1.2: Biological literacy is essential in the modern world.

A brief glance at any magazine or newspaper will reveal just how much scientific literacy has become a necessity (FIGURE 1-2). Many important health, social, medical, political, economic, and legal issues pivot on complex scientific data and theories. For example, why are unsaturated fats healthier for you than saturated fats? And why do allergies strike children from clean homes more than children from dirty homes? And why do new agricultural pests appear faster than new pesticides?

As you read and study this book, you will be developing biological literacy, the ability to (1) use the process of scientific inquiry to think creatively about real-world issues that have a biological component, (2) communicate these thoughts to others, and (3) integrate these ideas into your decision making. Biological literacy doesn’t involve just the big issues facing society or just abstract ideas. It also matters to you personally. Should you take aspirin when you have a fever? Are you using the wrong approach if you try to lose weight and, after some initial success, you find your rate of weight loss diminishing? Is it a good idea to consume moderate amounts of alcohol? Lack of biological literacy will put you at the mercy of “experts” who may try to confuse you or convince you of things in the interest of (their) personal gain. Scientific thinking will help you make wise decisions for yourself and for society.