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The Peppered Moth, A topic that was closely studied by Charles Darwin due to their specific and noticeable evolutionary change.

The Peppered Moth is usually scene now in both black and white variations, however originally the peppered moth appeared more like the bottom moth. White-ish with black specks across its back. This was so the moth could better camouflage itself against the lichen-covered trees where it is native to. However, back during the industrial revolution. Coal burning led to a lot of air pollution due to smoke and soot. This not only killed the lichen on most trees and blackened the trunks but it also led to the decrease in the (white) peppered moth population. The (black) peppered moth could more easily camouflage into the trees during that time, while the white stood out making the white moths more of a target for predators. Leading to the black Peppered Moth becoming more common. This not only coincides with our evolutionary beliefs of natural selection, but also because of the environmental pressures caused by the industrial revolution and high consumption of coal.

Source:

https://butterfly-conservation.org/moths/why-moths-matter/amazing-moths/peppered-moth-and-natural-selection

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Vampirovibrio Chlorellavorus is a the first of its kind, a sub-order of Cyanobacterium and the first predatory Cyanobacterium. In this medical research article, Vampirovibrio Chlorellavorus is deeply analyzed comparing it to other predatory bacteria such as the bdellovibrio class to which it was originally classified within before the change to Vampirovibrio due to it's specific mode of predation. Unlike Bdellovibrio which penetrates the cell membrane, Vampirovibrio attaches to its host using an IV secretion. The article breaks down the methods and materials used to test Vampirovibrio Chlorellavorus. Such as taking samples, DNA extraction, and the various Genome testing done. In results and conclusion, it is determined that Vampirovibrio Chlorellavorus is a Gram-negative Cyanobacteria. In regards to its Shape, Vampirovibrio is Cocci when it is not attached, and Vibroid when on its host. This means that Vampirovibrio has a pleomorphic life cycle.

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Back from the dead; the curious tale of the predatory cyanobacterium Vampirovibrio chlorellavorus

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An uncultured non-photosynthetic basal lineage of the Cyanobacteria, the Melainabacteria, was recently characterised by metagenomic analyses of aphotic environmental samples. However, a predatory bacterium, Vampirovibrio chlorellavorus, originally…

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The above chart shows the differences between Monocot and Dicot plants. The names Monocot and Dicot stem from the Monocot only having one Cotyledon and one Embryonic leaf, whereas the Dicot has two Cotyledon and Two Embryonic leaves. The Leaves are also different, Monocot leaves sheathed in the stem with parellel veins, while the Dicot leaves bud from the stem and having branching veins. In a Monocot plant, Vascular bundles are scattered within the stem. In a Dicot plant, Vascular bundles are arranged in a ring. Their Root systems are also different, Monocot plants have fibrous roots meaning they are thin and numerous, spreading in every direction. Where as Dicot plants have Tap roots which are thick and grow more downward, branching off of one central root. Monocot plants flower in multiples of threes and Dicot plants will flower in multiples of fours or fives. Some of our common Monocot plants are plants like Grass, Tulips, Lilies, Orchids, Wheat and Corn. Common Dicot plants would be Roses, Chrysanthemums, Sunflowers, and even Cacti. I think perhaps the most common that we see in our daily lives would have to be Monocot plants, given that unless we are in the city, there is always plenty of grass to see. Living out in the rural areas also means that we see a lot more crops than usual as well like corn, wheat, and other tall grasses and grains.

Source:

https://rsscience.com/monocot-vs-dicot-plants/#What_is_monocot_plant

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The Phylum Cnidaria is divided into 5 Taxa:

Anthozoa

Scyphozoa

Staurozoa

Cubozoa

Hydrozoa

Most common Cnidaria being Jellyfish and Anenome.

The Phylum was named after the Cnidocytes, Unique cells found in the organisms within this Phylum.

These Unique cells come in 30 different types among the Cnidarians. However the Three most common are Penetrant Type (Stinging), Volvent type (Lassos), and Glutinant type (Secretes).

Cnidocytes are single-use cells and are lost once disharged.

Cnidarians are Diploblasts, meaning they have 2 germ cell layers.

Ectoderm/Epidermis - Which contains most of the Cnidocytes and sensory cells.

Gastrodermis- "Inner Digestive Layer" that secretes enzymes to break down food.

Between the two layers is the water-filled Mesoglea, which forms the hydrostatic skeleton that provides support for many Cnidarians.

Cnidarians have no organs or organ systems, however they do have a decentralized nervous sytem/net made up of interconnected Neurons.

They also exhibit radial symmetry which means that they have a top and bottom and are symmetrical around the center.

An important characteristic of Cnidarians is that they are Polymorphic meaning they are possessing of distinctly different morphologies.

