Despite the often extreme specialization and intimate knowledge requiredto make a contribution to science, most scientific disciplines are quick toadapt new technologies and advances developed from other fields.Inevitably, a new vocabulary follows these advances, the purpose of whichis 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 addressesthe often duplicitous meanings in an easily understood, succinct fashion.As each discipline has become more of a specialty, each has developedterms that serve as a shorthand for concepts within that discipline. On rareoccasion, different disciplines develop the same term with radically different definitions. By indicating a discipline, the encyclopedia directs thereader to a definition relevant to the topic at hand. An example of this isthe word genotype. Historically, this was a taxonomist’s term meaning“the type of the genus.” The genotype is important for classification andevolutionary studies. Subsequently, geneticists used genotype to refer tothe genetic makeup of an organism. One needs to understand not only themeaning of words, but must also be able to put them in the context of theperiod in which they were written.There will be new terms, new (and defunct) science Websites, newleaders, new disciplines, and even breathtaking new discoveries in science,but these will not detract from the utility of this encyclopedia. Bibliophilesneed 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 abiologist.—Tim McCabe, Ph.D.