What "take home" message is "buried" in the population growth information "Bacterial Growth in a Closed System" for us as a human population? What population dynamics issues do we have? Have you seen any changes in our "worlds" that would relate to population dynamics of people? Comments on the "more people, the more crowded and limited will be our lives"?
We have no natural enemies; only competition to food sources (although some people have lost the battle and became the food source). We are also able to make our own food source and preserve food supplies for later use. This along with many other variables has made it possible for humans to continue to grow. The down side is that it now takes many sources to sustain such a large population, such that we are dramatically changing the environment. Habitats that support wild life are being destroyed to make way for areas that support animals or plants for harvest or for cities to house the population. This in turns creates environments that are no longer suitable to support a large variety of life.
Friday, May 30, 2008
# 4-2 Ecosystem Diversity
What does "ecological diversity" mean to you? Examples? Of what significance is it to us (humans) and to our societies?
It means a variety of beings and how many of them. Like a forest has a large variety of different plant lives and can have a specific # of each type of plant. This is important for a lot of reason; some of which are:
ability to support other life (edible grass/plants for deer)
balance of carnivores and herbivores
For humans or really any life it is important because it relates to our ability to get energy sources (food). If there is a shortage of usable energy sources (edible plants/animals) then we over use what is available making it unable to support the population and we die. By having variety it should allow us to use better conservation and prevent extinction.
It means a variety of beings and how many of them. Like a forest has a large variety of different plant lives and can have a specific # of each type of plant. This is important for a lot of reason; some of which are:
ability to support other life (edible grass/plants for deer)
balance of carnivores and herbivores
For humans or really any life it is important because it relates to our ability to get energy sources (food). If there is a shortage of usable energy sources (edible plants/animals) then we over use what is available making it unable to support the population and we die. By having variety it should allow us to use better conservation and prevent extinction.
# 4-1 Extreme Ecosystem Travel
Remembering the definition of an ecosystem, if you could go visit any ecosystem in the world, at any time in the history of the earth, what ecosystem would you choose and at what time? Why would you choose that ecosystem, and what would you expect to see?
I have always been interested in water life and would love to see the ocean (really any body of water) at any point in time. I think it is because of the difficulty of it. Virtually anybody can go walking through forest, deserts, etc... with no problems or super special equipment, but to go underwater is a separate challenge. Along with that very few animals in the wild would interact with humans (or even be comfortable enough to do their normal things). In the ocean (or at least what they show on TV) fish and aquatic life most times don't even notice that they are being observed. I have such a fantasy that I have considered building my own sub to use in lakes and stuff.
I would expect to see the obvious animals like fish, turtles and frogs but recently I have noticed other bugs and creatures that I am interested in watching. This would also depend on which body of water i.e. ocean, river, etc... I would just love to be there and would be happy with whatever I saw. If I didn't see something that I expected it would just give me reason to go back.
I have always been interested in water life and would love to see the ocean (really any body of water) at any point in time. I think it is because of the difficulty of it. Virtually anybody can go walking through forest, deserts, etc... with no problems or super special equipment, but to go underwater is a separate challenge. Along with that very few animals in the wild would interact with humans (or even be comfortable enough to do their normal things). In the ocean (or at least what they show on TV) fish and aquatic life most times don't even notice that they are being observed. I have such a fantasy that I have considered building my own sub to use in lakes and stuff.
I would expect to see the obvious animals like fish, turtles and frogs but recently I have noticed other bugs and creatures that I am interested in watching. This would also depend on which body of water i.e. ocean, river, etc... I would just love to be there and would be happy with whatever I saw. If I didn't see something that I expected it would just give me reason to go back.
Monday, May 26, 2008
# 3-2 Enzyme Search
Search the Internet for one specific example of an enzyme found in living cells, and briefly describe its importance: where is it found and what reaction does it facilitate?
Lactase- is an enzyme located in the small intestines; its role is to enable us to digest the lactose in milk. Those that are without or have deficiency of lactase can not digest milk products properly and thus are labeled lactose intolerant.
Lactase- is an enzyme located in the small intestines; its role is to enable us to digest the lactose in milk. Those that are without or have deficiency of lactase can not digest milk products properly and thus are labeled lactose intolerant.
