This lesson discusses Biodiversity and Evolution
define biodiversity and evolution;
cite the contributions of Charles Darwin to the theory of evolution;
account for the evidence of evolution;
explain how biodiversity and evolution affect life;
demonstrate how biodiversity and evolution help an ecosystem to function;
explain the role of natural selection in the evolutionary process; and
relate evolution and speciation.
define what an ecosystem is;
identify the components of ecological structures in an ecosystem;
explain how diversity contributes to stability and survival;
cite examples of what helps and what disrupts the interaction in an ecosystem;
analyze how the human population affects the different ecosystems; and
apply the knowledge of biodiversity in the maintenance of an ecosystem and vice versa.
This lesson discusses Biodiversity and Evolution
define biodiversity and evolution;
cite the contributions of Charles Darwin to the theory of evolution;
account for the evidence of evolution;
explain how biodiversity and evolution affect life;
demonstrate how biodiversity and evolution help an ecosystem to function;
explain the role of natural selection in the evolutionary process; and
relate evolution and speciation.
define what an ecosystem is;
identify the components of ecological structures in an ecosystem;
explain how diversity contributes to stability and survival;
cite examples of what helps and what disrupts the interaction in an ecosystem;
analyze how the human population affects the different ecosystems; and
apply the knowledge of biodiversity in the maintenance of an ecosystem and vice versa.
Delivered this as talk series on Evolution to some of my colleagues interested in systems thinking. It was a great learning for me and will incorporate it into a sequel later.
Updates:
1. Version 2013.11.23 - Reorganized some slides, added images and credits
2. Version 2013.11.25 - Reorganized presentation around three aspects. Added better intro.
3. Version 2013.11.26 - Updated implications aspect for global warming and behavioral sink.
4. Version 2013.11.27 - Updated taxonomy discussion.
5. V 2013.12.05 - Updated natural selection, convergent evolution and punctuated equilibrium. Reorg of slides.
6. V 2013.12.16 - Added chaos and self-organization slides.
7. V 2013.12.21 - Added extinctions and explosions.
8. V2013.12.23 - Added more chaos explanation and Wikipedia logo.
9. V2014.05.05 - Corrected spelling mistakes and cleaned up slides.
Of all the living things, the human body in particular has been a source of curiosity by most of us. No doubt, the field of biology, anatomy and physiology provide us a clear venue to explore and understand it.
Introduction to Life Science and The Theories on the Origin of LifeSimple ABbieC
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I. Introduction to Life Science
II. The Concept of Life
III. Characteristics of Life
IV. Theories on the Origin of Life
V. Unifying Themes in the Study of Life
What Makes a Thing LivingâBiology is the many-faceted study of.docxhelzerpatrina
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What Makes a Thing âLivingâ?
Biology is the many-faceted study of living things. But what, exactly, is a living thing? Some of our definition comes directly from the work of Pasteur, Mendel, and others. Their work demonstrated that life can come only from other life. That means that all living things must reproduce. They pass genetic information on to their offspringâand all living things do this with DNA. This genetic information helps determine the physical structure of the offspring.
As Mendel and Morgan observed, an offspringâs physical structure can vary. This variation, sometimes called diversity, may have fortunate or unfortunate effects for the individual, but it helps the species survive. If a given population has numerous variations in its gene pool (all of the genes present in the population), the population is more likely to have at least some members that can survive an environmental change. Over time, these individual variations accumulate, reshaping the population in new ways. This is the nature of evolution. Because the species can only continue living via reproduction, the species is continuous over time.
Living things also detect and respond to stimuli. A stimulus is a change, event, or substance that causes an organism to act. In animals and human beings, stimuli can be detected with eyes, ears, nose, touch, or taste buds. For example, you step outside and feel drops of rain on your head. You go back inside and get an umbrella. The raindrops are the stimulus. They were detected by your sense of touch. You responded by getting an umbrella. Pain is another example of a stimulus. If you stub your toe, the pain causes you to move backward or flinch. Drugs, chemicals, and electricity can also be stimuli. The important factor is that stimuli provoke responses.
