5 comments about The Backyard Birdsong Guide: Eastern and Central North America (Backyard Birdsong Guides).

1. I got this for my Dad for Fathers Day and he loves it. He was impressed with the quality of the recordings and the different meanings of the songs that some birds sing.



2. The illustrations & descriptions for each bird are done very well. The sound quality of the individual bird songs is excellent. This book is a great way for anyone to begin learning about common backyard birds and their songs.



3. A great book with an innovative way to engage the children in learning about birds. A descriptive passage is written about each bird. Also an authentic audible sound can be created simply by pushing a button. Great for adults as well.
   gary



4. This is the bird identification book I, personally, have been waiting for all my life. Easy to use, easy to share with kids to introduce them to the joy of hearing that bird and then seeing it. Easy to share with bird experts, who love filling in whatever is always left out.And a joy to share with anyone in between (like myself and my friends) who just thinks birds are so much fun. Sincerely, S. Phaeton



5. Wow!! What a terrific book . . . the text, the sounds, the selection of species, the layout . . . everything works perfectly together. And, the Western book is just as impressive as its eastern companion.
   
   I opened my pre-release copy, intending to spend just a few minutes and return to it later. Two hours went by, and I was still reading and listening; I couldn't stop turning the pages.
   
   Of course, I went right to my favorite birds, reading the text and pushing the buttons to listen, as I expect that most people will do. But then I settled in and went to other species, and then I read the introductory pages. The information there will bring you to a whole new level of enjoying these remarkable creatures.
   
   I have struggled for years to identify birds through their song, aided by mostly meaningless mnemonics as these are presented in most guides. For the first time, Kroodsma's full description of each species' song gives readers enough detail and context to help them understand what they are listening to. These birds come to life in the text and then the icing is the lovely songs themselves. Push the loon button and you are immediately transported to remote northern lakes. Push the phoebe button and hear how he sings his two different songs. Hear how animated a pewee is at dawn compared to later in the day. Try the wrens, thrushes, warblers, sparrows. They're all there and more, in the text and at the push of a button!
   
   This is a truly special book. I'd give it ten stars if I could. Now I have the perfect gift to give to my friends to show them why I've always been so thrilled to hear a singing bird.
   
   (Originally submitted 4/29/08 but missing from current list of reviews)

4 comments about Study Guide for Biology.

1. I highly recommend getting this study aid, because not only does it contain quizzes, questions, and diagrams for you to fill, but also it is a blessing when you don't have the time to read a whole chapter in the text (they can be lengthy). The study guide contains an abridged version of each chapter, which saved me a few times, plus it's a slightly different take on the same subject, which can help if you have trouble understanding something in the text.



2. The book arrived as advertised. However, somehow I was sent 2 books and billed for each one. I was fortunate that a boy in my son's class also needed the text, but wasn't happy at the possiblity of having to ship back a 17.1 lb. book...not sure how this error happend.
   It will not stop us (as a family with 2 college kids) from ordering from you or Half Bay.
   Rae Dunitz



3. Very helpful companion to text. Repetition, repetition, repetition, you know, they say is the key to the kind of learning necessary for this class.



4. It was a good price and I know it will be a great help in studying for exams. It was delivered on time. Brand new and it was easy to find on amazon

3 comments about Genetics: A Conceptual Approach.

1. the book that is being shown on amazon is not the newest book. the book is now paper back, check with the buyer and check with your teacher to be sure that you are buying a hardback book, or if they will let u use a paperback book. there is some difference between the two dont get stuck.. if your using this book for a class your gonna need the study guide that goes along with it, it's really helpful explaining hard concepts that most prof. cant get across.



2. This book provides a wonderful and comprehensive introduction to genetics. I'm not a biology major, but I found that this book is both entertaining and informative. The author describes a wide panoramic view on the genetics, and yet addresses the fundamental concepts in genetics in very clear manner. DNA structure, replication, transcription to RNA, RNA processing, and RNA translation (a.k.a. the central dogma) have been very hard to comprehend and visualize, yet the author explains it very well. Numerous detailed illustrations in the book really helps to clarify the central dogma.
   
   All chapters start with VERY compelling REAL-WORLD cases that tantalizes you on learning the subject presented in the chapter. That makes me wanting to read for more. The writing is concise and clear. The author clearly knows his stuff.
   
