Size and Shape
Produced in 1971 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet examines how physics and engineering theory can be used to elucidate the anatomy of plants and animals. It includes very simple calculations which are designed to show that the explanations which are offered are plausible. Sections…
The Structure and Function of Enzymes
Produced in 1973 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet looks at the catalysis of biochemical reactions. Several enzymes are considered in detail and an attempt made to correlate the structure of the enzyme with the catalysis mechanism. Sections in the booklet include: • Protein…
Temperature and Animal Life
Produced in 1979 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet reviews the ways in which temperature imposes itself upon the biology of animals. It illustrates the homeostasis of ‘warm-blooded’ animals that can regulate their deep body temperature. Temperature is a major limiting…
Plant Tissue Culture
Produced in 1976 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet presents basic concepts of plant tissue culture. With an emphasis on practical procedures, it presents practical exercises that illustrate principles and do not require large amounts of specialist equipment. The booklet contains…
Mammalian Odours and Pheromones
Produced in 1976 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet looks at communication pheromones in mammals. Many animals are richly endowed with scent-producing organs and glands. Many have evolved special behaviour patterns for odour dissemination. This booklet considers odours and pheromones…
Evolution in Modern Biology
Produced in 1977 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet examines the biology and genetics of evolution. It contains sections which look at areas that include: • Neo-Darwinism • The origin of variation • Mutation, reproductive systems and genetic variation • Natural…
Translocation in Plants
Produced in 1975 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet examines the circulation of water, minerals and metabolites within plant tissues. The booklet looks at the movement of materials in the xylem and phloem. It contains sections that include: • Pathway of upward movement of…
Sexual Incompatibility in Plants
Produced in 1979 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet considers reproduction in flowering plants. These contain both male and female reproductive organs and so self-fertilisation is a possibility. It is, however, not desirable as it would reduce the diversity of individuals in a population.…
Lizards - a Study in Thermoregulation
Produced in 1979 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet explores an aspect of homeostasis in lizards; thermoregulation. Lizards are one of the most abundant groups of vertebrates and have successfully adapted to a wide range of environmental conditions. They can maintain a relatively…
Bone and Biomineralization
Produced in 1975 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet examines experiments used to study the physiology of bone and other mineralized tissues. It contains sections that examine topics including: • Properties of calcified tissues • The solubility of skeletons • Crystal…
Plant Growth Analysis
Produced in 1978 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet look at the energy harvesting and utilisation of plants. It gives an introduction to the methods which are available for the quantitative analysis of the flow of energy during plant growth. Important information may be gained from…
Plant Physiological Ecology
Produced in 1978 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet looks at the concept of plant physiological ecology. That is, the interpretation of plant behaviour and distribution in terms of physiological responses to the environment. Subject to competition, pests, pathogens and environmental…
Aquaculture
Produced in 1979 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet examines aquaculture and the biology of the aquatic organisms concerned. The cultivation, or ‘farming’ of fish is an important industry in many parts of the world and this book covers topics that include: • The…
Antibiotics and Antimicrobial Action
Produced in 1978 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet examines antibiotic activity. It demonstrates that the discoveries made into the mechanisms of antibiotic action, have led to a greater understanding of the biochemistry and physiology of all living cells. Sections in the booklet…
Life at High Altitude
Produced in 1979 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet gives an account of the adaptations found in humans, and other animals, that live at high altitudes. Sections in the booklet look at topics that include: • The physical environment at high altitude • Transport of oxygen…
The Biology of Mucor and its Allies
Produced in 1978 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet looks at fungi of the genus Mucor. This type of fungus is common in nature, simple in their organization and easy to grow in the laboratory. All the major areas of mycology can be illustrated by their study. These include growth and…
Colonization of Industrial Wasteland
Produced in 1977 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet considers the ecology of industrial wasteland and its reclamations. A range of problems need to be tackled to allow vegetation to become re-established before wasteland can be effectively restored. This booklet looks at topics…
Liver
Produced in 1979 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet aims to explore the structure and function of the liver. It contains sections that look at: • Basic morphology and physiological implications • The blood circulation of the liver • Bile and biliary excretion •…
Boreal Ecology
Produced in 1978 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet looks at the ecology of the earth’s northern (boreal) regions. These are habitats where organisms need to be adapted to lower temperatures and may be effected by snow cover for some or all of the year. The booklet contains…
Diseases in Crops
Produced in 1976 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet looks at plant diseases, their epidemiology and control. It contains sections which look at topics that include: • The components of disease: pathogens, host and environment • Effects of pathogens on plant physiology…
Biology of Eucalypts
Produced in 1976 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet provides an introduction to the biology of the eucalypts. These broad-leaved evergreen plants are like other woody dicotyledons in some general biological features, but they differ in various ways by specialization in morphology, physiology,…
The Physiology of Diving in Man and Other Animals
Produced in 1978 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet aims to present an introduction to some of the capabilities of diving birds and mammals. It describes the physiological, biochemical and anatomical features which make prolonged submersion possible in air-breathing animals and discusses…
Biological Clocks
Produced in 1979 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet looks at the biological rhythms that influence the activities of living organisms. The booklet contains sections that look at topics including: • Types of biological clock • Daily, tidal, lunar and annual rhythms •…
The Ecology of Streams and Rivers
Produced in 1980 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet gives an introduction to the ecology of running water. The principal theme considers patterns in the distribution of organisms and community organization. The aim is to define some general principles and unifying concepts in ecology. Sections…
Plants and Temperature
Produced in 1977 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet examines the influence of temperature on plant growth and development. Temperature is the single most important factor controlling plant distribution on a world-wide scale, and it also has a major effect on crop yields. The booklet…
The Dynamics of Competition and Predation
Produced in 1976 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet gives an introduction to the ecology of competition and predation. Both processes are important in affecting the size, stability and distribution of populations. On a different time scale, they result in the appearance of many evolutionary…
Viviparity
Produced in 1976 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet examines reproduction in animals that give birth to live offspring (viviparity). It considers viviparity as an adaptation evolved in diverse situations as a solution to diverse problems. The booklet uses the term 'viviparous'…
The Optical Microscope in Biology
Produced in 1976 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet introduces the use of the optical microscope in biology. The use of contrast-enhancing techniques allows the detailed structural changes of living cells to be studied, whilst fluorescent markers allow dynamic processes to be observed.…
Ecology of Fishes in Tropical Waters
Produced in 1977 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet reviews the ecology of fish found in tropical waters. Fish has long been one of the main food sources in tropical countries. With rapidly rising human populations, fisheries development in tropical waters has been greatly intensified…
Phytochrome and Plant Growth
Produced in 1976 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet looks at how plants utilise energy from sunlight in the process of photosynthesis. It also examines how the intensity, quality and duration of light can regulate the growth and development of a plant independently of photosynthesis. Sections…
The Genetic Code
Produced 1977 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet looks at the elucidation of the genetic code. It includes information about how macromolecular components interact in the cell to make proteins. The booklet considers some of the experimental details which gave rise to a better understanding…
Life in Sandy Shores
Produced in 1978 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet examines the ecology and physiology of the microorganisms and fauna of sandy shores. It contains sections that cover topics such as: • Habitat conditions: substrate grain size, oxygen, bacteria and interstitial chemistry •…