Biologist

Find various books on being a Biologist, from fact, to fiction. SA Career Focus has assembled these titles for your convenience.

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Broadly speaking, biologists study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals. There are many areas of specialisation: animal biologist, marine biologist, genetic scientist, zoologist, herpetologist to mention a few. They collect and analyse biological data, Study characteristics of animals such as origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories and diseases, development, genetics, and distribution.

Jacob's Ladder: The History of the Human Genome

In DEEP TIME Henry Gee told us why the chicken came before the egg. In his new book, JACOB'S LADDER, he tells us the comprehensive answer to the simple question: How did I get here?When the human genome was unveiled on 12 February 2001 headlines were filled with announcements that we had found the genes which cause schizophrenia, homosexuality and more. The assumption was that the genome offered a blueprint for what made human beings: the reality is far more complex and significant. The true importance of our discovery of the engine of life is that it offers us the possibility of altering our evolutionary destiny. Biology, once a passive science of observation, now possesses the tools to create form from the formless.;For the first time we have the opportunity to shape life; like the angels on Jacob's Ladder, we are poised on the brink of godlike powers. But as Gee powerfully argues, we must exercise these powers with caution and learn from the mistakes of the past.;He traces the entertaining history of man's search for what brings form from the formless, revealing the extraordinary thinkers and often bizarre experiments that led to this epochal moment: from Aristotle's musings and zany experiments with frogs and taffeta trousers which proved sperm fertilized eggs, through the insights of poet scientists such as Goethe, to Darwin and the eventual discovery of the genome. Not only does the genome show us how each individual is created, but it reveals the evolutionary history of all species, telling the story of mankind's survival against the odds. This provocative and accessible book investigates the latest and most radical discoveries about what makes us human. In so doing, it uncovers processes that have only recently been suspected, and never before understood.

Review by Kalahari.net

Time, Love, Memory: A Great Biologist and His Quest for the Origins of Behavior

Journeys inside the cutting edge of biology and genetics to reveal how DNA helps shape human behavior and explains how these discoveries may hold the key to advanced treatments for behavioral disorders.

Review by Kalahari.net

Biology, Medicine and Surgery of Elephants

Elephants are possibly the most well-known members of the animal kingdom. The enormous size, unusual anatomy, and longevity of elephants have fascinated humans for millenia. "Biology, Medicine, and Surgery of Elephants" serves as a comprehensive text on elephant medicine and surgery. Based on the expertise of 36 scientists and clinical veterinarians, this volume covers biology, husbandry, veterinary medicine and surgery of the elephant as known today. Written by the foremost experts in the field, it comprehensively covers both Asian and African elephants. It is complete with taxonomy, behavioral, geographical and systemic information. It is well-illustrated and organized for easy reference.

Review by Kalahari.net

Life Underground: The Biology of Subterranean Rodents

Many mammals like to dig in the dirt, but few call it home. Those that do, such as mole-rats, zokors and tuco-tucos, have developed novel adaptations to their subterranean life, including bones and muscles modified for efficient digging and ways to "see" underground without using their eyes. These unusual traits, adopted independently by unrelated groups around the world, also make subterranean rodents fascinating subjects for biologists. "Life Underground" provides the first comprehensive review of the biology of subterranean rodents. Arranged by topic rather than by taxon to facilitate cross-species comparisons, chapters cover such subjects as morphology, physiology, social behaviour, genetic variation and evolutionary diversification. Two main questions run throughtout the book. First, to what extent has subterranean life shaped the biology of these animals, leading to similar adaptations among otherwise dissimilar species? Second, how have the distinct evolutionary histories of these groups led to different solutions to the challenges posed by life underground?

Review by Kalahari.net

Fungi: Biology and Applications

Fungi: Biology and Applications is a comprehensive, balanced introduction of the biology, biotechnological applications and medical significance of fungi. With no prior knowledge of the subject assumed, the opening chapters offer a broad overview of the basics of fungal biology, in particular the physiology and genetics of fungi. Later chapters move on to include more detailed coverage of topics such as proteomics, bioinformatics, heterologous protein expression, medical mycology, anti-fungal drug development and function, fungal biotechnology and fungal pathogens of economically important plants. Carefully structured, each chapter contains self-assessment exercises with answers included at the end of the book to enhance student understanding. A comprehensive treatment of the medical and economic importance of fungi to everyday life Chapters include revision sections and problems to reinforce key concepts Invaluable for undergraduates taking a first course on fungal biology or mycology. also of interest to those working within the field looking for an up-to-date introduction.

Review by Kalahari.net

Developmental Biology of Teleost Fishes

In the compiling of this book, the vast literature dealing with the descriptive morphology, histology and cytology of teleost development has been combed and integrated. The book is divided into 21 chapters, starting with the egg and embryonic development up to hatching. This is followed by a description of ectodermal, mesodermal and entodermal derivatives and the development of various organs. The subject index, species index and the abundant illustrations add extra value to this long awaited book. "Developmental Biology of Teleost Fishes" will be a valuable tool for scientists and students in the fields of biology, developmental biology, molecular biology and fish biology.

Review by Kalahari.net

What Can You Do with A Major in Biology?

The complete guide to making the most of a biology degree One of the top ten college majors in America today, biology can lead to a spectrum of careers from jobs in the ever--expanding health care industry to options in oceanography, food chemistry, and botany. Students considering a biology major and grads of any age seeking new directions will find What Can You Do with a Major in Biology? the most thorough, easy--to--use resource available with real profiles, outlines of career paths, salary levels, and much more. Series author Jennifer A. Horowitz (New York, NY) holds degrees from Columbia University's Teachers College and from Barnard College in writing. She has worked in New York City schools, with educational publishers, and as an advisor to parents of gifted children. 

Review by Kalahari.net