What else do all living things have in common? For every individual, from a bacterium to a blue whale, life begins and ends. In the stretch of time between those two phenomena, the living thing must, in essence, work to stay alive. Whether it feeds on insects or sunlight, every living thing must consume enough energy that its cells can carry out all their internal processes. These processes include building new cells for growth, removing dead cells and waste matter, helping the individual reproduce, and so forth. These processes are chemical; they depend on chemical reactions
that can take place only under certain circumstances. Therefore, a living thingâs body must maintain those circumstances. These circumstances are often called the life formâs internal environment. Maintaining that environmentâin other words, working to liveâis called homeostasis.
All living things do the following:
â Reproduce.
â Pass along their traits through DNA.
â Consume energy sources and expel waste products to maintain homeostasis.
â Respond to their environments.
â Respond to stimulus.
â Change over time.
â Can differ as individuals while still being part of a species.
â Consist of biomole ...
The Theory of Evolution Essay
Evidence Of Evolution
The Future Of Human Evolution Essay
Why Does Evolution Happen
Evolution Essay
Essay on human evolution
The Theory of Evolution Essay
Essay on Evolution
Essay about Evidence for Evolution
The Theory of Evolution Essay
Creationism vs. Evolution Essay
Why Do You Believe In The Theory Of Evolution
If you look around you will see a large variety of living organisms, be itpotted plants, insects, birds, your pets or other animals and plants. Thereare also several organisms that you cannot see with your naked eye butthey are all around you.
DIVERSITY IN LIVING WORLD - (CLASS XI, CBSE BIOLOGY)BIOLOGY TEACHER
Â
Biology is the science of life forms and living processes. The living world comprises an amazing diversity of living organisms. Early man could easily perceive the difference between inanimate matter and living organisms. Early man deified some of the inanimate matter (wind, sea, fire etc.) and some among the animals and plants. A common feature of all such forms of inanimate and animate objects was the sense of awe or fear that they evoked. The description of living organisms including human beings began much later in human history.
Delivered this as talk series on Evolution to some of my colleagues interested in systems thinking. It was a great learning for me and will incorporate it into a sequel later.
Updates:
1. Version 2013.11.23 - Reorganized some slides, added images and credits
2. Version 2013.11.25 - Reorganized presentation around three aspects. Added better intro.
3. Version 2013.11.26 - Updated implications aspect for global warming and behavioral sink.
4. Version 2013.11.27 - Updated taxonomy discussion.
5. V 2013.12.05 - Updated natural selection, convergent evolution and punctuated equilibrium. Reorg of slides.
6. V 2013.12.16 - Added chaos and self-organization slides.
7. V 2013.12.21 - Added extinctions and explosions.
8. V2013.12.23 - Added more chaos explanation and Wikipedia logo.
9. V2014.05.05 - Corrected spelling mistakes and cleaned up slides.
Of all the living things, the human body in particular has been a source of curiosity by most of us. No doubt, the field of biology, anatomy and physiology provide us a clear venue to explore and understand it.
Introduction to Life Science and The Theories on the Origin of LifeSimple ABbieC
Â
I. Introduction to Life Science
II. The Concept of Life
III. Characteristics of Life
IV. Theories on the Origin of Life
V. Unifying Themes in the Study of Life
What Makes a Thing LivingâBiology is the many-faceted study of.docxhelzerpatrina
Â
What Makes a Thing âLivingâ?
Biology is the many-faceted study of living things. But what, exactly, is a living thing? Some of our definition comes directly from the work of Pasteur, Mendel, and others. Their work demonstrated that life can come only from other life. That means that all living things must reproduce. They pass genetic information on to their offspringâand all living things do this with DNA. This genetic information helps determine the physical structure of the offspring.
As Mendel and Morgan observed, an offspringâs physical structure can vary. This variation, sometimes called diversity, may have fortunate or unfortunate effects for the individual, but it helps the species survive. If a given population has numerous variations in its gene pool (all of the genes present in the population), the population is more likely to have at least some members that can survive an environmental change. Over time, these individual variations accumulate, reshaping the population in new ways. This is the nature of evolution. Because the species can only continue living via reproduction, the species is continuous over time.