   Overall, it is a great intro book. Great for both self-learners and in-class students. Definitely a must buy for those who want to get acquainted in genetics.
   
   For in depth contents: The book seems to be divided into four parts.
   
   1. It starts with principles of classical (Mendelian) genetics with its applications on chapter 1. Then it goes into cell structures, functions, and reproduction with chapter 2-4. Followed by heredity principles of reproduction and how classical genetics fit into the analysis of hereditary traits. The next chapter discusses how classical genetics is not enough -- the author presents compelling cases like lethal alleles, incomplete penetration, and so forth in chapter 5-6. This limitation brings forth extensions and modifications on the basic principles, which is also discussed. The author also discusses other analyses to detect hereditary traits, such as pedigree analysis.
   
   2. The second part is more toward modern genetics: How genes are not independently assorted as the Mendelian principles dictates. The concept of linkage, recombination, and consequently gene mapping are discussed in chapter 7. Followed by Chapter 8 is sort of intermezzo on bacterial and viral genetic systems.
   
   3. The third part is the meat of the book:
   Chapter 9 discusses what chromosomes are and how chromosomes abnormalities occur and what type of abnormalities.
   Chapter 10 discusses about DNA and RNA structure, followed by chromosome structure in chapter 11.
   Chapter 12 discusses DNA replication and recombination with detailed illustrations.
   Chapter 13 discusses transcription process, followed by chapter 14 on RNA molecules and processing.
   Chapter 15 discusses about genetic code and translation, followed by chapter 16: Gene expression.
   Chapter 17 discusses gene mutations and DNA repair.
   
   4. The fourth part is "elective" part:
   Chapter 18: Recombinant DNA technolocy
   Chapter 19: Genomics (Structural, Functional, and Comparative)
   Chapter 20: Organelle DNA
   Chapter 21: Various advanced topics
   Chapter 22: Quantitative Genetics (very basic single locus regression as an intro)
   Chapter 23: Population and Evolutionary Genetics



3. I don't have biology background but this book helps me learn a lot. The author presents concepts in a simple and clear manner.

1 comments about Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry Absolute Ultimate Guide (Study Guide & Solutions Manual).

1. This is an excellent study guide- one of the most thorough I have encountered to accompany recent science textbooks. Great study tool and an essential purchase to go with the actual text for success in class!

4 comments about Molecular Biology of the Cell, Fifth Edition: The Problems Book.

1. This is a great book, and gets better with each edition. If you are taking cell biology out of MBOTC, and don't have this book, you're playing with one hand tied behind your back. And if you're just reading MBOTC for fun, get this book, do the problems, and you'll learn more than you would in many University level cell biology courses.



2. This book is a wonderful companion for the MBOC book. I am reading these 2 books as self-study material during my postdoc fellowship. The large number of conceptual questions in this book are very helpful in reviewing the knowledge. Of course, this comes with solutions to the problems in MBOC book.



3. When I ordered the book, the website said it didn't even have a release date for it so I got a little worried that I wouldn't get my book in time for school. When they finally sent the shipping date, it was really close to when I was going to leave for school so again I was worried I wouldn't get it in time. But, the book came about a week and a half early and it was in excellent condition.



4. I received this book very quickly and the book like the seller said it would be is in excellent condition. I would trust this seller again in the future.

5 comments about Biology: Concepts & Connections with Student CD-ROM.

1. This is a great text for anyone taking an introductory college-level biology course. The writing style is simple and easy to understand, unlike many other science textbooks. Despite being very easy to read, it contains a good amount of information.



2. Well, you either need it for your class or not.
   
   I do like this book though b/c the pictures in this one are alot more descriptive of what you're reading then most of my other text books. Plus, the reviews in the back of each chapter actually make you think as opposed to just copying definitions for regurgitation of facts later.



3. This was my into to bio, and it is the best. I actually understood it ^.-!
   
   Good illustrations, a very good book.
   
   My teacher was great, which made all the difference.



4. This biology book has great practical concepts and provides detailed descriptions of biological processes. This book is ideal for a college level introductory course for Biology. Easy to read, the format of the concepts are easy to follow.



5. It was an ok book. Everything was outlined well enough, although some points could have used a bit more explanation & the definitions seemed a little clunky to memorize. Still, it was an invaluable learning tool in my biology class.

5 comments about Anatomy and Physiology for Speech, Language, and Hearing.

