Introduction
Despite the often-extreme specialization and intimate knowledge required to make a contribution to science, most scientific disciplines are quick to adapt new technologies and advances developed from other fields. Inevitably, a new vocabulary follows these advances, the purpose of which is to convey meaning with a word that once required a descriptive paragraph or even a page.
The Encyclopedia of Biology pulls together the specialized terminology that has found its way into the language of the biologist. It addresses the often-duplicitous meanings in an easily understood, succinct fashion. As each discipline has become more of a specialty, each has developed terms that serve as a shorthand for concepts within that discipline.
On rare occasion, different disciplines develop the same term with radically different definitions. By indicating a discipline, the encyclopedia directs the reader to a definition relevant to the topic at hand. An example of this is the word genotype. Historically, this was a taxonomist’s term meaning “the type of the genus.”
The genotype is important for classification and evolutionary studies. Subsequently, geneticists used genotype to refer to the genetic makeup of an organism. One needs to understand not only the meaning of words but must also be able to put them in the context of the period in which they were written.
There will be new terms, new (and defunct) science Websites, new leaders, new disciplines, and even breathtaking new discoveries in science, but these will not detract from the utility of this encyclopedia. Bibliophiles need only pause to consider which books they consult most frequently.
The reference book holds counsel over all others. Facts On File’s Encyclopedia of Biology may not read like a novel, but it will help you read like a biologist.
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