Living things also detect and respond to stimuli. A stimulus is a change, event, or substance that causes an organism to act. In animals and human beings, stimuli can be detected with eyes, ears, nose, touch, or taste buds. For example, you step outside and feel drops of rain on your head. You go back inside and get an umbrella. The raindrops are the stimulus. They were detected by your sense of touch. You responded by getting an umbrella. Pain is another example of a stimulus. If you stub your toe, the pain causes you to move backward or flinch. Drugs, chemicals, and electricity can also be stimuli. The important factor is that stimuli provoke responses.
What else do all living things have in common? For every individual, from a bacterium to a blue whale, life begins and ends. In the stretch of time between those two phenomena, the living thing must, in essence, work to stay alive. Whether it feeds on insects or sunlight, every living thing must consume enough energy that its cells can carry out all their internal processes. These processes include building new cells for growth, removing dead cells and waste matter, helping the individual reproduce, and so forth. These processes are chemical; they depend on chemical reactions
that can take place only under certain circumstances. Therefore, a living thingâs body must maintain those circumstances. These circumstances are often called the life formâs internal environment. Maintaining that environmentâin other words, working to liveâis called homeostasis.
All living things do the following:
â Reproduce.
â Pass along their traits through DNA.
â Consume energy sources and expel waste products to maintain homeostasis.
â Respond to their environments.
â Respond to stimulus.
â Change over time.
â Can differ as individuals while still being part of a species.
â Consist of biomole ...
The Theory of Evolution Essay
Evidence Of Evolution
The Future Of Human Evolution Essay
Why Does Evolution Happen
Evolution Essay
Essay on human evolution
The Theory of Evolution Essay
Essay on Evolution
Essay about Evidence for Evolution
The Theory of Evolution Essay
Creationism vs. Evolution Essay
Why Do You Believe In The Theory Of Evolution
If you look around you will see a large variety of living organisms, be itpotted plants, insects, birds, your pets or other animals and plants. Thereare also several organisms that you cannot see with your naked eye butthey are all around you.
DIVERSITY IN LIVING WORLD - (CLASS XI, CBSE BIOLOGY)BIOLOGY TEACHER
Â
Biology is the science of life forms and living processes. The living world comprises an amazing diversity of living organisms. Early man could easily perceive the difference between inanimate matter and living organisms. Early man deified some of the inanimate matter (wind, sea, fire etc.) and some among the animals and plants. A common feature of all such forms of inanimate and animate objects was the sense of awe or fear that they evoked. The description of living organisms including human beings began much later in human history.
Francesca Gottschalk - How can education support child empowerment.pptxEduSkills OECD
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Francesca Gottschalk from the OECDâs Centre for Educational Research and Innovation presents at the Ask an Expert Webinar: How can education support child empowerment?
Read| The latest issue of The Challenger is here! We are thrilled to announce that our school paper has qualified for the NATIONAL SCHOOLS PRESS CONFERENCE (NSPC) 2024. Thank you for your unwavering support and trust. Dive into the stories that made us stand out!
Normal Labour/ Stages of Labour/ Mechanism of LabourWasim Ak
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Normal labor is also termed spontaneous labor, defined as the natural physiological process through which the fetus, placenta, and membranes are expelled from the uterus through the birth canal at term (37 to 42 weeks
Introduction to AI for Nonprofits with Tapp NetworkTechSoup
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Dive into the world of AI! Experts Jon Hill and Tareq Monaur will guide you through AI's role in enhancing nonprofit websites and basic marketing strategies, making it easy to understand and apply.
Operation âBlue Starâ is the only event in the history of Independent India where the state went into war with its own people. Even after about 40 years it is not clear if it was culmination of states anger over people of the region, a political game of power or start of dictatorial chapter in the democratic setup.
The people of Punjab felt alienated from main stream due to denial of their just demands during a long democratic struggle since independence. As it happen all over the word, it led to militant struggle with great loss of lives of military, police and civilian personnel. Killing of Indira Gandhi and massacre of innocent Sikhs in Delhi and other India cities was also associated with this movement.
2024.06.01 Introducing a competency framework for languag learning materials ...Sandy Millin
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http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/iateflwebinar2024
Published classroom materials form the basis of syllabuses, drive teacher professional development, and have a potentially huge influence on learners, teachers and education systems. All teachers also create their own materials, whether a few sentences on a blackboard, a highly-structured fully-realised online course, or anything in between. Despite this, the knowledge and skills needed to create effective language learning materials are rarely part of teacher training, and are mostly learnt by trial and error.
