Do you have any suggestions for improving any aspect of the class that would make it "better" for future students? What assignment did you value the most? ... the least?
The notes were some times hard to follow, especially when taking the quizzes. I would look at the question and remember reading about what the question was looking for but did have a hard time finding it again in the notes sometimes. Luckily there wasn't a time limit on the quiz and they could be saved and returned to later. I have mixed feelings concerning the Blog, it was nice having the freedom to do it however I wanted, but it made it hard to be connected to other class mates. I would check others blogs but some would be up to date and some wasn't, but the only way to find out was to open each blog. With discussion board everything was right there, it would tell you if there was any new post and under what topics. I did like not being forced to post to other peoples blogs. I think I would have preferred the discussion board as the platform with the rules of the blog.
Assignments that I really enjoyed was the student lecture, it allowed me (and other students) to study something I (we) would be more interested in without forcing the whole class to be exposed to areas that doesn't interest them. The crossword and Ecosystem Investigation were fun but for such a short class it was hard to schedule the time needed to spend a day outdoors for one assignment. I did enjoy it but was unsure if I was going to be able to find the time.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
# 9-2 Expectations?
Did the class meet your needs and expectations? If so or not, why?
The class meet my degree needs and fulfilled my expectations of learning some more science. This class was great, I had such a good time I can't believe it's over already. I needed a class that was short, meet the degree requirement, didn't require a lab, could be done at my schedule and wasn't so hard and stuffy that you could have fun and learn. This class meet all those requirements.
The class meet my degree needs and fulfilled my expectations of learning some more science. This class was great, I had such a good time I can't believe it's over already. I needed a class that was short, meet the degree requirement, didn't require a lab, could be done at my schedule and wasn't so hard and stuffy that you could have fun and learn. This class meet all those requirements.
# 9-3 Advice to others
Do you have any "advice" to give to future Bio. 10 students relative to achieving class success, that I can share with them?
Although it has already been said multiple times: staying on top of the assignments is critical. On the same note; if it seems overwhelming (and it can be if you are taking a condensed version) take on one task at a time. The assignments aren't hard and are for the most part enjoyable (unless you hate science) so take you time, enjoy and don't wait till the last minute to do the work. If you do get behind, look at the point values and work the larger point assignments and ones with specific deadlines first then, go back and do the smaller ones as time permits.
Although it has already been said multiple times: staying on top of the assignments is critical. On the same note; if it seems overwhelming (and it can be if you are taking a condensed version) take on one task at a time. The assignments aren't hard and are for the most part enjoyable (unless you hate science) so take you time, enjoy and don't wait till the last minute to do the work. If you do get behind, look at the point values and work the larger point assignments and ones with specific deadlines first then, go back and do the smaller ones as time permits.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Garden Photos
[rows for this summer's garden]
[corn sprouts]
[about 4 weeks old]
[about 8 weeks old]
[corn tassles-male reproductive organ]
[corn ear]
[sunflowers are gettin' tall]
[corn's getting tall too!]
[some of the bean plants]
[Modest harvest so far-potatoes, cucumbers, and green and yellow beans]
Coloma Trip!
Here are a few photos from our recent trip to Marshall Gold State Historic Park for an afternoon of fun, learning and biology class research.
[Drew panning for gold]
[Black Locust Tree Leaves]
[Drew panning for gold]
[Black Locust Tree Leaves]
[Wild Blackberry Bush]
[Deer print near the river shore]
[Sycamore leaves]
[black locust]
[my kids and I in front of Sutter's Mill plaque]
[moss on an oak tree]
[panning for gold]
[South Fork, American River]
[river rock]
Saturday, June 21, 2008
# 8-4 Grade Us!
So who are we? How far have we (humans) changed over time? If you were to rate us and our behavior compared to other living organism, how do we rate and why? What is our potential in the future?
