T he first edition of Biological Science was visionary in its
unique emphasis on the process of scientific discovery and
experimental design—teaching how we know what we
know. The goal was for students not only to learn the language of
biology and understand fundamental concepts but also to begin
to apply those concepts in new situations, analyze experimental
design, synthesize results, and evaluate hypotheses and data—to
learn how to think like biologists. Each edition since has proudly
expanded on this vision. The Fifth Edition is no exception.
A team of six dedicated teacher-scholars has joined Scott to
build on and refine the original vision, and by so doing, make
the book an even better teaching and learning tool. The pace of
biological discovery is rapid, and with each novel breakthrough
it becomes even more challenging to decide what is essential to
include in an introductory biology text. Pulling together an author
team with firsthand expertise from molecules to ecosystems
has ensured that the content of the Fifth Edition reflects cuttingedge
biology that is pitched at the right level for introductory
students and is as accurate and as exciting as ever for instructors
and students alike.