Knowledge and skills frameworks, generally called competency frameworks, for ELT teachers, trainers and managers have existed for a few years now. However, until I created one for my MA dissertation, there wasnât one drawing together what we need to know and do to be able to effectively produce language learning materials.
This webinar will introduce you to my framework, highlighting the key competencies I identified from my research. It will also show how anybody involved in language teaching (any language, not just English!), teacher training, managing schools or developing language learning materials can benefit from using the framework.
Embracing GenAI - A Strategic ImperativePeter Windle
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies such as Generative AI, Image Generators and Large Language Models have had a dramatic impact on teaching, learning and assessment over the past 18 months. The most immediate threat AI posed was to Academic Integrity with Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) focusing their efforts on combating the use of GenAI in assessment. Guidelines were developed for staff and students, policies put in place too. Innovative educators have forged paths in the use of Generative AI for teaching, learning and assessments leading to pockets of transformation springing up across HEIs, often with little or no top-down guidance, support or direction.
This Gasta posits a strategic approach to integrating AI into HEIs to prepare staff, students and the curriculum for an evolving world and workplace. We will highlight the advantages of working with these technologies beyond the realm of teaching, learning and assessment by considering prompt engineering skills, industry impact, curriculum changes, and the need for staff upskilling. In contrast, not engaging strategically with Generative AI poses risks, including falling behind peers, missed opportunities and failing to ensure our graduates remain employable. The rapid evolution of AI technologies necessitates a proactive and strategic approach if we are to remain relevant.
The French Revolution, which began in 1789, was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France. It marked the decline of absolute monarchies, the rise of secular and democratic republics, and the eventual rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. This revolutionary period is crucial in understanding the transition from feudalism to modernity in Europe.
For more information, visit-www.vavaclasses.com
June 3, 2024 Anti-Semitism Letter Sent to MIT President Kornbluth and MIT Cor...Levi Shapiro
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Letter from the Congress of the United States regarding Anti-Semitism sent June 3rd to MIT President Sally Kornbluth, MIT Corp Chair, Mark Gorenberg
Dear Dr. Kornbluth and Mr. Gorenberg,
The US House of Representatives is deeply concerned by ongoing and pervasive acts of antisemitic
harassment and intimidation at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Failing to act decisively to ensure a safe learning environment for all students would be a grave dereliction of your responsibilities as President of MIT and Chair of the MIT Corporation.
This Congress will not stand idly by and allow an environment hostile to Jewish students to persist. The House believes that your institution is in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, and the inability or
unwillingness to rectify this violation through action requires accountability.
Postsecondary education is a unique opportunity for students to learn and have their ideas and beliefs challenged. However, universities receiving hundreds of millions of federal funds annually have denied
students that opportunity and have been hijacked to become venues for the promotion of terrorism, antisemitic harassment and intimidation, unlawful encampments, and in some cases, assaults and riots.
The House of Representatives will not countenance the use of federal funds to indoctrinate students into hateful, antisemitic, anti-American supporters of terrorism. Investigations into campus antisemitism by the Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Committee on Ways and Means have been expanded into a Congress-wide probe across all relevant jurisdictions to address this national crisis. The undersigned Committees will conduct oversight into the use of federal funds at MIT and its learning environment under authorities granted to each Committee.
⢠The Committee on Education and the Workforce has been investigating your institution since December 7, 2023. The Committee has broad jurisdiction over postsecondary education, including its compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, campus safety concerns over disruptions to the learning environment, and the awarding of federal student aid under the Higher Education Act.
⢠The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is investigating the sources of funding and other support flowing to groups espousing pro-Hamas propaganda and engaged in antisemitic harassment and intimidation of students. The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is the principal oversight committee of the US House of Representatives and has broad authority to investigate âany matterâ at âany timeâ under House Rule X.
⢠The Committee on Ways and Means has been investigating several universities since November 15, 2023, when the Committee held a hearing entitled From Ivory Towers to Dark Corners: Investigating the Nexus Between Antisemitism, Tax-Exempt Universities, and Terror Financing. The Committee followed the hearing with letters to those institutions on January 10, 202
June 3, 2024 Anti-Semitism Letter Sent to MIT President Kornbluth and MIT Cor...