If we are graded by our actions and a whole (which unless we all pass then we all face the same outcome) then I believe we fail. There are some other organisms that are proportionally just as, if not more, destructive then us. However given our size and ability to create and use tools, we are able to do it on a much larger scale. Other organism are driven by food and shelter, few if any are driven by greed. A sheltered hole in the ground is more then enough for most, however may humans "need" large homes and eat from convenience not hunger. Our biggest downfall is that we destroy for wants not needs.
If we grade form potential we should pass. Unlike many organism we have (or at least I think we do) a better idea of our environment. I would like to think we would have enough sense to stop consuming before we run out. We can also replace or have a hand in replacing a lot of the things we use. Many organism will continue to eat until it is all gone and have no way of replacing it. Take a deer (or any group or combination of plant eaters) if they become over populated and eat all the foliage most will die from starvation. The same applies to meat eaters. However humans have enough knowledge to see the shortage and ration ourselves.
The question is do we have enough sense to do so. We have all the knowledge to save ourselves and fix the problems or at least stop further damage. Will we apply that knowledge before it is too late?
If we are graded by our actions and a whole (which unless we all pass then we all face the same outcome) then I believe we fail. There are some other organisms that are proportionally just as, if not more, destructive then us. However given our size and ability to create and use tools, we are able to do it on a much larger scale. Other organism are driven by food and shelter, few if any are driven by greed. A sheltered hole in the ground is more then enough for most, however may humans "need" large homes and eat from convenience not hunger. Our biggest downfall is that we destroy for wants not needs.
If we grade form potential we should pass. Unlike many organism we have (or at least I think we do) a better idea of our environment. I would like to think we would have enough sense to stop consuming before we run out. We can also replace or have a hand in replacing a lot of the things we use. Many organism will continue to eat until it is all gone and have no way of replacing it. Take a deer (or any group or combination of plant eaters) if they become over populated and eat all the foliage most will die from starvation. The same applies to meat eaters. However humans have enough knowledge to see the shortage and ration ourselves.
The question is do we have enough sense to do so. We have all the knowledge to save ourselves and fix the problems or at least stop further damage. Will we apply that knowledge before it is too late?
# 8-3 Human Impacts
What impacts of our activities as organisms have you seen this last week? Did they have any secondary effects that you could observe? Is everything and every action connected to other impacts?
Every action has a reaction, some reactions are immediate and visual other happen over time and are not as apparent. Sometimes the reaction may not even be directly linked to the impact but a result of a "domino effect", this effected this and so on or even the combination of actions were needed to make an noticeable impact.
One common reaction is the effects of mass cutting of the rain forest. This has been linked to cause a rise in the amounts of CO2, which is one of the leading green house gases linked to global warming.
Every action has a reaction, some reactions are immediate and visual other happen over time and are not as apparent. Sometimes the reaction may not even be directly linked to the impact but a result of a "domino effect", this effected this and so on or even the combination of actions were needed to make an noticeable impact.
One common reaction is the effects of mass cutting of the rain forest. This has been linked to cause a rise in the amounts of CO2, which is one of the leading green house gases linked to global warming.
# 8-2 Visualizing Time ("Strain the Brain")
Thinking about the age of the Earth and the time that living creatures have lived on it, how can you visualize the time span, way beyond your own lifespan, to better understand the biological processes that have occurred during the Earth's time?
To imagine things that have happened over such a large timeline, I break it down and connect it to key items. Linking things that happen at or around the same time helps to visualize it somewhat. I use this method for everything that has happened beyond my own lifetime. Just like women fighting for their right to vote was a few years before, but in the same time frame, as the Civil War. Things like that help me visualize the formation of our country and can be used to visualize the formation of life (although the time frame of life is more then just slightly bigger then the countries time line).
To imagine things that have happened over such a large timeline, I break it down and connect it to key items. Linking things that happen at or around the same time helps to visualize it somewhat. I use this method for everything that has happened beyond my own lifetime. Just like women fighting for their right to vote was a few years before, but in the same time frame, as the Civil War. Things like that help me visualize the formation of our country and can be used to visualize the formation of life (although the time frame of life is more then just slightly bigger then the countries time line).
