Life on earth is characterized by three striking phenomena that demand explanation: adaptation—the marvelous fit between organism and environment;... diversity—the great variety of organisms; and complexity—the enormous intricacy of their internal structure. Natural selection explains adaptation. But what explains diversity and complexity? Daniel W. McShea and Robert N. Brandon argue that there exists in evolution a spontaneous tendency toward increased diversity and complexity, one that acts whether natural selection is present or not. They call this tendency a biological law—the Zero-Force Evolutionary Law, or ZFEL. This law unifies the principles and data of biology under a single framework and invites a reconceptualization of the field of the same sort that Newton’s First Law brought to physics. Biology’s First Law shows how the ZFEL can be applied to the study of diversity and complexity and examines its wider implications for biology. Intended for evolutionary biologists, paleontologists, and other scientists studying complex systems, and written in a concise and engaging format that speaks to students and interdisciplinary practitioners alike, this book will also find an appreciative audience in the philosophy of science.

SparkChartsTM—created by Harvard students for students everywhere—serve as study companions and reference tools that cover a wide range of college... and graduate school subjects, including Business, Computer Programming, Medicine, Law, Foreign Language, Humanities, and Science. Titles like How to Study, Microsoft Word for Windows, Microsoft PowerPoint for Windows, and HTML give you what it takes to find success in school and beyond. Outlines and summaries cover key points, while diagrams and tables make difficult concepts easier to digest.  This four-page chart covers:BiochemistryPlant and animal cellsCell structure, respiration, and reproductionMeiosis and mitosisMendelian geneticsMolecular geneticsEvolution and diversityPopulation geneticsThe five kingdomsPlants and the biosphere

Get all you need to know with Super Reviews! Each Super Review is packed with in-depth, student-friendly topic reviews that fully explain everything... about the subject. The Biology Super Review examines the chemical and molecular basis of life, cellular organization, cellular metabolism and energy pathways, nutrition in plants and animals, the circulatory systems of animals, the nervous system, behavior, reproduction, genetic inheritance, evolution, and ecology. Take the Super Review quizzes to see how much you've learned - and where you need more study. Makes an excellent study aid and textbook companion. Great for self-study!DETAILS- From cover to cover, each in-depth topic review is easy-to-follow and easy-to-grasp - Perfect when preparing for homework, quizzes, and exams!- Review questions after each topic that highlight and reinforce key areas and concepts- Student-friendly language for easy reading and comprehension- Includes quizzes that test your understanding of the subject