This volume is a straightforward, comprehensive guide to the study of living matter: what it is composed of, how it reproduces, how it reacts to the environment around it, and how it evolves. Readers will enjoy the bright photos and engaging information while learning an important part of the study of biology.

Chapter 1. The study of living things -- chapter 2. The branches of biology -- chapter 3. The history of biology -- chapter 4. What defines a living thing? -- chapter 5. Types of living things -- chapter 6. The evolution of living things -- chapter 7. Taxonomy and genetics.