Hydroid/Polyps - Sedentary, Tubular, A mouth and Aboral ends

Medusae - Free floating, bell-shaped, Centered mouth surrounded by tentacles.

Some non-colonial Cnidarians will exhibit both morphologies at different times in their lives.

Unlike other Bilaterally symmetrical animals, Cnidarians only have one opening. which means their mouth is also their anus.

While most of the Cnidarians Gas and Waste Exchange is done through diffusion, This is also some of the function of the opening.

The opening leads to the Gastrovascular Cavity, which has functions for

Digestion

Gas exchange

Waste Excretion

Reproduction through spawning.

Spawning in Cnidarians is driven by the external environment. Typically Cnidarians will spawn together as to increase the chance of fertilization.

Through spawning, once an egg is fertilized it becomes a Zygote, that develops into a Planula that swims or crawls by means of a cilia. The Planula settles into the substrate and begins developing into a Polyp.

Cnidarians can also reproduce asexually via budding, and in some species by splitting in two.

Cnidarians also have the capacity for regeneration. Though some can only regenerate certain pieces of their bodies, some are considered biologically immortal meaning they do not deteriorate with age.

Source:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rhdmss0-x34

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Phylum Cnidaria Part 1: Introduction and Broad Characteristics

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The website starts off by giving a simple definition of Homeostasis, The ability for an organism to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment. The process involves several biological mechanisms that detect changes and trigger responses to restore balance. Things like body temperature, chemical energy, PH and Oxygen Levels, and blood pressure and blood sugar are all controlled by Homeostasis.

It also covers the origin of the word, "Homeo" coming from the greek words meaning similar, and "stasis" standing still.

It talks about the three primary components of Homeostasis.

Receptors- Structures that detect changes in the environment (internal or external) and send the information to the control center.

Control Center- Usually the brain or the endocrine system, processes the information and determines a response.

Effectors- The organs or cells that enact the response for the control center and restore balance.

Giving examples using the pancreas and Blood sugar levels in homeostasis.

The site also talks about feedback mechanisms such as Negative and Positive feedback. Noting that Negative feedback is more common than Positive feedback. Negative feedback being Self-limiting whereas Positive feedback can be Self-amplifying or Controlled and temporary; giving examples of when both feedback mechanisms are used as both are crucial for maintaining homeostasis. Negative feedback maintains stability and balance where as Positive feedback aids in specific often critical situations that require rapid change.

Other examples of Homeostasis in humans would be Water balance, Calcium levels, Electrolyte balance, and Blood PH levels.

Examples in other animals would be things like thermoregulation in birds or Osmoregulation in Fish. Even things like hibernation in bears are a part of homeostasis. Even Bacteria use homeostasis to monitor their PH levels, Ion concentration, and Osmotic stress.

The site then highlights the importance of Homeostasis, citing how it ensures optimal operating conditions for cells and organs within an animal and how without maintaining homeostasis diseases and disruptions occur.

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Homeostasis is a fundamental concept in biology that refers to the self-regulating process by which biological systems maintain stability while adjusting to changing conditions. This stability, or equilibrium, is essential for organisms to function effectively and efficiently.

Simple Definition of Homeostasis

Homeostasis is the ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions. This process involves various biological mechanisms that detect changes, trigger responses, and restore balance. Examples of things that homeostasis controls include body temperature, chemical energy, pH levels, oxygen levels, blood pressure, and blood sugar.

Origin and History of Discovery

The word "homeostasis" originates from the Greek words 'homeo,' meaning similar, and 'stasis,' meaning standing still. Walter Cannon, an American physiologist, coined the term in the early 20th century. He built upon the work of Claude Bernard, a French physiologist who first recognized the concept of an internal milieu in the mid-19th century.

Components of Homeostasis

Homeostasis involves three primary components:

1. Receptors: These are structures that detect changes in the environment (internal or external) and send this information to the control center.

2. Control Center: Usually the brain or endocrine system, it processes the information and determines the appropriate response.

3. Effectors: These are organs or cells that enact the response determined by the control center, thereby restoring balance.

A classic example of homeostasis involving receptors, control center, and effectors is the regulation of blood glucose levels in the human body. This process maintains the energy supply to cells and is tightly controlled.

1. Receptors: Detecting Blood Glucose Levels

In this context, receptors are specialized cells in the pancreas that monitor glucose levels in the blood. These cells are known as pancreatic beta cells. When blood glucose levels rise (such as after eating), these cells detect the increased glucose.

2. Control Center: Pancreas as the Decision-Maker

Upon detecting high glucose levels, the beta cells of the pancreas serve as the control center. They assess the information from the receptors and determine the necessary response to restore glucose levels to a normal range. The pancreas then synthesizes and releases the hormone insulin into the bloodstream.