# 8-1 Gaia - Reality or Fiction?
Check out the last two Internet links at the end of the lecture and give your impressions on this theory (links following for your convenience). Perhaps, the underlying question here is: do we as humans want to direct our future or let the other Earth's inhabitants do it for us, when ever they are ready to do so? Your thoughts? Can you cite any biological examples?
Gaia Hypothesis Links
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaia_hypothesis
http://www.mountainman.com.au/gaia.html
I can definitely imagine that there is a connection with all the layers of the Earth. Each one seems to have the necessary tools to counteract (or to keep in check) each other. It could almost be liken to our government; each branch has it's own set of powers yet it can only flex that power so far without the approval of the other branches.
Humans are directing their future; it just may not be the results we want. Every action has a reaction; everything we (humans) have done will have a reaction, good and bad. If we continue to damage or wastefully use resources there will be reactions that will come back and effect us directly and indirectly. Just like clear cutting has resulted in land slides and forced the relocation of wildlife. The question then becomes do we continue down the path of destruction (of everything to include ourselves) or do we see the signs and use and work with "Mother Nature" to help undo the mistakes we made?
Gaia Hypothesis Links
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaia_hypothesis
http://www.mountainman.com.au/gaia.html
I can definitely imagine that there is a connection with all the layers of the Earth. Each one seems to have the necessary tools to counteract (or to keep in check) each other. It could almost be liken to our government; each branch has it's own set of powers yet it can only flex that power so far without the approval of the other branches.
Humans are directing their future; it just may not be the results we want. Every action has a reaction; everything we (humans) have done will have a reaction, good and bad. If we continue to damage or wastefully use resources there will be reactions that will come back and effect us directly and indirectly. Just like clear cutting has resulted in land slides and forced the relocation of wildlife. The question then becomes do we continue down the path of destruction (of everything to include ourselves) or do we see the signs and use and work with "Mother Nature" to help undo the mistakes we made?
Thursday, June 12, 2008
# 7-1 "Flowers hold the World's Secrets"
Mendel investigated the simple patterns of heredity (mixing, transfer and carrying the "traits" or characteristics of organisms without really knowing what was the "object" that stored genetic information (traits or genes). He showed that there was a predictable pattern of inheritance, which depended on the "nature" of the parents and the type of organisms involved. It has been said, had he picked visible complex traits, he would have failed to recognize the more complex patterns that exist. We now know "seriously" more about the genetic mechanisms involved (as you have just barely experienced with this week's assignments). Going back.... have you every noticed or worked with patterns of inheritance in your past (family, friends, pets, gardening, research, etc.)? Please describe any genetic variety that you have seen.
In addition, Mendel was free to work in his garden and ask himself questions about what he observed. Time and an inquisitive mind has led him to some of the most important discoveries of our civilization, discoveries which started the science of genetics and may change the future of our species. What else could you discover by having the freedom to ask questions and learn about your environment?
The most recent encounter with genetics concerns my own kids. I have red hair and brown eyes and my wife has brown hair and blue eyes. My siblings mixtures include more red hair, brown, black and dirty blond with eyes of brown and blue. My wife's brothers are all brown hair with blue eyes; yet all three had blond hair when they were younger. My kids were both born with red hair (much lighter then my own) and blue eyes. As they get older their hair is getting lighter and more blond. It has been interesting to think about and see the mixture of our genes and have to say we make beautiful babies.
As for the freedom to ask questions; I think there is never a lack of questions just an inability to find answers. Granted it does help to have a fresh set of ideas and sometimes it's not what your asking but how your asking it (asking the right question). However I do think it takes the ability to find the answers to really find the enjoyment in the search.
