Biology

Discover everything you need to know about biology, with the simplest most visual guide to the science of life.

How do vaccines work? What is special about stem cells? How did we evolve from bacteria? The science of life can be dauntingly complex, and it can be hard to separate "good" science from "bad", fundamental truths from the much-hyped breakthroughs reported in the media.

With clear, easy-to-understand graphics and packed with fascinating facts, How Biology Works demystifies both the core biology that may have eluded us at school, and the cutting-edge life science that makes the news, answering the questions that spark our curiosity.

With power to every page, this striking science book:

- Is illustrated entirely by specially commissioned, boldly-colored, distinctive, flat, vector graphics that explain each topic clearly and engagingly.
- Uses clear, distinctive, eye-catching graphics to make even complex biology easy to understand.
- Offers a practical, no-nonsense approach to each subject.


Building from life's fundamental ingredients, such as carbon and water, the book explains chemical processes in living cells, controlled by the ultimate biochemical, DNA. It shows how DNA is made of units called genes, which are shuffled in each generation of offspring, leading to variation and evolution. It covers topics from school biology, such as how plants work and how animals, including humans, work, and goes on to ecology and biotechnology.

Beyond school science, however, it covers the background to the latest medical technology and biotechnology: how gene therapy works, what stem-cell research is achieving, and how our immune systems, boosted by vaccines, are in an arms race with ever-mutating viruses and other pathogens.

At DK, we believe in the power of discovery.

So why stop there?

How Biology Works is part of DK's widely successful How Stuff Works series. Discover the inner workings of the mind with How the Brain Works, succeed in all things science with How Science Works and discover the cosmos like you've never known before with How Space Works. Whatever topic sparks your interests, there's a plethora of knowledge to discover!

Discover the fascinating stories behind 300 species of insects and explore their world.

Did you know that insects are essential to life on Earth? Without them we simply couldn't exist – they pollinate our crops, break down dead matter, and play a vital role in our ecosystems. Yet their numbers are plummeting in the face of changing climates, pesticide use, and threats to their essential habitats. This cutting-edge book, which is grounded in the latest research and written by members of the Royal Entomological Society, teaches you all you need to know about bugs, beetles, butterflies and more – revealing how vital they are to us and we are to them.

From a look at how insects have been collected for study, to the use of insects in medicines, and their importance in art and literature, this fascinating book knits together science, food, culture and natural history.

With advice on spotting insects in a range of habitats, species identification notes, a guide to attracting beneficial insects to your outdoor space, and more, this book is the ultimate wildlife-lover's companion.

Meet the bacteria, viruses, and other microbes that are all around us, but are too small for us to see.

This book explains bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes simply for kids aged 7-9 by bestselling author and science communicator Steve Mould.

What do glowing squid, mouldy bread, and soil creatures all have in common? They're all part of the world of microbiology! In this awesome introductory book for budding scientists, the big world of tiny organisms is revealed with remarkable photography, kooky characters, and lots of fun facts.

This fascinating biology book for kids offers:

- An introduction to STEAM by well-known science author Steve Mould.
- A new and updated edition featuring the latest information on pandemics and COVID-19, and vaccines.
- A look into not just bacteria, but viruses, funghi and other microbes too!

The Bacteria Book is a fun and informative introduction to a STEAM subject that brings kids up-close with microbiology, and young scientists won't want to put it down.

Children can learn about how miniature life forms affect our world, for good and bad, through real-life examples of microbes in action. Bacteria are some of the most important organisms on Earth, and without them our bodies wouldn't be able to work. Fungi are used to make bread and cheese. Viruses and other germs can make us ill, but are fought by our amazing immune system. All these stories and more are told in clear and engaging language by bestselling author and science comedian Steve Mould.

Part of the fascinating Big Ideas series, this book tackles tricky topics and themes in a simple and easy to follow format. Learn abo

Biology: 100 Ideas in 100 Words offers the essential facts at your fingertips, satisfying your scientific curiosity and helping you to understand the biggest concepts in biology in concise, 100-word summaries.

One of the titles in a cutting-edge new series created in partnership with The Science Museum, this book introduces 100 key areas of biology such as life processes, evolution, DNA and inheritance, diversity of plants, immunity and disease, and explains each topic in just 100 words. Perfect for getting your head around big ideas clearly and quickly, or refreshing your memory of the fundamentals of life on earth, this book covers the most up-to-date terms and theories and inspires a heightened level of understanding and enjoyment to the core areas of biology explored in The Science Museum.