LibGuides: Biology Subject Guide: Reference

Dictionaries

Subject-specific dictionaries provide specialized definitions in a particular area.

A Dictionary of Genetics This dictionary includes 6,580 definitions of terms encountered in the genetics literature, as well as 395 illustrative diagrams and tables.
Call Number: eBook -- Click to Connect
A Dictionary of Zoology Covers evolutionary concepts, animal behavior, Earth history, cytology, physiology, zoogeography, taxonomic principles and genetics. Taxa covered include invertebrates (especially arthropods), fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals.
Call Number: eBook -- Click to Connect
A Dictionary of Ecology, Evolution and Systematics Provides brief definitions within the broad area of biodiversity studies, including the disciplines of botany, zoology, bacteriology, mineralogy, and paleontology, focusing on concepts, strategies, and methodologies.
Call Number: QH540.4 .L56 1998 (Science Reference)
Cambridge Dictionary of Human Biology and Evolution Defines terms used in human biology and evolution. Also includes a taxonomy of extinct primates, the terrestrial chronology of the Pleistocene “ice age” in the northern hemisphere, and a timeline of human evolution.
Call Number: eBook -- Click to Connect
The Cambridge Illustrated Glossary of Botanical Terms An illustrated glossary of more than 2,400 terms used to describe vascular plants.
Call Number: QK10 .H53 2000 (Science Reference)

Review Articles

Finding a literature review for your specific topic can provide a weatlh of background information as well as a large bibliography for further reading.

Annual Reviews
Annual Reviews publishes comprehensive, up-to-date review articles in the life, physical, and social sciences. A great place to look for an overview of your research topic.
Current Topics in Developmental Biology
This series provides comprehensive reviews of research on developmental mechanisms. Most volumes in the series focus on a particular subject and are searchable in CONSORT by subject or volume title as well as series title.

Handbooks and Manuals

Handbooks and manuals provide current examples of protocols and techniques. Some use step-by-step examples and/or ready reference information.

CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics The definitive reference source for chemical and physical information. Includes basic constants, units and conversion factors, data on the physical constants of organic and inorganic compounds, fluid properties, properties of solids and more.
Call Number: QD65 .H3 (Science Reserve)
Handbook of Biodiversity Methods: Survey, Evaluation and Monitoring Bioinformatics A guide to the collection and evaluation of biodiversity data according to standard procedures.
Call Number: QH541.15.B56 H35 2005 (Science Reference)
Insects: Their Natural History and Diversity: With a Photographic Guide to Insects of Eastern North America Provides an introduction to the natural history and diversity of insects found in northeastern North America — east of the Mississippi River and north of Georgia. Color photographs provide a visual overview of the diversity of species.
Call Number: QL493 .M34 2006 (Science Reference)
The Handbook of Water and Wastewater Microbiology Provides an introduction to water and wastewater microbiology. It is divided into four parts covering basic microbiology, water and excretia-related diseases, microbiology of wastewater treatment and drinking water microbiology.
Call Number: QR48 .H35 2003 (Science Reference)
Current Protocols Essential Laboratory Techniques A supplement to the Current Protocols series, covering fundamental techniques such as weighing and measuring, preparing reagents, and culturing cells. Also includes guides to keeping a lab notebook and creating posters and presentations.
Call Number: RB36 .C87 2008 (Science Reference)

Encyclopedias

Encyclopedia of the Biosphere: Humans in the World’s Ecosystems Provides comprehensive coverage of the earth’s major biomes, with emphasis on how these ecosystems have been impacted by human activity.
Call Number: QH343.4 .B5613 2000 (Science Reference)
Flowering Plant Families of the World Includes description of the 506 families and their major subdivisions: distribution maps, bibliographic references, and other illustrations, and a comprehensive index featuring both common and scientific names.
Call Number: QK495 .A1F58 2007 (Science Reference)
Grzimek’s Animal Life Encyclopedia Each volume covers a distinct group of animals; chapters are organized taxonomically. Also included are a list of further readings, list of relevant organizations, a glossary, species list and a detailed subject index (vol. 17).
Call Number: QL7 .G7813 2003 (Science Reference)
Encyclopedia of Insects A comprehensive reference on insect species, including anatomy, physiology, behavior, evolution, reproduction, development, habitats, and more.
Call Number: QL462.3 .E485 2003 (Science Reference)
Encyclopedia of Soil Science
Call Number: S592 .S53 2008 (Science Reference)