Examines the similarities and differences between the five classes of vertebrates, or animals with backbones: fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

Molecular biology has revolutionized our understanding of animals and their evolution. In this Very Short Introduction, Peter Holland provides an authoritative summary of the modern view of animal life, its origins, and the new classification resulting from DNA studies.

Black & white print. Concepts of Biology is designed for the typical introductory biology course for nonmajors, covering standard scope and sequence requirements. The text includes interesting applications and conveys the major themes of biology, with content that is meaningful and easy to understand. The book is designed to demonstrate biology concepts and to promote scientific literacy.

Introduces the physical characteristics and habitats of invertebrates that live in the ocean, including jellyfish, sponges, and anemones.

Whether described as a vertebrate or reptile, Earth’s animals can be classified and divided in many ways. Readers are introduced to scientific classification in an easy-to-understand way, complete with fun fact boxes about cool animals such as kangaroos and crocodiles. Full-color photographs of these animals will draw readers in and help them learn about the similarities and differences between animals groups. With sidebars complementing the main science content, readers won’t be able to get enough of the animal kingdom.