In addition, Mendel was free to work in his garden and ask himself questions about what he observed. Time and an inquisitive mind has led him to some of the most important discoveries of our civilization, discoveries which started the science of genetics and may change the future of our species. What else could you discover by having the freedom to ask questions and learn about your environment?
The most recent encounter with genetics concerns my own kids. I have red hair and brown eyes and my wife has brown hair and blue eyes. My siblings mixtures include more red hair, brown, black and dirty blond with eyes of brown and blue. My wife's brothers are all brown hair with blue eyes; yet all three had blond hair when they were younger. My kids were both born with red hair (much lighter then my own) and blue eyes. As they get older their hair is getting lighter and more blond. It has been interesting to think about and see the mixture of our genes and have to say we make beautiful babies.
As for the freedom to ask questions; I think there is never a lack of questions just an inability to find answers. Granted it does help to have a fresh set of ideas and sometimes it's not what your asking but how your asking it (asking the right question). However I do think it takes the ability to find the answers to really find the enjoyment in the search.
# 7-2 DNA Technology and Its Use
Here is one that could be a "classic" movie theme. Scientific techniques have discovered many incredible mechanisms of living systems, including the workings of your DNA molecules. We have the ability to genetically alter DNA and thereby change organisms for some "reason", reasons that may "benefit" or "harm", depending on its use and interpretation. Yet, are we as a society capable of making intelligent and reasonable decisions for our genetic future and that of the planet? Has our knowledge of psychology and sociology advanced fast enough to help us understand the power inherent in our skill to manipulate our DNA (or the DNA of other life forms)? Science is science; the question is, philosophically, can we handle the knowledge we are gaining? Base your answers on science, philosophy, and history. Remember to respect the views of each other as you have done so far.
The problem with any power is that it has the ability to be abused and not shared. No different then Nuclear Power (the electrical one), so many people know so little about it and are afraid of it getting in the wrong hands (afraid it can be converted to weapons) that many countries are not allowed to use it. With DNA manipulation, sure there could be benefits to it's use and most definitely harmful results too. It then becomes a question of which outweighs the other, and allow the public to make the decision. If it is decided that the knowledge be used then it should be shared with the world.
The problem with any power is that it has the ability to be abused and not shared. No different then Nuclear Power (the electrical one), so many people know so little about it and are afraid of it getting in the wrong hands (afraid it can be converted to weapons) that many countries are not allowed to use it. With DNA manipulation, sure there could be benefits to it's use and most definitely harmful results too. It then becomes a question of which outweighs the other, and allow the public to make the decision. If it is decided that the knowledge be used then it should be shared with the world.
# 7-3 We See You Now!
In the Microbiology laboratory at Sierra College, one can identify bacteria using their DNA molecules (16s ribosomal DNA), PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), and a gene sequencer (at UCD). This process can be accomplished in less than one day. What advantages can you see for yourself, if we can now positively identify bacteria or other organisms (using their DNA), organisms which before now were even hard to see?
A few things I can see that would benefit from that capability is identifying harmful bacteria and in the future rework the DNA so that we get the good benefits from certain bacteria without the harmful effects. This of course is by having the ability for future bio-scientist to learn on hi-tech equipment.
A few things I can see that would benefit from that capability is identifying harmful bacteria and in the future rework the DNA so that we get the good benefits from certain bacteria without the harmful effects. This of course is by having the ability for future bio-scientist to learn on hi-tech equipment.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Cell Movies
Check out these links for movies about cells.
(please turn off all cell phones, refrain from talking, sit back and enjoy)
Movies of G cells
http://www.celanphy.science.ru.nl/Bruce%20web/Flash%20Movies.htm
Interactive Animation of B Cell Selection
http://www.bio.davidson.edu/COURSES/Immunology/Flash/Bselect.html
(please turn off all cell phones, refrain from talking, sit back and enjoy)
Movies of G cells
http://www.celanphy.science.ru.nl/Bruce%20web/Flash%20Movies.htm
Interactive Animation of B Cell Selection
http://www.bio.davidson.edu/COURSES/Immunology/Flash/Bselect.html
# 6-1 My Membrane!
For life to exist as we know it, the cell membrane plays the most important role, both for single-celled and multi-celled organisms. It is through the cell membrane, all cells interact with their immediate environment. It has been said, "Life is defined by the cell membrane." -jlw
Explain this statement; what was meant? Relate your answer to the structure and function of the cell's membrane.