3. Effectors: Actions to Lower Blood Glucose

The effectors in this process are primarily the liver and muscle cells, which respond to the insulin released by the pancreas. Insulin signals these cells to increase the uptake of glucose from the blood. Muscle cells use glucose for energy, especially during physical activity. The liver converts excess glucose into glycogen for storage, effectively lowering the blood glucose level and restoring equilibrium.

Positive and Negative Feedback in Homeostasis

Feedback mechanisms maintain the stability in the body's internal environment. There are two types of regulatory mechanisms: negative feedback and positive feedback.

Negative Feedback

Negative feedback is the most common feedback mechanism in homeostasis. It counteracts or negates a change, bringing the system back to its set point or equilibrium. When a deviation from a set point is detected, negative feedback mechanisms initiate responses that reverse the change and restore balance. Key characteristics include:

Self-limiting: Once the desired level is reached, the response diminishes or stops.

Examples: Body temperature regulation (sweating to cool down when hot, shivering to warm up when cold), blood glucose regulation (insulin and glucagon balancing glucose levels).

Positive Feedback

Positive feedback is less common in homeostasis. This type of feedback amplifies a change or deviation, pushing the system further away from its set point. This mechanism is useful in situations where a rapid, decisive change is beneficial. Characteristics of positive feedback include:

Self-amplifying: The response enhances the change, leading to an even greater response.

Controlled and Temporary: Usually, positive feedback is part of a larger negative feedback system and is short-lived.

Examples: Blood clotting (where each step in the clotting process triggers the next), the release of oxytocin during childbirth to intensify labor contractions.

Both negative and positive feedback mechanisms are crucial for maintaining homeostasis, though they operate differently. Negative feedback maintains stability and balance, while positive feedback aids specific, often critical, functions that require a rapid or substantial change.

More Examples of Homeostasis

Examples in Humans

1. Water Balance: The body regulates water balance through mechanisms like thirst, urine production, and sweating to prevent dehydration or overhydration.

2. Temperature Regulation: The body maintains an internal temperature around 37°C. When body temperature rises, mechanisms like sweating and increased blood flow to the skin help cool the body.

3. Blood pH Regulation: The body maintains the pH of blood (around 7.35-7.45) through the respiratory system (by altering breathing rates) and kidneys (by excreting H⁺ ions).

4. Calcium Levels: Regulation of calcium levels in the blood is controlled by hormones like parathyroid hormone and calcitonin, affecting bone, kidney, and intestinal activities.

5. Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Levels: The respiratory system maintains a balance in oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood through changes in breathing rate and depth.

6. Electrolyte Balance: Sodium, potassium, and chloride ions are regulated to maintain nerve and muscle function, fluid balance, and acid-base balance.

Examples in Other Organisms

1. Thermoregulation in Birds and Mammals: Many birds and mammals maintain a constant body temperature through mechanisms like shivering, sweating, panting, and adjusting their metabolic rate.

2. Osmoregulation in Fish: Fish maintain the balance of water and salts in their bodies, despite the salt concentration in their environment. Freshwater fish actively excrete water and retain salts, while marine fish do the opposite.

3. Stomatal Regulation in Plants: Plants open and close stomata to balance CO₂ intake for photosynthesis with water loss through transpiration.

4. pH Regulation in Marine Life: Marine organisms like corals and mollusks regulate the pH within their cells and bodily fluids to counteract the acidification of ocean water.

5. Hibernation in Bears and Other Animals: Hibernation is a form of long-term homeostasis where animals slow their metabolism, reduce body temperature, and conserve energy during scarce food availability in winter.

Microbial Homeostasis

Even microorganisms like bacteria exhibit homeostasis. For instance, they regulate their internal pH, ion concentrations, and respond to osmotic stress by synthesizing or importing compatible solutes.

Importance of Homeostasis

Homeostasis is crucial for the survival of organisms. It ensures optimal operating conditions for cells and organs, facilitates physiological processes, and maintains a balance despite environmental changes. Disruption in homeostasis often lead to diseases or disorders, reflecting its importance in health and disease.

References

Aronoff, Stephen L.; Berkowitz, Kathy; et al. (2004). "Glucose Metabolism and Regulation: Beyond Insulin and Glucagon". Diabetes Spectrum. 17 (3): 183-190. doi:10.2337/diaspect.17.3.183

Betts, J. Gordon; Desaix, P.; et al. (2013) Anatomy and Physiology (1st ed.). OpenStax. ISBN: 9781947172043.

Boron, W.F.; Boulpaep, E.L. (2009). Medical Physiology: A Cellular and Molecular Approach (2nd International ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders/Elsevier. ISBN 9781416031154.

