Decay and Renewal presents an inquiry-based approach to studying biodegradation, the assortment of biological processes that cause organic matter to decay. Biodegradation occurs in nature and in human-engineered systems to prevent or clean up environmental contamination. Why study biodegradation? Because it provides a wealth of opportunities for students to learn basic biological and ecological concepts while engaging in investigations about environmental issues of relevance in their everyday lives. This free selection also includes the bonus section—Levels of Inquiry, the Table of Contents, and Introduction.