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An Introduction To Zoology
1. AN INTRODUCTION TO
ZOOLOGY
SAMEH ABDELGHANY
Abstract
Many scientists invented the evolution of living organisms long time ago. Different
theories have been discussed. Some of them are good others not accurate. The study
of evolution had led to the study of the life cycle of organisms and the survival
strategies that organisms follow in the changing environments. It is crucial to study
mitosis and cell division processes in the animals and draw a comparison between
replication processes in different species. It shows that there are several differences
and little similarities in those species. Another an important mechanism that is
unique in animal species is the homeostatic mechanism. Another area of interest
that we need to discuss is the architectural patterns of the levels of organization of
animal. The importance of understanding these patterns in the sentience and
survival of organisms. The modern theory of evolution has several implications in
several areas. The critical evaluation of these implications can help to understand
the impact of this theory on our life. Finally, phenotype and inheritance patterns are
influenced by the environmental changes.
DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.2156.9680
2. SAMEH ABDELGHANY 1
1 AN INTRODUCTION TO ZOOLOGY
An Introduction to Zoology
Introduction
Many scientists invented the evolution of living organisms a long time ago. Different theories have
been discussed. Some of them are good others not accurate. The study of evolution had led to the
study of the life cycle of organisms and the survival strategies that organisms follow in the changing
environments. It is crucial to study mitosis and cell division processes in the animals and draw a
comparison between replication processes in different species. It shows that there are several
differences and little similarities in those species. Another important mechanism that is unique in
animal species is the homeostatic mechanism. Another area of interest that we need to discuss is the
architectural patterns of the levels of organization of animal. The importance of understanding these
patterns in the sentience and survival of organisms. The modern theory of evolution has several
implications in several areas. The critical evaluation of these implications can help to understand the
impact of this theory on our life. Finally, phenotype and inheritance patterns are influenced by
environmental changes.
Evolution Theories
Several theories of evolution related to animals. This paper discusses the most relevant approaches.
In 1801, John Baptise Lamarck (Evolution.berkeley.edu, 2016) proposed a theory of evolution. It
states that organisms change their behavior as the environment change. If organismsâ organs are
used more frequently, it will develop in their lifetime. He also stated the theory of Use and Disuse.
He argued that the giraffe, for example, had a short neck. It made the nerve fluid to flow into its neck
and stretch it. This property would inherit in its offspring. He also invented the theory of Transition
of Acquired Characteristics. I think this theory is not accurate for two reasons. Firstly, there is no
evidence in the fossil records that there were different species of a giraffe that has a short neck.
Secondly, if we considered this theory, so the offspring of the swimmer will have long legs or
stretched body. Another theory that based on the catastrophic events on the Earth, George Cuvier
(1769- 1832) (Anthro.palomar.edu, 2016) argued that the significant events such as great floods, and
the rapid formation of mountain chains have led to killing plant and animals that are lived during
these periods. I partly agreed with this idea, as the fossil records showed some of the unconformities
in the strata analysis, but again here, there is no evidence that these events had killed all animals and
plants. There is also no evidence that these events helped in the evolution of animals. Darwin's
Theory and Natural selection have been discussed as the most accurate theory that explains the
evolution of animals. Some animals can survive a specific environment by natural selection.
According to the hereditary characteristics of animals, they have different chances to survive. The
number of offsprings and the survival of the offspring determines how big the next generation will
be (G, 2014). I would maintain that I like the theory of natural selection and it is more accurate and
reasonable rather than Lamarckâs and Cuvierâs theories.
The Life Cycle of Organisms
3. SAMEH ABDELGHANY 2
2 AN INTRODUCTION TO ZOOLOGY
A life cycle can be defined as a description of stages that an individual organism passes through
between the time of born until the date of producing offspring (Olson, 2016). The life cycle of an
organism has many stages. It starts from the juvenile stage, as the organism grows and mature, then
the reproductive phase in which the organism can produce offspring. Some microorganisms have
different life cycles in order to adapt to survive. The life cycles of an organism can be simple such as
in humans as the morphological characteristics still the same in all stages. Another type of life cycle
is complex. In this life cycle, the organism can change morphology, its environment, and diet as they
transfer from a stage to another, for example, the monarch butterfly âDanaus plexippus.â The stages of
the monarch butterfly life cycle are divided into four phases. The first stage is the Egg stage which is
very small, oval, rounded or cylindrical. The second stage is the larva or caterpillar. It comes after the
egg stage. The third stage is Pupa or Chrysalis. The caterpillar rapidly changes inside the chrysalis.
