LibGuides: Biology: Background Information

General Information

The resources below are excellent for providing background and general information on topics with which you may be unfamiliar.

Use them to get a general understanding of a topic and how it relates to other biology topics.

These sources are good, authorative alternatives to Wikipedia.

They are useful for:

Choosing a topic
Understanding terminology
Locating background information
Identifying good search terms
Identifying additional resources

OMIM
OMIM is a comprehensive, authoritative compendium of human genes and genetic phenotypes that is freely available and updated daily. OMIM is authored and edited at the McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
The Cell: An Image Library
Open-access resource sponsored by the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) boasts nearly 9,000 multimedia files. It is browsable by cell process, cell component, cell type, and organism.

General Science Background Information

Gale Encyclopedia of Science
Call Number: Ebook
ISBN: 9781414498584
Publication Date: 2014
Covers all major areas of science, engineering, technology, as well as mathematics and the medical and health sciences, while providing a comprehensive overview of current scientific knowledge and technology. Entries typically describe scientific concepts, provide overviews of scientific areas and, in some cases, define terms.
Access Science/McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology
Call Number: EBook
Covers basic introductory material and extended article entries and live journal citations in key scientific areas including biology, Earth and environmental sciences, chemistry, physics, and beyond

Biology Background Information

Biology by Gale (Editor)
Call Number: Ebook
ISBN: 9780028663722
Publication Date: 2016-03-11
Explains biological concepts and explores related fields as well as the history of biological science. Discusses critical issues such as embryogenesis and commercial applications of research in biology and addresses ethical issues. Provides information on careers in biology and contains color illustrations, sidebars, bibliographies, timelines, charts, and a glossary.
Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia by Gale Research Staff; Michael Hutchins
Call Number: Ebook
ISBN: 9780787653620
Publication Date: 2002-10-04
A completely revised and updated version of the original work published in Germany in 1960, this edition incorporates recent developments in the animal world as noted by prominent advisors and contributors from the scientific community.
Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia: Evolution by Michael Hutchins (Editor)
Call Number: Ebook
ISBN: 9781414486697
Publication Date: 2011-03-09
Covers evolution in detail and explores it from a scientific viewpoint. Includes comprehensive coverage of recent ideas and discoveries in the field of evolution.
Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia: Extinction by Gale Editors (Editor); Melissa McDade (Editor)
Call Number: Ebook
ISBN: 9781414490670
Publication Date: 2013-06-14
This new supplement explores all aspects of extinctions and extinct life, featuring approximately 80 articles outlining major extinctions and related scientific areas. Entries are written by nationally renowned subject experts specializing in zoology, paleontology, and environmental science. Written for students and general researchers.