Kalaany, N.Y.; Mangelsdorf, D.J. (2006). "LXRS and FXR: the yin and yang of cholesterol and fat metabolism". Annual Review of Physiology. 68: 159-91. doi:10.1146/annurev.physiol.68.033104.152158

Marieb, E.N.; Hoehn, K.N. (2009). Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology (9th ed.). San Francisco: Pearson/Benjamin Cummings. ISBN 978-0321513427.

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What Is Homeostasis in Biology? Definition and Examples

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Learn about homeostasis in biology. Get the homeostasis definition and examples and see the importance of these processes in the human body.

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In the Journal Article, which is an extensive overview of the Endocrine System and the organs associated with it. As well as the Disorders associated with the Endocrine system as a whole. On the 9th page of the PDF is a section labeled Thyroid Disorders that I had a particular interest in.

Hypothyroidism is a disorder of the Thyroid, one of the major mechanisms of the Endocrine system. Hypothyroidism consists of a lack in two hormones (Triiodothyronine and Thyroxine) and occurs because of a deficit in the thyroid gland or in the control pathways for the thyrotropin-releasing hormone or the thyroid-stimulating hormone.

Hypothyroidism can cause infertility if untreated and is associated with an increase in hormones that raise the prolactin levels in the blood. It's a relatively common pregnancy-related disorder and effects 1-2% of pregnant women.

A common cause of Hypothyroidism is Chronic Autoimmune Thyroiditis though it can also occur from Sub-acute thyroiditis, a temporary inflammation of the thyroid gland due to viral infections like flu. It can also occur as a result of a thyroidectomy or radioactive iodine treatment. Hypothyroidism during pregnancy can also occur because of treatment for graves' disease.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism are Weight gain, Alopecia; hair loss, dry skin, lethargy, constipation, and cognitive impairment. Though many women are asymptomatic when diagnosed.

Hypothyroidism is then confirmed with a Thyroid test, with high thyroid-stimulating hormone and normal or low levels of fetal thyroxine and triiodothyronine.

While typically untreated hypothyroidism can lead to infertility, if treated and at a low level pregnancy can occur.

Pregnancy complications include, pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes mellitus, Impaired brand development and physical growth leading to low birth weight, and some believe there may be a link between hypothyroidism and postpartum depression as well as depression during the pregnancy.

Hyperthyroidism is also associated with other severe adverse effects for both the mother and child. Such as pre-eclampsia and heart failure for the mother and growth restriction, premature birth for the child. As well as the risk of Miscarriage/neonatal death/stillbirth. There are also the risks of transferring the thyroid antibodies resulting in fetal thyroid dysfunction in the child. Treatment of Hyperthyroidism can result in fetal hypothyroidism.

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Some Key characteristics of the Arctic Tundra Biome would be that it is Extremely cold. Permafrost or frozen ground is a part of that which can also lead to any water in the area freezing over as well or forming glaciers or large floating pieces of Ice in the water. Another Characteristic of This Biome would be the lack of Biodiversity as most of the animals that live in this biome have adapted to these harsh living conditions, such as the polar bear in the picture above. Precipitation is also typically very low in this biome and when it does, it is Mostly snow due to the extreme cold. Due to their location closer to the poles of the earth, this biome also tends to suffer from long dark winters and short summers. Due to the poor soil conditions, Plant life is typically short, shrub-like plants and also has a short growing period as well.

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Biodiversity is what we call the variety in all living things on earth, The amount of them, and their habitats. All living things on earth are linked in some way and have an effect on one another. In order to keep our planet and our ecosystems healthy, we have to keep a large variety of plants and animals to better adapt with change.

In order to show how each living thing connects with another, the video gives an example of the British coastline and the fish and plants that live on it. The fish eat the seaweed, bigger fish eat smaller fish, and Humans catch bigger fish to eat. The seaweed also helps to protect the shoreline from the waves, as well as capturing Carbon from the air for respiration. Not only that but they also serve as a home for many of the fish as well. While we may not think much about harvesting plants like the seaweed, we also have to realize what a devastating impact it can have on the ecosystem around it. Not only would removing the seaweed take away the fishes home, and one of their food sources, but it also removes a big buffer for the waves and the erosion they can cause on the shoreline.

The human population is only making problems in the ecosystem worse as we continue to do things like the harvesting of seaweed, cutting down forests for urban residences or industry, and even things like over-fishing. As each of these things has a negative effect on the ecosystem around them, and leads to a drop in Biodiversity. Things we can do that can help us have less of a negative impact would be to eat more sustainably, Reduce our waste by doing things like recycling, using products that are more environmentally friendly, and protecting or expanding our green spaces like parks, forests, and even community gardens.

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What is biodiversity? | Natural History Museum