A Dictionary of Biology
📘 About This Book
Fully revised and updated for the seventh edition, this market-leading dictionary is the perfect guide for anyone studying biology, either at school or university. With more than 5,500 clear and concise entries, it provides comprehensive coverage of biology, biophysics, and biochemistry. Over 250 new entries include terms such as Broca's area, comparative genomic hybridization, mirror neuron, and Pandoravirus. Appendices include classifications of the animal and plant kingdoms, the geological time scale, major mass extinctions of species, model organisms and their genomes, Nobel prizewinners, and a new appendix on evolution. Entry-level web links to online resources can be accessed via a companion website.
📖 Summary
A Dictionary of Biology by Robert Hine stands as an indispensable reference tool for students and enthusiasts navigating the intricate worlds of biological science. Spanning 673 pages in its fully revised and updated seventh edition, this market-leading volume offers an expansive collection of over 5,500 clear and concise entries. The book provides comprehensive and reliable coverage across the broad spectrum of biological disciplines, ensuring that complex concepts in biology, biophysics, and biochemistry are broken down into accessible definitions for learners at both the school and university levels. In this updated edition, readers benefit from more than 250 brand-new entries that reflect the rapid pace of modern scientific discovery. These recent additions introduce vital contemporary terminology such as Broca's area, comparative genomic hybridization, the mirror neuron, and the fascinating Pandoravirus, keeping learners abreast of cutting-edge research and neurological or genetic terminology. Beyond the core alphabetical entries, the volume is heavily enriched by a series of meticulously curated appendices. These supplementary sections serve as rapid reference guides to essential biological frameworks, featuring complete classifications of both the animal and plant kingdoms, the geological time scale, and a historical record of the major mass extinctions of species that have shaped life on Earth. Furthermore, the appendices document model organisms and their genomes, highlight esteemed Nobel prizewinners in the field, and introduce a brand-new appendix dedicated entirely to the foundational principles of evolution. To bridge the gap between physical print and digital learning, the dictionary also incorporates entry-level web links that direct readers to supplementary online resources via a dedicated companion website. This integration of traditional lexicography with digital exploration ensures that students can easily extend their research beyond the page. Whether clarifying a biochemical pathway, exploring the timeline of life, or searching for the exact definition of a newly coined genetic term, Robert Hine's comprehensive reference remains an essential companion for anyone dedicated to mastering the life sciences.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Provides comprehensive coverage of biology, biophysics, and biochemistry.
Includes over 250 new entries reflecting modern scientific advancements.
Features extensive and informative appendices on taxonomy, history, and evolution.
Offers digital integration through a companion website with entry-level web links.
⚠️ Cons
As a reference dictionary, it is not structured as a narrative textbook for continuous reading.
Physical editions require supplementary online access for digital features.
❓ FAQ
Who is the author of A Dictionary of Biology? +
The book is written by Robert Hine.
What edition is this reference book? +
This is the fully revised and updated seventh edition.
How many entries are included in the dictionary? +
It contains more than 5,500 clear and concise entries.
Are there any new terms included in this edition? +
Yes, it includes over 250 new entries such as Broca's area and Pandoravirus.
Does the book offer online resources? +
Yes, entry-level web links can be accessed via a companion website.
