Reference sources provide background information, an overview of a topic, specialized vocabulary and terminology, and critical concepts. They're often a great starting point. The Library has reference materials both online and in print.
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Credo Reference
Oxford Reference OnlineRyan Library has dozens of subject encyclopedias, dictionaries, and guidebooks in the area of biology. Here are just a few examples:
The Cambridge Dictionary of Human Biology and Evolution by 
Encyclopedia of Animal Behavior by 
Encyclopedia of Stem Cell Research by 
Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia by