Book excerpt: General Zoology: Investigating the Animal World is an introductory level college biology textbook that provides students with an accessible and engaging look at the fundamentals of zoology. Written for a one-term, undergraduate course of mixed majors and non-majors, this reader-friendly text is concept driven vs. terminology driven. That is, the text is based on the underlying concepts and principles of zoology rather than strict memorization of terminology. Written in a student-centered, conversational style, this educational research-based textbook uniquely connects students and our society to animals from various perspectives—economic, ecologic, medical, and cultural, exploring how the animal world and human realm are intimately intertwined. End-of-chapter questions challenge students to think critically and creatively while incorporating science process skills and zoological principles.