied to the scientific world? Why are we racing to complete the human genome project, and who are we racing against? How do economic disparities between people and nations influence habitat destruction? Can plant science feed the world? Are the causes of cancer more genetic or environmental? The book seeks to help students think critically about these questions and to explore and assess the role that science plays in their world.
 

Contents

Science and Ethics
2
A theory to describe living systems
9
Science and Ethics
10
Genes Chromosomes and DNA
38
Human Genetics
70
Deontological ethics
89
Ethical Questions Arise in Decisions about
97
Changing the balance between genetic
114
Nutrition and Health
314
Cancer
358
The Nervous System
408
Cellular differentiation and tissue
450
Drugs and Addiction 450
484
Mind and Body
492
HIV and AIDS
534
Plants and Crops
580

Evolution and Classification
124
Human Variation
185
Variation between populations
188
The Population Explosion
232
Sociobiology
272
Biodiversity and Threatened Habitats
636
Glossary
687
Credits
695
Copyright

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