The metamorphism process occurs in pupa as the old body parts of caterpillar undergo a
transformation process. The fourth stage is the Adult Butterfly. I can say that this is an excellent
example of the complex life cycle. The body of the butterfly changes in every stage. However, this
strategy is only applied to a butterfly. Some organisms have the same physiology in the embryonic
stage until the mature stage.
Adaptation Strategies
Kalman, B. and Reiach, M. (2002). The life cycle of a butterfly. New York: Crabtree Pub. Co.
4. SAMEH ABDELGHANY 3
3 AN INTRODUCTION TO ZOOLOGY
Animal survival in the desert is one of the most famous adaptation strategies. In the desert, animals
adapt their behavioral and physiological mechanisms to overcome the heat and water issues. Birds,
such as the Phainopepla, can breed during the cold periods of the year. It leaves the desert and moves
to higher cooler areas. Many animals restrict their activities in the day and start their activities in the
cooler temperature of the night. Some animals retain water by occupying deep moist soil during the
daylight hours. I like this type of adaptation, as it proves that animals are intelligent, and they can
keep their body water stable. It supports the theory of Darwin of Natural Selection. In polar regions,
some animals hibernate, take shelter, or even migrate to warmer places (BBC Nature, 2016). An
excellent example of the survival strategies of animals can be found in Chameleon. It can change its
skin color to avoid predators. However, I believe it does not have any strategy to adapt to climate or
environmental changes. If the environment change, I guess it might be threatening.
Mitosis and Cell Division in Animals
Mitosis is a process to split the cell nucleus into two nuclei. It helps in the cell division processes. It
divided into several phases. Interphase is the phase that occurs before the mitosis processes. It
includes the G1 (first gap), S (Synthesis of DNA), G2 (Second Gap), and M phase (mitosis and
cytokinesis). Prophase starts at the beginning of the mitosis process. The chromosomesâ replication
takes place. It produces 12 chromatids in 6 pairs of sister chromatids. The nuclear envelope begins
to divide into small vesicles. In Prometaphase, the centrosome moves to the two poles of the cell. In
the Metaphase, the sister pairs of chromatids gather in the center of the cell align along with the
metaphase plan. In the Anaphase, the polar microtubules separate the chromatids and push the
chromosomes to each pole. Finally, in the Telophase, the two cell daughters are formed, and the cell
separate to produce two distinct nuclei. I guess the mitosis process of animals is a little similar to
those in the plant, but I can argue that it is more complicated in animals than a plant.
There are some differences and little similarities between replication processes in different species.
I will here compare between Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes as they are the two major classes of species
(Stillman, 2008).
Biggs, A. (2004). Biology: The Dynamic of Life. 3rd ed. New York: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill.
5. SAMEH ABDELGHANY 4
4 AN INTRODUCTION TO ZOOLOGY
Prokaryote Eukaryote
Location Inside the cytoplasm Inside the nucleus
Origin Two origins per DNA Molecule. Ranging from 100-
200 or more nucleotides.
Several origins formed about 150 nucleotides.
Initiation At one point carried out by protein DNA & DNB Replication occurs at several points, conducted by
many proteins.
Stages of Division Only two replication forks Many replication forks
No. of Replicons One Numerous in one replicating DNA (50,000 and
above)
Okazaki Fragments Abundant (1000-2000) nucleotides long Short (100-200) nucleotides long
Speed of replication Very fast and rapid. Slow
Termination Single termination site Several termination sites.
