Organismic Animal Biology: An Evolutionary Approach

The textbook provides a general conceptual framework for understanding the organismic level, with a focus on general organizational principles with a few, carefully chosen examples. It adopts two parallel tracks, with most chapters focusing on one or the other. The first follows the general principles of organismic biology and animal organization, while the second follows a phylogenetic journey, introducing the different animal phyla. It is aimed at students who will go on to be biomedical researchers, biochemists, cell biologists, and who need to understand the significance of the organism to their future research careers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 12 March 2024
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Understanding the biology of the whole organism is essential for comprehending cellular/molecular and ecosystem processes. However, modern biology teaching often focuses solely on the cellular and molecular levels, neglecting the organism. This is particularly evident in undergraduate biology programs, where introductory courses in animal biology may lack an evolutionary context or rely on outdated views of animal phylogeny.

To address this gap, this accessible textbook offers a comprehensive conceptual framework for understanding the organismic level. It provides a broad overview of animal life, emphasizing general organizational principles with a few carefully chosen examples rather than providing exhaustive specific details. The book adopts two parallel tracks, with most chapters focusing on one or the other.

The first track follows the general principles of organismic biology and animal organization. It begins with basic terminology and definitions in evolutionary biology and then introduces the evolutionary framework for comparative biology. It proceeds to describe organizational principles and specific organ systems in a sequence of increasing complexity.

The second track follows a phylogenetic journey, introducing the different animal phyla. Major phyla are given their own chapters, providing an overview of their common features and diversity.

Organismic Animal Biology serves as an introductory textbook for an undergraduate course in organismal animal biology within a general biology or biotechnology program. It is specifically designed for students who intend to pursue careers in biomedical research, biochemistry, cell biology, or related fields. The book emphasizes the significance of the organism to these students' future research endeavors and aims to provide them with a solid foundation in organismic biology.

By delving into the biology of the whole organism, this textbook offers a holistic perspective that enables students to grasp the interconnectedness of various biological processes and systems. It promotes a deeper understanding of animal life, enabling students to appreciate the complexity and diversity of the animal kingdom and its role in shaping our world.

In conclusion, Organismic Animal Biology is a valuable resource for undergraduate students seeking to gain a comprehensive understanding of organismic biology and animal organization. Its accessible format, comprehensive coverage, and focus on the significance of the organism make it an ideal textbook for those embarking on careers in biomedical research or related fields. By providing a solid foundation in organismic biology, this textbook equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to the field and make meaningful discoveries in the years to come.

Weight: 502g
Dimension: 246 x 190 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192893598