There are number of different types of publications available to biologists. The type of publication you need may depend on where you are with your research or what the requirements of your particular assignment are. The following list highlights some of the characteristics of each type.

• Provide a brief overview of scientfic findings for a general audience
• Useful when you are searching for the latest scientific research

• Provide brief descriptions of original research presented at conferences
• Useful when you are looking for recent research in the scientific literature

• Present new and original scientific findings
• Explain research methodology and provide data
• Useful when you need primary sources (primary articles will be discussed in detail later)

• Provide an overview of a field or subject
• Synthesize previous research
• Useful when you need background information and additional references