BIOL 1012 by

Assignment 1

kdebross — 2025-03-17 01:31:44 UTC

There have been many very different ideas regarding evolution, but Darwin and Wallace concluded that a species' traits change, and new species are formed. They also discovered that, based on other events, species change based on natural selection. The picture above shows the evolution of elephants. In Darwin's observation of the finches, he noticed that their beaks were different because of their food. In the elephant environment, they need to evolve to their environment. While the environment is changing, so is the elephants.

Assignment 2

kdebross — 2025-03-19 03:42:08 UTC

Pfiesteria piscicida is a species of protist that is responsible for harmful algal blooms. Pfiesteria piscicida was highlighted in the 1900s because of many different fish deaths, particularly in states like North Carolina and Maryland. They live in the river for years as a cyst, and when the cyst blooms it rises above the river and releases its potent into the water. These toxins can have devastating effects on fish, as the organism where it feeds on fish remains. It also has proven to be harmful to humans, humans that have close contact with Pfiesteria Piscicida have had experience symptoms such as skin lesions, and cognitive impairment. It also showed that Pfiesteria makes metal complexes but there are still questions about if directly causes harm to humans.

Assignment 3

kdebross — 2025-03-30 06:28:28 UTC

The table above shows that monocots have one cotyledon, with viens that are often parallel, fibrous roots and floral parts in multiple of three. In the grocery store, you can find flowers like tulips and orchids in the flower section; they are classified as monocots because thier floral parts are arranged in multiples of three. Other examples of monocots include palm trees and coconut trees. For Dicots they have two cotyledons, their veins typically appear netlike. Dicots usually have taproot and floral parts in multiples of four or five. Common Dicot flowers you might see include roses, daisies, and sunflowers.

Assignment 4

kdebross — 2025-03-31 01:24:05 UTC

In the video, the man discusses the phylum Annelida in great detail. The phylum Annelida consists of 22,000 different species and they can range from microscopic to 9 feet long. They are found in various environments, such as marine water, freshwater, and terrestrial habitats. They are bilaterally symmetrical meaning their right side looks the same as the left side. Their external structure is called chaetae, and they possess a body cavity divided by internal complex walls called septa. They have a circulatory system, digestive system, and nervous system. The nervous system which features the brain, and it is called ganglion. They move through a process called peristalsis; in the video it can be described as food moving through your throat. Some species possess small limbs that help them crawl and swim. Example of Different types of Annelids include polychaetes (Pompeii worms, tube worms), Oligochaetes (earthworms), Hirundinea (leeches). Annelids play a significant role in the environment, many of their species eat large amounts of soil and fertilize, enriching with nutrients. Their burrowing activities it gives space for oxygen and water.

Assignment 5

kdebross — 2025-04-16 22:24:51 UTC

As we learn in unit 3 and the article above, homeostasis is when your body works hard to keep your body stable and balanced. While the environment around us is constantly changing, our bodies strive to remain in a state of equilibrium. Homeostasis usually relies on a negative feedback loop, which means it uses factors that could disrupt your body's balance to help restore it. For example, when we feel cold, we shiver, and when we are hot, we sweat. These responses are ways to help return your body temperature to its normal level, which is supposed to be around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Another example is during a blood test when you examine levels such as oxygen, blood sugar, blood pressure, and calcium. If these levels are in the green, it indicates that you are maintaining homeostasis. It is a very important process that helps you live a long and healthy life.

Assignment 6

kdebross — 2025-04-16 23:35:20 UTC

Many people worldwide are affected by asthma, and unfortunately, a significant number have died due to this disease. This article highlights that many people are at risk of having severe asthma attacks because they are not physically or mentally prepared to manage their condition properly. To lower the risk of exacerbations, it is essential to properly manage asthma at home, in the office, and everywhere you go. Having an asthma action plan is also beneficial. People at risk for severe asthma sometimes lack the information they need such as people who have been hospitalized because they use too much short-acting beta2 agonist. There is a table in the article that you need to check if your asthma is getting worse. Being hospitalized or intubated puts you at huge risk of asthma-related complications, including death.

Assignment 7

kdebross — 2025-04-29 21:57:11 UTC

The terrestrial biome I chose is the Chaparral. This biome is often characterized by a dry environment that may resemble a desert. Unlike a desert, Chapparal has living organisms such as small plants that retain water for a long time, as well as oak and pine trees, similar to those shown in the picture. Chaparral is typically found in dry regions such as California, Australia, and South Africa. The temperature in this biome is generally hot and warm but brings cooler temperatures and rainfall. The animals in this biome consist of cayotes, wolves, bison, antelope, and prairie dogs. This ecosystem is also prone to wildfires, which can stunt the growth of plants.

Assignment 8

kdebross — 2025-04-29 22:03:47 UTC

At the beginning of the video, the narrator emphasized that without biodiversity, our ecosystem could collapse at any moment. Three systems of biodiversity contribute to a strong ecosystem: ecosystem biodiversity, species diversity, and genetic biodiversity. The video used the Amazon rainforest as an example of how all three systems work together to strengthen the ecosystem. If one of these systems is lacking, it can throw everything out of balance. For instance, the Amazon rainforest is strong if you take one organism it would not affect the ecosystem. In contrast, if coral in a coral reef is removed, it could lead to the collapse of that ecosystem. The coral is home and food for many organisms and its absence would weaken the entire ecosystem. The video concludes that biodiversity acts as a safety net for our survival.