# 3-1 Kitchen Chemistry/Biology
Search your kitchen for food and the chemicals that are found in your food. List three different chemicals found as part of or in your foods, spice or specific compounds used as cooking ingredients which can be found in your kitchen. If possible, list compounds that others in the class have not already. This may be "trickier" than it looks... hint, do not list plant parts like "peanuts", "mint leaves", "tomatoes", etc. that are themselves made of many chemicals. You can list a chemical component found within peanuts or tomatoes, etc. For each chemical you list, (1) what food was it in or associated with, (2) is it "organic" or "inorganic" (using the correct chemical definitions), and if it is organic, (3) is it "protein", "lipid", "carbohydrate", "nucleic acid", or some "other" organic chemical. Also, briefly describe your kitchen search experience in completing this blog assignment. (How did you find and determine the chemicals you listed.)
#1 sodium aluminum sulfate - (NH4Al(SO4)2·12H2O - an inorganic acid
* I found this chemical compound in baking powder. Its purpose is to chemically react with monocalcium phosphate (also in baking powder). The desired effect of that reaction is the production of carbon dioxide gas; these gases get stuck in the batter as air pockets, creating baked goods that rise and are fluffy.
#2 disodium phosphate - Na2HPO4 - inorganic compound
* This is an ingredient in Jello pudding. It has the following characteristics: transparent crystals, soluble in water, controls pH in the range 4-9 and provides stability.
#3 propylene glycol - CH3CHOHCH2OH organic compound (a diol alcohol)
* Although I found this specifically in food coloring, upon my research I found out, it is used in many products:
As a moisturizer in medicines, cosmetics, food, toothpaste, mouth wash, and tobacco products
As a medical and sexual lubricant (A.K.A. "personal lubricant")
As an emulsification agent in angostura and orange bitters
As a solvent for food colors and flavorings
As a humectant food additive, labeled as E number E1520
As a carrier in fragrance oils
As a less-toxic antifreeze
As a solvent used in mixing photographic chemicals, such as film developers
In smoke machines to make artificial smoke
In electronic cigarettes to make the produced vapor better resemble cigarette smoke
In hand sanitizers, antibacterial lotions, and saline solutions
In cryonics As a working fluid in hydraulic presses
To regulate humidity in a cigar humidor
As the killing and preserving agent in pitfall traps, usually used to capture ground beetles
To treat livestock ketosis
As the main ingredient in deodorant sticks.
I somewhat randomly choose my items; then looked at the ingredients and picked the ones I thought were most interesting to be found in food products. The most interesting in my opinion is propylene glycol. I knew this compound is used as an anti-freeze and to see it as an ingredient in food bewildered me. As you read it is used in many products but what really catches my eye is that it is also used as a killing agent in pitfall traps.
Anybody up for some cake icing? Who wants to lick the bowl?
Source: www.answers.com
#1 sodium aluminum sulfate - (NH4Al(SO4)2·12H2O - an inorganic acid
* I found this chemical compound in baking powder. Its purpose is to chemically react with monocalcium phosphate (also in baking powder). The desired effect of that reaction is the production of carbon dioxide gas; these gases get stuck in the batter as air pockets, creating baked goods that rise and are fluffy.
#2 disodium phosphate - Na2HPO4 - inorganic compound
* This is an ingredient in Jello pudding. It has the following characteristics: transparent crystals, soluble in water, controls pH in the range 4-9 and provides stability.
#3 propylene glycol - CH3CHOHCH2OH organic compound (a diol alcohol)
* Although I found this specifically in food coloring, upon my research I found out, it is used in many products:
As a moisturizer in medicines, cosmetics, food, toothpaste, mouth wash, and tobacco products
As a medical and sexual lubricant (A.K.A. "personal lubricant")
As an emulsification agent in angostura and orange bitters
As a solvent for food colors and flavorings
As a humectant food additive, labeled as E number E1520
As a carrier in fragrance oils
As a less-toxic antifreeze
As a solvent used in mixing photographic chemicals, such as film developers
In smoke machines to make artificial smoke
In electronic cigarettes to make the produced vapor better resemble cigarette smoke
In hand sanitizers, antibacterial lotions, and saline solutions
In cryonics As a working fluid in hydraulic presses
To regulate humidity in a cigar humidor
As the killing and preserving agent in pitfall traps, usually used to capture ground beetles
To treat livestock ketosis
As the main ingredient in deodorant sticks.
