BIOL 1012 by

Assignment 2 Prokaryotes Streptococcus

dmoore49_1 — 2025-01-22 13:29:53 UTC

Streptococcus is a positive lancet shaped bacterium that is responsible for various infections, notably community acquired pneumonia. It often resides in noses and throats of healthy individuals especially children without causing illness. Most importantly when it spreads to other parts of the body it can lead to serious diseases. Such as Pneumonia which is infection of the lungs. Meningitis which is infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Bacteremia which is bacteria in the bloodstream. Lastly Otitis media which is the middle ear infection. Symptoms really vary depending on the site of the infection but includes fevers, coughs, difficulty breathing ear pain and stiff neck. Imparting occurs through respiratory droplets from sneezing or coughing. Preventive measures such as vaccination, are particularly crucial for young children, the elderly and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Assignment 1 Evolution

dmoore49_1 — 2025-01-22 13:35:56 UTC

This is image illustrates the 55-million-year evolutionary journey of horses, beginning with the small, multi-toed Eohippus and transitioning through stages like Mesohippus and Merychippus, ultimately leading to the modern horse Equus. The changes in horse anatomy such as reduction in the number of toes and development of bigger, one toed hooves, reflect adaptations to changing environments. Early horses like Eohippus lived in dense forests, where multiple toed feet helped them navigate soft ground. As grasslands spread later species evolved single-toed hooves running on hard open terrain. Natural selection prioritized traits that enhanced survival and reproduction. For example, horses with longer legs and sturdier hooves could run faster to evade predators, while those with larger, stronger teeth were better equipped to chew tough grasses, which became a primary food source in grassland environment. Genetic variation led to differences in traits such as tooth structure, leg length and body size. These differences served as the foundation for natural selection in which it allowed horses to adapt to changing habitats and available food sources. This image illustrates speciation showing how different populations of ancestral horses adapted to distinct environments, while some species flourished, others went extinct, ultimately leaving Equus as the only surviving genus. Overall, this image demonstrates how gradual changes over millions of years driven by genetic variations, adaptation and natural selection shaped the evolution of modern horses, providing a compelling example of descent with qualification

Assignment 3 Monocots and Dicots

dmoore49_1 — 2025-02-04 01:35:27 UTC

Monocots - One Cotyledon, Fibrous Roots, Parallel Veins, Multiples of 3 Flowers. Grains: Rice Wheat Corn Barley And oats.

Fruits-Bananas, Pineapples, Coconuts

Vegetables- Onions, garlic, asparagus

Flowers- Lilies, Orchids, tulips, daffodils

Other plants ex. Bamboo, palm trees, sugarcane, grasses

Dicots - Two Cotyledons, Taproots, Multiples of 4 or 5 flowers, Branched Veins.

Fruits - Apples, Oranges, Peaches, Strawberries, Cherries, Mangoes.

Vegetables - Potatoes, Tomatoes, Carrots, Beans, Peppers and peas

Flowers - Sunflower, Daises, Roses, Marigolds, Hibiscus

Trees - Maple, Oak, Avocado, Mango, Cotton

Other Plants - Coffee, Peanuts, Cacao, Soybeans

Assignment 4 Arthropoda

dmoore49_1 — 2025-02-04 02:34:37 UTC

Arthropods are the largest animal phylum, including insects, crustaceans, arachnids and myriapods. Their success comes from having segmented bodies, jointed appendages and exoskeletons. They shed to grow and have an open circulatory system. Major groups included are insects (six legs, some with wings. metamorphosis) Arachnids (spiders, scorpions, eight legs, no antenna) Myriapods (centipedes fast carnivores' millipedes: slow, herbivorous) They play important positions in ecosystems as pollinators, decomposers, and food sources, while some are pests or disease carriers. Their versatile makes them one of the most successful animal groups.

