The Cartoon Guide to Biology

Interesting book

Anschauliche Erklärungen zur Ergänzung im Biologie Studium

A highly enlightening visual explanation of complex biological processes, coupled with wonderful humour.

Very often biology explanations for the layperson stop when things become interesting. Example, plants capture carbon and respiration releases carbon are trated as mere trivialities in a climate change discussion. However, how do plants capture carbon, or how do living organisms release carbon? This, and many other things, is explained in this cartoon guide. It is Larry Gonick's artistry at its best, and his scientific wit completed with Dave Wessner expertise. Their approach can be called bottom-up and mechanist. They start from the simplest molecules, and then zoom out to macro-molecules, then to the cell, the organ, the organism, and finally the environment. They do so in greater details for the first levels, because they want to explain the most universal mechanisms of life. And that is how they fully answer our layperson questions. Certainly, reading this guide requires an inclination for science, but it is the magic of Larry Gonick's cartoons to give a pleasant visage to complex names and formulas. In short, this cartoon guide belongs to the bookshelf of anyone is interested in biology: the student, the expert, or the just curious.

Cartoon version of a first year biology text book. Funny and well explained concepts. Great for anyone wanting a basic idea of the concepts covered in general biology first year course.