This volume examines the concepts, problems, progress, and trends in developing and applying new data mining techniques to the rapidly growing field of genome biology. By studying the concepts and case studies presented, readers will gain significant insight and develop practical solutions for similar biological data mining projects in the future.

Written for academic researchers and graduate students in entomology, this is the first comprehensive analysis of Sciomyzid flies. Sciomyzid flies are important as prime candidates for the biological control of snails and slugs that help transmit diseases such as schistosomiasis or are important agricultural pests. They also serve as a paradigm for the study of the evolution of feeding behavior in predatory insects. Starting with analyses of malacophagy in general and then in Diptera specifically, all important aspects of the Sciomyzidae are discussed, including behavior, ecology, life cycles, morphology, and identification. New behavioral and morphological classifications and hypotheses are proposed on the basis of unpublished information and a complete analysis of the extensive literature. Also included are keys to adults, larvae and puparia and a checklist of world species, with information on geographical range and the location of type specimens. The accompanying DVD includes Clifford O. Berg's classic film on the biology of Sciomyzidae and biological control of snails.

A review of the study into the design and function of plants. The information presented in this book gives an overview of the structure and function of plants. It starts by briefly describing some principle plant studies of the past and how these contributions have enriched each sucessive generation in building the ever-increasing knowledge of plant life.

Calculus With Applications for the Life Sciences was written for the one- or two-semester applied calculus course for life science students with a focus on incorporating interesting, relevant, and realistic applications. This text includes many citations from current data sources. It also offers many opportunities for use of technology, allowing for increased visualization and a better understanding of difficult concepts.

The history of biology is populated by numerous model species or organisms. But few vertebrate groups have aided evolutionary and ecological research more than the live-bearing fishes of the family Poeciliidae.

Ecology and Evolution of Poeciliid Fishes is a much-needed overview of the scientific potential and understanding of these live-bearing fishes. Chapters by leading researchers take up a wide range of topics, including the evolution of unisexual reproduction, life in extreme environments, life-history evolution, and genetics. Designed to provide a single and highly approachable reference, Ecology and Evolution of Poeciliid Fishes will appeal to students and specialists interested in all aspects of evolutionary ecology.

This unique resource presents 27 laboratory exercises for use in student practical classes, all of which are classic experiments in developmental biology. These are experiments that provided key insights into developmental questions, and many of them are described by the scientists who carried out the original pioneering research. This book provides a bridge between state-of-the-art experimental work and the laboratory classes taken at the undergraduate and post-graduate levels. All chapters follow the same logical format, taking the students from materials and methods, through results and discussion, so that they learn the underlying rationale employed in the research.

Numerous and charismatic, the Lepidoptera is one of the most widely studied groups of invertebrates. This book presents a wide-ranging collection of studies on the Lepidoptera, treating them as specialized insects with distinctive features and as model systems for carrying out cutting-edge research. Leading researchers provide an evolutionary framework for placing moths and butterflies on the Tree of Life.

In Mushroom, Nicholas Money offers a vibrant introduction to the world of mushrooms, investigating the science behind these organisms as well as their enduring cultural and imaginative appeal. Beginning with the basics of mushroom biology, Money leads us through a history of mushroom research, painting portraits of the colorful characters involved in their study. Money also discusses the uses of mushrooms today, exploring their importance as food and medicine, their use as recreational drugs, and as the cause of horrific poisonings.