content: My son is using this book in his freshmen 'intro to biology' course. This book is so incredibly difficult it rivals some of my advanced biology classes taken in college. The wording is complex and written at such a high level that even I have to re-read many sentences. Too many big words and complex ideas packed into a small space. The graphics are not very helpful. I would never consider buying this book if I was a science teacher. My son now hates science because of the complexity of the topics presented. Fine for a college level class, but for a freshmen bio?? Not a chance.