Book excerpt: For one or two semester courses in Introductory Biology targeting non- and mixed majors. The goal of this text is to provide an engaging and easy to use book with an innovative and interactive media program. It achieves a unique balance in emphasizing concepts without sacrificing scientific accuracy. The new MediaTutor, found at the end of each chapter, integrates the text and media by providing a brief description of the CD or WEB activity and the time requirement for completion. In creating the book and the media package, the authors and Prentice Hall reached out to the biology community - involving educators from around the country to help address the diverse needs of todays students. How do you engage your students and help make biology relevant to them? *NEW - Chapter-opening Case Studies and chapter-ending Case Studies Revisited - Includes Did Dinosaurs Die from Lack of Sunlight? from the chapter on Photosynthesis and Teaching an Old Grain New Tricks from the chapter on Biotechnology. Provides an innovative framework for students to learn and make connections between biological concepts and processes. *Earth Watch/Health Watch essays - Covers biodiversity, ozone depletion/pre