Living Things
Living Things was written in 1980 to cover the material common to CSE biology syllabuses. It was designed to appeal to all students by presenting information, concepts and principles visually. Each chapter consists of short passages which are easy to read, simple clear diagrams to explain and convey information. Also included…
Understanding the Chemistry of the Cell
Produced in 1968 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet gives a brief outline of the methods used in studying the chemistry of living systems. It examines structures of proteins, carbohydrates and nucleic acids, and the reactions which they undergo. Sections within the booklet look…
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…
Population Dynamics
Produced in 1969 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet gives an introduction to population dynamics. The booklet considers the influence on populations of a series of inter-related topics: • The numbers of individuals making up the population of particular species in specified…
Plant Symbiosis
Produced in 1969 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet examines the theoretical and practical knowledge of symbiosis. It looks at areas that include: • The concept of symbiosis • The origin and development of symbiosis • Morphological integration of symbiotic systems •…
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…
The Electron Microscope in Biology
Produced in 1968 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet looks at the use of the electron microscope in biological research. It describes briefly how a transmission electron microscope works, and gives an outline of the information which it has yielded about the structure and function of…
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…
Plant Breeding
Produced in 1968 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet is an introduction to plant breeding and the genetic principles on which it is based. It contains sections which include: • Origins and development of cultivated plants • Breeding aims • Self-pollination, cross-pollination…
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…
Ecological Evaluation for Conservation
Produced in 1981 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet looks at methods for determining conservation priorities. Ecological evaluation offers a more rational approach to conservation. It can be used to help decide conservation priorities for animals, plants and habitats. Sections in…
The Respiration of Higher Plants
Produced in 1980 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet looks at respiration in plants. Basic respiratory processes are considered to be common in all cells, but plants do exhibit some biochemical differences. They may contain numerous terminal oxidases and exhibit light-activated photorespiration.…
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…
Invertebrate Respiration
Produced in 1980 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet illustrates the fundamental principles of respiratory physiology. It uses invertebrates as they present a diversity of adaptive strategies to the problem of balancing an animal's metabolic requirements with its accessibility to…
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.…
Biological Control of Pests and Weeds
Produced in 1981 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet provides an introduction to biological pest control. This is the use of living organisms to lower a pest or weed population. Some of the most successful examples have involved parasitic and predatory insects to control forest and orchard…
Lipids and Polysaccharides in Biology
Produced in 1980 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet looks at lipids and polysaccharides. These molecules are not only used for storage and structure but also play important roles in cell membranes and communication. The relationship between chemical structure and biological role…
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…
Ecology of Insect-Plant Interactions
Produced in 1980 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet looks at the interactions of plants and insects. It contains sections that deal with areas that include: • Interactions between plants and insects • How insects feed on plants • Physical and nutritional problems…
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…
Immunobiology
Produced in 1981 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet provides a brief survey of vertebrate immune mechanisms. It contains sections that look at areas including: • Phagocytic cells and immunity • Lymphocytes • Natural and acquired immunity • Graft rejection •…
The Growth of Leaves
Produced in 1982 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet looks at the initiation, early growth, and lamina expansion of leaves. It also examines the functional leaf as it develops towards senescence. Leaves play an important role in intercepting and absorbing light, and converting it…
The Evolution of Eukaryotic Cells
Produced in 1981 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet aims to examine possible routes for the evolution of eukaryotic cells. It contains sections which look at topics that include: • Differences in the cellular organization of prokaryotes and eukaryotes • The reason for…
Social Behaviour of Animals
Produced in 1980 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet looks at behaviour using largely bird and mammalian examples. A major theme in the study of social behaviour has been an attempt to understand the forces that determine its nature. For example, why do animals differ so markedly in…
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…
Molluscs and Man
Produced in 1981 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet examines molluscs, one of the major animal phyla. They form significant world-wide food resources. But as pests, fouling organisms and disease vectors, their activities are often harmful to human interests. This booklet gives contains…
The Biochemistry of Pollution
Produced in 1980 by the Institute of Biology as part of its Studies in Biology series, this booklet looks at chemical pollutants and radiation in the environment. It examines how their biological consequences can be explained in biochemical terms. The booklet covers topics that include: • Fresh-water pollution • The…