This introductory text assumes little prior scientific knowledge on the part of the student. It includes sufficient information for some shorter introductory botany courses open to both majors and nonmajors, and is arranged so that certain sections can be omitted without disrupting the overall continuity of the course. Stern emphasizes current interests while presenting basic botanical principles. This latest edition incorporates measurable learning outcomes and updated readings. Students will be introduced to the new classification of plants and plant-related species, integration of biotechnology into several chapters and inclusion of new text boxes addressing the areas of ecology, evolution and molecular biology. New photos have replaced older pictures or have been added also.
With this edition we introduce McGraw-Hill Connect® Botany, a web-based assignment and assessment platform that gives students the means to better connect with their coursework, with their instructors, and with the important concepts that they will need to know for success now and in the future. With McGraw-Hill Connect Botany, instructors can deliver interactive assignments, quizzes and tests online. Nearly all the questions from the text are presented in an autogradable format and tied to the text’s learning objectives.

1 What Is Plant Biology?
2 The Nature of Life
3 Cells
4 Tissues
5 Roots and Soils
6 Stems
7 Leaves
8 Flowers, Fruits, and Seeds
9 Water in Plants
10 Plant Metabolism
11 Growth and Development
12 Meiosis and Alternation of Generations
13 Genetics and Molecular Biology
14 Plant Breeding, Propagation, and Biotechnology
15 Evolution
16 Plant Names and Classifi cation
17 Domain (Kingdom) Bacteria, Domain (Kingdom) Archaea, and Viruses
18 Kingdom Protista
19 Kingdom Fungi
20 Introduction to the Plant Kingdom: Bryophytes
21 The Seedless Vascular Plants: Ferns and Their Relatives
22 Introduction to Seed Plants: Gymnosperms
23 Seed Plants: Angiosperms
24 Flowering Plants and Civilization
25 Ecology
26 Biomes

Appendix 1 Scientific Names of Organisms Mentioned in the Text
Appendix 2 Biological Controls
Appendix 3 Useful and Poisonous Plants, Fungi, and Algae
Appendix 4 House Plants and Home Gardening
Appendix 5 Metric Equivalents and Conversion Tables

Glossary
Photo Credits
Index