An introduction to the series of digital biology textbooks that uses interactive elements and video. The series of seven books, in addition to this introduction, is available for free from iTunes and was developed by the E.O. WIlson Biodiversity Foundation. From the official webpage: To create Life on Earth, the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation brought together a team consisting of educators, writers, multimedia artists, 3D animators trained in science and cinema, and textbook professionals, led by naturalist Edward O. Wilson. The editorial team, headed by Morgan Ryan, worked in full partnership with the Boston-based scientific graphics company Digizyme, Inc, headed by Gaël McGill, PhD, with the goal of creating a cultural landmark—a portal that will introduce students to the grandest story there is, the story of life on Earth, from molecules to ecosystems, from the origin of life to the modern awareness that we control the environment we live in.

Designed to give students a deep understanding of the central topics of introductory biology, E. O. Wilson’s Life on Earth is a captivating iBooks Textbook presented as a seven-unit collection. In this first unit, we explore the unity of life by examining the shared features of all living things, inherited from a universal common ancestor. In addition, we look at the evolutionary mechanisms that—over the course of 3.5 billion years—created the countless species and forms of life that populate our diverse living planet. Each unit of the engagingly interactive E. O. Wilson’s Life on Earth features video, photo galleries, and Multi-Touch images and illustrations that inspire students to study, enjoy, and help protect the wonders of life on Earth. Exclusively available as an Apple iBook.

Designed to give students a deep understanding of the central topics of introductory biology, E. O. Wilson’s Life on Earth is a captivating iBooks Textbook presented as a seven-unit collection. In this second volume, we examine what happens inside cells, looking at how molecules and energy become life and exploring topics like metabolism, photosynthesis, and cell division. Each unit of the engagingly interactive E. O. Wilson’s Life on Earth features video, photo galleries, and Multi-Touch images and illustrations that inspire students to study, enjoy, and help protect the wonders of life on Earth. Exclusively available as an Apple iBook.

Designed to give students a deep understanding of the central topics of introductory biology, E. O. Wilson’s Life on Earth is a captivating iBooks Textbook presented as a seven-unit collection. In this third unit, we explore the structure of DNA and the processes through which DNA directs cellular activity. By studying DNA—the thread that connects the past and future of life—we create a foundation for learning about genetic inheritance, evolution, and biodiversity. Each unit of the the engagingly interactive E. O. Wilson’s Life on Earth features video, photo galleries, and Multi-Touch images and illustrations that inspire students to study, enjoy, and help protect the wonders of life on Earth. Available exclusively as an Apple iBook.

Designed to give students a deep understanding of the central topics of introductory biology, E. O. Wilson’s Life on Earth is a captivating iBooks Textbook presented as a seven-unit collection. This fourth unit explores the physiology of animals, shining a light on complex systems of interacting structures and organs. We examine how animals sense their environments, move around, process energy, regulate their internal systems, protect themselves, and reproduce. Each unit of the engagingly interactive E. O. Wilson’s Life on Earth features video, photo galleries, and Multi-Touch images and illustrations that inspire students to study, enjoy, and help protect the wonders of life on Earth. Available exclusively as an Apple iBook.

Designed to give students a deep understanding of the central topics of introductory biology, E. O. Wilson’s Life on Earth is a captivating iBooks Textbook presented as a seven-unit collection. In this fifth unit, we examine how plants adapt to survive in a vast variety of unique environments. We explore plant structures—as well as how plants endure different environmental conditions, interact and compete with other species, and reproduce. Each unit of the engagingly interactive E. O. Wilson’s Life on Earth features video, photo galleries, and Multi-Touch images and illustrations that inspire students to study, enjoy, and help protect the wonders of life on Earth. Available exclusively as an Apple iBook.

Designed to give students a deep understanding of the central topics of introductory biology, E. O. Wilson’s Life on Earth is a captivating iBooks Textbook presented as a seven-unit collection. This sixth unit surveys the astonishing diversity of life—from bacteria and viruses to reptiles and mammals. There are a million named species on our planet (and many more to be discovered). What are they? How do they live? And which evolutionary paths did they take to become the way they are? Each unit of the engagingly interactive E. O. Wilson’s Life on Earth features video, photo galleries, and Multi-Touch images and illustrations that inspire students to study, enjoy, and help protect the wonders of life on Earth. Available exclusively as an Apple iBook.

Designed to give students a deep understanding of the central topics of introductory biology, E. O. Wilson’s Life on Earth is a captivating iBooks Textbook presented as a seven-unit collection. In this final unit, we explore the various biological communities that coexist on Earth. We look into how populations behave, interact, feed, and distribute themselves within ecosystems—and learn about how these environments are changing in the modern world. Each unit of the engagingly interactive E. O. Wilson’s Life on Earth features video, photo galleries, and Multi-Touch images and illustrations that inspire students to study, enjoy, and help protect the wonders of life on Earth. Available exclusively as an Apple iBook.