The 50 most thought-provoking theories of life, each explained in half a minute. 30-Second Biology tackles the vital science of life, dissecting the 50 most thought-provoking theories of our ecosystem and ourselves. At a time when discoveries in DNA allow us to feel more connected than ever to the natural world, this is the fastest route to an understanding of the tree of life. Whether you're dipping into the gene pool, unlocking cells, or conversing on biodiversity, this is all the knowledge you need to bring life to the dinner-party debate.
Nicholas Battey is Head of Environmental Biology and Mark Fellowes is Head of the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Reading. Together, their expertise spans the diversity of their subject: Professor Battey's background is in cells, genes and plants. His current fields of research include the physiology, molecular biology and development of flowering plants with a particular interest in fruit crops. Dr Fellowes's background is in ecology, evolution and animals and his research interests focus on interactions between species. Mark Fellowes has been passionate about wildlife from an early age, spending his formative years in the wilds of the west of Ireland surveying birds and bringing bits of the countryside into his home. He is now Professor of Ecology at the University of Reading, working on species as diverse as aphids and ants, red kites and sloth bears. With current projects on five continents, his research explores the connections between people and animals, trying to understand how we can live alongside wildlife for the benefit of biodiversity. He lives in the UK.