1. As a speech pathology student who was required to take an anatomy class with this being the required text - this book was horrible. In each chapter there is sooo much missing information and holes and gaps in the information that it made learning anatomy that much harder. The only good thing about this book is that it comes with a helpful anatomy cd for the cdrom... i preferred the Netter anatomy book instead.



2. This book is very easy to read and learn from. The CD is great for practice exams. I love it!



3. I'm pleased with the book, the condition, the price. I didn't ask for rushed delivery and it took about 2 weeks to arrive.



4. The best thing is that this book has a CD-rom that gives you simplified with tests every one the the chapters. You can practice your knowledge gained at the end of every chapter using written tests.
   
   I would have liked if the images had color. They're all white and black or drawings (which are really good too).



5. This book is well written and explains the material with great detail so that anyone can understand it clearly. I am very satisfied with the purchase.

No comments about Prescott/Harley/Klein's Microbiology.

5 comments about Anatomy and Physiology.

1. I bought this book for my Anatomy and Physiology 1 class in college. It was the required book for the class and the first semester we were using it. Upon going through we found numerous problems with information in the book. For example, there is an illustration of a reflex on page 419 and the foot is on backwards (according to the direction of the spinal cord). This is only one of many, many small problems with the book.
   
   I do however give it two stars because the website accompanying the book gives a lot of explanations for each chapter with videos to better see what the chapter talks about.
   
   If you're getting this book for independent study I recommend something else because this book has a lot of information that is wrong and you won't know to correct it. If you have a teacher who can point out the little qualms with this book, go for it but buy at your own risk.



2. Although my professor thought most of the information in the textbook was wrong, it was a great guide to use both online and in class. Great illustrations!



3. i recieved this book in brand new conditions just as promised! i am completly satisfied with the book!! i also recieved it in a timely matter.



4. goood book, well organized, but guys its A&P. freaking hard



5. Unfortunately the class that I bought this text for is only for the Physiology side and I don't use the Anatomy content at all. As for the Physiology content I think that they do a very good job of explaining complex concepts in a simple student-friendly way.

5 comments about Essential Biology, 3rd Edition (Campbell Biology Websites).

1. Campbell and Reece are best known as the authors of the hefty and excellent "Biology", now in it's 6th edition used by undegraduate biology majors and AP Biology students.

   "Essential Biology" uses a different approach. The authors have packed a great deal into this amazingly small textbook. I recently reviewed a huge number of introductory biology texts for adoption in our school district. We use Campbell and Reece's Biology, 6th edition for our AP biology course but were looking for a textbook to use with our 9th grade honors biology students.

   After a lengthy comparison of textbooks we picked "Essential Biology" based on several things. First we found the book to be accurate, readable, and concise. We felt that it would give the students a depth of understanding in the core biological principles so that they would be ready when they moved on to AP biology later in their high school career.

   Instead of trying to "cover" everything under the biological sun, "Essential Biology" focuses on four core biological topics: cells, genetics, evolution, and ecology. It's 20 chapters are broken up into these 4 units and does a wonderful job of pulling it all together.

   Other textbooks certainly cover more material but with less depth. What is the use of having a huge textbook that the students either never finish or rush through with no real understanding? This is a textbook that the students can dig into and throughly understand during one course.

   It is supported by CD-ROM's and on-line material. The website provides activities, on-line labs, quizes, and other practice. Students can print out results or e-mail them to their teachers.

   I would recommend this text as one for use in a non-majors biology course or as an advanced high school biology introductory course.




2. I needed this book for college. At the college book store the same exact book was $120.00 plus tax. On Amazon it was $80.00!!



3. Overall the book is written well . I especially like the "evolutionary connection" segment at the end of each chapter. My only gripe is is that while it repeatedly stresses in the text and test data bank that the "population is the smallest unit of evolution", it fails to explicitly mention that the "gene is the smallest unit of selection". It make the authors suspect to be adherence of the old "group selection" thinking.
   
   Also would it be nice had it address basic sociobiological concepts which are cornerstone of evolutionary thinking.



4. The price beats what most college bookstores charge. I always reccommend purchasing online it could cut the cost of the book in half. However if your going to purchase your college book online you should visit the college bookstore and find out what the instructor requires for the class a few weeks ahead of time so you dont get stuck paying for expedited shipping.



5. textbook was very worn, not in good condition for what it was described and what i paid for. this is the first time this has happened when ordering through amazon.