Direction Bi-directional Process Bi-directional Process
Primers Required Required
Strands Leading and lagging Leading and lagging
6. SAMEH ABDELGHANY 5
5 AN INTRODUCTION TO ZOOLOGY
Homeostatic Mechanism
Homeostatic is a process of stabilizing water, minerals, and other componentsâ levels of animal body
fluids and other thermal regulations. This mechanism is unique in the animal species; as the organism
can maintain, it is physiological and behavioral stability in different environmental conditions. There
two mechanisms that animal uses; Conforming and Regulation (Pond and Bell, 2005). Conforming is
a process that an animal adapts to their environment so their internal body composition will match
with external conditions surrounding. For example, the concentration of the marine crab body fluid
is the same in the surrounding seawater. Regulation is a mechanism that an animal regulates the
internal fluid composition that is different from external environmental conditions. For example,
vertebrates are said to be regulators. I believe that the regulation mechanism is better than
conforming. I would maintain that conforming is a cheap mechanism for survival. It needs an
enormous amount of energy for a small organism to adjust its body temperature.
Level of Organization: Architectural Patterns in Animals
There are five significant levels of Organization; Protoplasmic Level, Cellular Level, Cell-Tissue Level,
Tissue- Organ Level, and Organ-System Level (Biggs, 2004). Protoplasmic Level is found in the
unicellular and protozoa organisms. All life activities are limited within the cell boundaries. The
organelles can perform special functions. Cellular Level is that the organism is an accumulation of
cells. Those cells perform different functions. Each cell is specialized for a particular function, for
example, reproduction. Cell-Tissue Level is the accumulation of the same cells into a specific pattern
to become a tissue, for instance, Jellyfish and Cnidaria. Tissue-Organ Level is the gathering of the
tissues in an organ. Different kinds of tissues are forming the organ. Platyhelminthes are the first
organisms that have well-defined organs that have first appeared, such as eyespots. Organ-System
Level is all organs work together to perform many functions, such as the circulatory system and the
nervous system. I would like to maintain that it is a vital strategy to understand the level of
organization of organisms. I believe it will help to understand how animalsâ bodywork.
The study of the architectural pattern is vital to comprehend the sentience and survival strategies of
an animal. I would like to discuss the Nervous system and how I believe that this evidence is
imperative to prove the theory of architectural patterns. The nervous tissue is responsible for
initiating and conducting electrical signals in animalsâ bodies. The membrane consists of several
nerve cell â neurons; all are connected. The spinal cord is the nervous tissue that transfers the
electrical signals from the brain to the body cells and vice versa. Nervous tissue plays a critical role
in controlling the activities of the body cells. The sentience characteristics of the animal help the most
crucial role in an animalâs survival. When an electrical signal generated in one neuron, it will inhibit
other neurons from producing new electrical signals. These signals may stimulate muscle tissues to
contract or catalyze the glandular cells to release some chemical substances into the animalsâ body
fluid.
In the above example, we can see that all the bodyâs cells, tissues and organs respond to the one
external activity or thread. The nervous system consists of neurons, which are the nerve cells. All
neurons accumulate to form nervous tissue. There are two types of nerve cells in the nervous cells;
neurons â nerve, and neuroglia. The neuron conducts the primary function of the nervous system
7. SAMEH ABDELGHANY 6
6 AN INTRODUCTION TO ZOOLOGY
while neuroglia is different non-nervous cells that cover the neuron membranes and serve various
functions (Brooker, 2011). This classification is critical to understand the theory of the level of
organization. When I look at the types of nerve, I will see that there are different kinds according to
the functions and number of cell processes. According to the function, there are sensory cells-
conduct impulses toward the central nervous system (CNS), motor â send signals away from CNS,
and associate â that initiate signals within the CNS (Jurd and Jurd, 2004). According to the number of
cell processes, we can find that there are Bipolar, Unipolar, Multipolar and pyramidal cells.
All the above evidence is imperative to understand how the architectural pattern works, and
significant is this. We can do the same analysis for all different body systems, for example, the
reproductive system, circulation system, and respiratory system. Some people may argue that each
system is different and may have more complex levels. I can partially agree with this idea, but on the
other hand, it was evident that all body levels of an organization are the same in the complex animals.
Modern Evolutionary Theory
Charlies Darwin, 1859 has discovered that all known animals are related by descent from common
ancestors (Darwin, Einstein, and Smith, 1859). This theory is what Darwin stated and discovered
when he invented the Theory of Evolution. Darwin argued that evolution might happen from
generation to another due to genetic variation and natural selection. The Genetic Variation occurs
among individuals of a given species. The genetic characteristic passes from parents to offspring.