I somewhat randomly choose my items; then looked at the ingredients and picked the ones I thought were most interesting to be found in food products. The most interesting in my opinion is propylene glycol. I knew this compound is used as an anti-freeze and to see it as an ingredient in food bewildered me. As you read it is used in many products but what really catches my eye is that it is also used as a killing agent in pitfall traps.
Anybody up for some cake icing? Who wants to lick the bowl?
Source: www.answers.com
Saturday, May 24, 2008
#2-2 The Characteristics of NON-life Challenge
By definition, a living organism possesses all of the characteristics of life, yet in some respects, biologists are still pondering and defining what life is? Here, we will use a not-too-scientific activity to better understand the characteristics of life. Please consider the following and participate fully. There are many objects that seemingly possess one or more of the characteristics of life, but are not seriously considered to be "alive" by most people (nor by biologists).
1) To play with this concept a "bit", please name a common object or substance that "seems" to "reproduce" - BUT IS NOT LIVING.
Smog
2) Name a common object or material that seems to show "growth" - but is not living.
Mountains
3) Name a common object or material that seems to have "metabolism" - but is not living. In this case, you can name anything in which chemical reactions occur; however, keep in mind that metabolism is by definition chemical reactions that occur within living organisms.
Batteries
4) Name a common object or material that shows "respond to stimuli" - but is not living.and:
Ozone
5) Name a common object or material that seems to "mutate" - but is not living. You may include here any object that changes form or function, but keep in mind that true mutation involves nucleic acids.
Rocks (Coal to Diamonds)
1) To play with this concept a "bit", please name a common object or substance that "seems" to "reproduce" - BUT IS NOT LIVING.
Smog
2) Name a common object or material that seems to show "growth" - but is not living.
Mountains
3) Name a common object or material that seems to have "metabolism" - but is not living. In this case, you can name anything in which chemical reactions occur; however, keep in mind that metabolism is by definition chemical reactions that occur within living organisms.
Batteries
4) Name a common object or material that shows "respond to stimuli" - but is not living.and:
Ozone
5) Name a common object or material that seems to "mutate" - but is not living. You may include here any object that changes form or function, but keep in mind that true mutation involves nucleic acids.
Rocks (Coal to Diamonds)
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
#2-1 Connections
#2-1 Connections
What other "fields of study" are humans engaged in, that are not generally considered to be "biology" or to fall within the broader fields of the "biological sciences"?
One field of study that I find interesting that humans are engaged in is Metallurgy: the study of metallic elements such as copper, iron, nickel, aluminium, etc... (the short and sweet definition). Other then the fact that Biology is the study of life and Metallurgy is based around metal; I would consider them to be very similar in virtually every other aspect. Metallurgy and metallurgist study every process of metal: creation of the ore (mother nature's job), extracting it, refining it to its pure form, then mixing it with other metals and chemicals to produce metals and their alloys. The study goes further into studding the effects of the metals against stress, corrosion and the environment. In order for metallurgist to complete their studies they also need to run test, have controls, change variables, etc...
This field should be a very big use to biologist, either directly or indirectly. Since metallurgy studies metal, which leads to the development of metal that further leads to the production of Everything Metal that is later used in bridges, buildings, lab and test equipment (especially equipment that doesn't interfere with the test) , vehicles, etc...
The effects of metallurgy on people has been outstanding. It is want enabled us to moved us to the world we know today. Discovering and learning to use metal is what pulled us out of the stone ages and through the copper and bronze ages that has further lead to the development of materials that are light weight and strong enough to build equipment that can be put into space. Again, directly or indirectly; metals play such a large role in our lives that it would be impossible to have the life we have without it.
Biology has also had an effect on metallurgy in more ways then I'm sure I know or would be able to mention. Of some that I could be fairly certain would be the effects that mining has had on the environment and ways to do it more environmentally friendly. Also the effects of corrosion from the use of the metals to the environment. Ultimately discovering ways that we (humans) can have our cake without destroying everything in the process. I cannot be certain, but could also imagine, is by studying certain types of life (certain organisms only live around certain ores), miners are able to find the metal ore faster and with less damage.
