In his popular classes and bestselling textbooks, Jay Phelan uses questions as a way of introducing both the practical impact and awe-inspiring wonder of biological research. Phelan knows how to captivate nonmajors with stories of how scientists investigate life. He is also a master at using the study of biology as a context for developing the critical thinking skills and scientific literacy students can draw on through university and beyond.

Phelan's dynamic approach to teaching biology is the driving force behind this textbook. The rigorously updated new edition brings forward the features that made the book a classroom favourite (chapters anchored to intriguing questions about life, spectacular original illustrations, innovative learning tools) with a more focused and flexible presentation and enhanced art. What is Life? is available with LaunchPad. LaunchPad combines an interactive ebook with high-quality multimedia content and ready-made assessment options, including LearningCurve adaptive quizzing. See 'Instructor Resources' and 'Student Resources' for further information.