Natural Selection is a process that in each generation, offspring may survive and reproduce or die.
It is according to how they will adapt and cope with environmental changes (Brooker, 2011). I can
say that I wholeheartedly agreed with the Natural Selection theory, as it can generate new species
with a combination of several traits that may be different from those of the original species. Finche
species of larger beaks and various color are an example.
Although Darwinâs theory is a milestone in the science of evolution and biology, many people argue
that it was not accurate. I can say that his theory has made considerable implications. His approach
Jurd, R. and Jurd, R. (2004). Instant notes animal biology. New York: Bios Scientific Publishers.
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has a significant impact on genetic science. By Darwin's theory, scientists recognized that the genetic
structure of populations is very complicated. I also can argue that Darwin influenced the medical
field. His approach helped to understand the history of human disease and health. It also contributes
to predicting human resistance to pathogens. Darwinian theory has religious implications. Let me
tell you a personal story. I was discussing the theory of evolution with one of my colleagues from the
science point of view. He was arguing that this theory is against his beliefs. He believes that God, who
creates life and there is no evolution. This discussion is not a one-to-one discussion. I think this
debate has been alive today. Darwin states that complex organisms like human beings evolve from
less complicated living people (Dinis, 2010). This process took place through the mechanism of
natural selection. Church and some Mosques, violently attacked Darwinâs ideas as they think that his
views are against the Role of God. The most difficult to accept was the claim of the human, and the
apes have common ancestors. This claim led some Christians in the U.S. during the 1920s to ban the
teaching of Darwinâs theory in the Government Schools (G, 2014). The U.S. Supreme Court repeal the
ban because of the constitutionâs grant of religious freedom. I believe that the Darwinian Theory is a
magnificent and unique theory. We have to separate the scientific point of view from religious.
Religious books are not scientific books; they are only a guide to life. However, we cannot connect
the scientific knowledge with faithful as some people are not religious at all.
The environmental changes influence phenotype and inheritance patterns. There is much evidence
that can be considered as proof of the impact of environmental changes on living organisms. We can
find that the environment can impact the phenotype of organisms â poor diet as an example of an
environmental factor that can affect human height. For instance, if someone has inherited genes to
be tall has an improper diet, it might not reach their expected height (Monaghan, 2008). Phenotypic
plasticity or genetic change may result in a phenotypic variation. For instance, Teplisky et al. (2008)
provided evidence that climate-driven plastic decreases in the body size of red-billed gulls âLaris
novaehollardiaeâ happened due to environmental stress. (Merilä and Hendry, 2014). The
environmental changes can affect the control of the development of the organismâs genetic structure.
When poor conditions of maternity exist, it will result in a poor quality of offspring. The change of
environment is evident in the European Map butterfly âAraschnia levanaâ. This species can have
different color forms in different environmental temperature and photoperiod. Personally, I can say
that the changes in the environment can affect the phenotype and inheritance pattern of an organism.
I would like to argue that I do not think that the poor diet may influence the human inheritance
pattern. If an individual has an inherited gene of tall, how can the poor diet affect that gene? I cannot
find any scientific evidence on this debate.
Conclusion
The theory of evolution can be divided into the pre-Darwinian period, Darwin Theory of evolution
and post-Darwinian period. The theories of the pre-Darwinian period are inaccurate and had lots of
implications. Study of the butterfly lifecycle is vital to understanding how different organisms grow
and reproduce. Studying of lifecycle gave a very deep dive on how animals develop and reproduce.
Cell division and mitosis have several steps and phases. One of those steps is DNA replication. The
replication is different in Prokaryotes than that in Eukaryotes. As we have seen, the homeostatic
mechanism exclusively exists in animals. It helps animals to adapt easily to various environments. It
9. SAMEH ABDELGHANY 8
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is very clear that the study of Levels of organization gave a deep insight on how life evolved from
unicellular to a complex organism. It also gave an opportunity to understand how it helps in animal
survival, for example, the importance of the nervous system in animal survival. Darwinâs theory made
and still make a great debate between scientists and religious people. This debate should be fixed by
separating the religion beliefs and science. Also, the phenotype and inheritance patterns may change
by changing the environmental conditions. Many examples and strategies can prove this principle.
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