Assignment 6 Respiratory System

dmoore49_1 — 2025-02-14 00:38:59 UTC

Baker's Asthma is a type of occupational asthma triggered by inhaling flour dust, enzymes and other airborne particles. It is common among bakers, pastry chefs, and food industry workers. symptoms can worsen with prolonged exposure. Some of the causes and risks can be flour dust such as wheat, soy flour and rye. Enzymes like amylase which is used to improve dough texture. Symptoms can be wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Nasal congestion, eye irritation and sneezing. Diagnosis and treatments can include installing ventilation system in bakeries. Regular cleaning to minimize dust buildup. Wearing personal protective equipment like gloves and masks. Employee safety training and medical monitoring. Bakers Asthma explains the importance of workplace safety and protective health management for those in the baking industry.

Assignment 5 Homeostasis

dmoore49_1 — 2025-02-14 04:19:06 UTC

Homeostasis is the tendency of organisms to resist changes in their internal environment to maintain stability. This process makes sure that conditions such as temperature, pH, and hydration levels is kept within a range that supports life. The body uses feedback mechanisms, such as sweating to cool down or shivering to get warm, to maintain this balance. The pancreas releases insulin when blood sugar is high and glucagon when it is low keeping the glucose levels stable. (Blood sugar regulation). Homeostasis is important because it ensures that physiological process remain stable and efficient. Once Homeostasis is disrupted it can lead to health issues such as Diabetes (when blood regulation is impaired), Dehydration or overhydration (causes severe electrolyte imbalances). The Kidneys regulate water levels in the body by filtering excess water and waste from the bloodstream. The body temperature maintains a temperature of around 98.6 Fahrenheit (37 Celsius). If the body overheats, functions like sweating and vasodilation (blood vessels widening) help release heat. Our bodies continuously monitor internal conditions through the nerves and endocrine system. Homeostasis is a vital biological function that enables organisms to survive and adapt to their environment.

Assignment 8 Concept of Biodiversity

dmoore49_1 — 2025-02-27 16:41:41 UTC

Biodiversity refers to the variety of all living organisms on Earth, such as animals, plants, fungi, and microorganisms. It exists at three levels: species diversity, ecosystem diversity and genetic diversity. Genetic Diversity is the variation of genes within a species. Species Diversity is the variety of species within an ecosystem. Ecosystem Diversity is the variety of habitats example, forests oceans wetlands and grasslands. Biodiversity is important because it supports the ecosystem by providing medicine, food, clean air, and water. Biodiversity also helps keep balances in nature through pollination and nutrient cycles. There are many threats in biodiversity such as Human activities like deforestation, pollution, climate change, and overfishing reduce biodiversity. Pollution such as waste, chemicals, and pesticides harm marine and land ecosystems. Climate change such as rising global temperatures affects species survival in which it causes shifts in habitats and food availability. Ways that we can help biodiversity is by conservation efforts, sustainable resources and habitat restoration use. Reducing use of plastic, planting native species and supporting biodiversity focused organizations.

Assignment 7 Marshes

dmoore49_1 — 2025-02-27 17:16:22 UTC

Marshes are wetlands that is filled with reeds, grasses and other soft plants instead of trees. They can be found in freshwater and saltwater areas, near lakes, rivers, and coastlines. The water in marshes is pretty much shallow and moves slowly or stays still, creating a rich environment where many plants and animals flourish. A variety of wildlife lives in marshes, such as fish, turtles, frog's, insects and birds. Many animals such as alligators and herons, depends on marshes for shelter, food and a safe place to raise their young. Some marshes also serve as important resting spots for birds that migrate long distances. Marshes are important because they help to keep the environment healthy. Marshes naturally clean water by trapping pollutants and filtering out harmful substances. They help prevent floods by soaking up extra rainwater and slowing storm surges by the coast. Marshes are being destroyed by humans by draining land for farming, pollutions and climate changes. Protecting marshes is very important because they provide many benefits for people and nature.