So while biology or life as we know certainly would not be to the point it is without metallurgy (both good and bad); biology has been a help in ensuring there is less bad.
One field of study that I find interesting that humans are engaged in is Metallurgy: the study of metallic elements such as copper, iron, nickel, aluminium, etc... (the short and sweet definition). Other then the fact that Biology is the study of life and Metallurgy is based around metal; I would consider them to be very similar in virtually every other aspect. Metallurgy and metallurgist study every process of metal: creation of the ore (mother nature's job), extracting it, refining it to its pure form, then mixing it with other metals and chemicals to produce metals and their alloys. The study goes further into studding the effects of the metals against stress, corrosion and the environment. In order for metallurgist to complete their studies they also need to run test, have controls, change variables, etc...
This field should be a very big use to biologist, either directly or indirectly. Since metallurgy studies metal, which leads to the development of metal that further leads to the production of Everything Metal that is later used in bridges, buildings, lab and test equipment (especially equipment that doesn't interfere with the test) , vehicles, etc...
The effects of metallurgy on people has been outstanding. It is want enabled us to moved us to the world we know today. Discovering and learning to use metal is what pulled us out of the stone ages and through the copper and bronze ages that has further lead to the development of materials that are light weight and strong enough to build equipment that can be put into space. Again, directly or indirectly; metals play such a large role in our lives that it would be impossible to have the life we have without it.
Biology has also had an effect on metallurgy in more ways then I'm sure I know or would be able to mention. Of some that I could be fairly certain would be the effects that mining has had on the environment and ways to do it more environmentally friendly. Also the effects of corrosion from the use of the metals to the environment. Ultimately discovering ways that we (humans) can have our cake without destroying everything in the process. I cannot be certain, but could also imagine, is by studying certain types of life (certain organisms only live around certain ores), miners are able to find the metal ore faster and with less damage.
So while biology or life as we know certainly would not be to the point it is without metallurgy (both good and bad); biology has been a help in ensuring there is less bad.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Task 1-1
Hello to all that may be looking at this. I am a recent veteran of the Army after 10 years of service. I am currently working on clearing my teaching credential for Manufacturing and Product Development (welding, machine shop, metal work, etc...) and this class is one of those steps. I've been working on my education (after high school) on and off for 13 years and am glad to have the chance to take a biology class. Having been caught up in the rush of life, I've been limited to taking classes the compliment my current goals with little opportunity to taking classes I would find interesting. I now am in a position that I can do both; take a required class and be interested in learning while in it.
As my teaching credential should hint towards I am a metal worker and enjoy building and repairing items. I enjoy working on old cars and am starting to get into vintage motorcycles. Although I have had very few opportunities to pursue my interest in science, I do enjoy it and find my daughter (4 years old) and son (2) are asking all kinds of questions that can only be answered by science. I hope this class will help me answer some of those question with more then "because they do" but in simple enough terms that they can understand.
As my teaching credential should hint towards I am a metal worker and enjoy building and repairing items. I enjoy working on old cars and am starting to get into vintage motorcycles. Although I have had very few opportunities to pursue my interest in science, I do enjoy it and find my daughter (4 years old) and son (2) are asking all kinds of questions that can only be answered by science. I hope this class will help me answer some of those question with more then "because they do" but in simple enough terms that they can understand.
Task 1-2
The VARK Questionnaire Results
Your scores were:
Visual: 6
Aural: 6
Read/Write: 6
Kinesthetic: 10
I have a mild Kinesthetic learning preference.
I think this is a very good description of my learning styles. I can learn by most any method but have found that some ways are faster and more enjoyable to me; Kinesthetic (hands on) being the best. Unless it is delicate or dangerous to experiment on my own, I will usually try to figure out how to do something from trial and error.
Your scores were:
Visual: 6
Aural: 6
Read/Write: 6
Kinesthetic: 10
I have a mild Kinesthetic learning preference.
I think this is a very good description of my learning styles. I can learn by most any method but have found that some ways are faster and more enjoyable to me; Kinesthetic (hands on) being the best. Unless it is delicate or dangerous to experiment on my own, I will usually try to figure out how to do something from trial and error.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