I think what it is trying to hint towards is that since the cell membrane contains the nucleus, which holds the DNA of the life form; we can define what that type of life it is by looking into the cell membrane.
Explain this statement; what was meant? Relate your answer to the structure and function of the cell's membrane.
I think what it is trying to hint towards is that since the cell membrane contains the nucleus, which holds the DNA of the life form; we can define what that type of life it is by looking into the cell membrane.
# 6-2 Cell Race
Who won?After reading the cell lecture files, in general which of the two types of cells (prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells) do you think is more evolutionarily advanced? Support your answer (opinion) with specific information from the lectures or other biological sources (previous lectures, etc.).
I don't see how either could be said to be more advanced then the other. Both have survived thus far and both have their strength and weaknesses. Since this question is subjection any and all answers would also be subjective. One could say Eukaryotic cells are; because they are in larger and in more complex beings, have a nucleus and membrane, yet the opposite could also be said about Prokaryotic cells and be shown to be advantageous. They are smaller, simpler, able to survive without a nucleus and are found in bacteria which is capable of making us sick and even killing us (a lot of punch for something so small).
The only true measure of which is more advanced is time. If they are unable to continue to change the will not be able to survive.
I don't see how either could be said to be more advanced then the other. Both have survived thus far and both have their strength and weaknesses. Since this question is subjection any and all answers would also be subjective. One could say Eukaryotic cells are; because they are in larger and in more complex beings, have a nucleus and membrane, yet the opposite could also be said about Prokaryotic cells and be shown to be advantageous. They are smaller, simpler, able to survive without a nucleus and are found in bacteria which is capable of making us sick and even killing us (a lot of punch for something so small).
The only true measure of which is more advanced is time. If they are unable to continue to change the will not be able to survive.
# 6-3 Cells and More Cells!
Why would how cells reproduce be important to us? Reasons?
For a lot of reasons but I will limit it to one so that other class mates can have something to write about. If we know how cell reproduce, we can potentially facilitate the reproduction ourselves (test tubes). This by itself can be very beneficial to us and all life organisms for various reasons (that I imagine other class mates will go into further detail) such as disease treatment, prevention of extinction, stronger better fit cells, etc...
For a lot of reasons but I will limit it to one so that other class mates can have something to write about. If we know how cell reproduce, we can potentially facilitate the reproduction ourselves (test tubes). This by itself can be very beneficial to us and all life organisms for various reasons (that I imagine other class mates will go into further detail) such as disease treatment, prevention of extinction, stronger better fit cells, etc...
# 5-3 Am I a "Fossil"?
This information is not found in the lecture for this unit, yet the term "fossil" is common. I would like you to learn more as you answer this discussion question(s). How are fossils formed? There is more than one method.Using the Internet, locate an interesting fossil (evidence of past life) of any organism that is not currently living and briefly describe it. Include what the type of organism it is, when it lived, some of its biology, and the web address where you found it. (This may require some original research on your part.)
Fossils are formed in many different ways which seems to me mostly just by a chance of all the stars lining up, with all the elements being at the right time and place. Among them are: Freezing, Drying, Asphalt, Amber, Carbonation and Permineralization. Look at this link for further explanations:
http://www.fossils-facts-and-finds.com/how_are_fossils_formed.html
Instead of simply choosing one fossil, want to point people more in an different area or location that fossils have been found, West Virginia (WV). WV is known for its coal production, which is in fact a fossil fuel. Due the destruction to the fossil during the creation of coal it is very difficult to find any fossil that are still recognizable but the ones that are still preserved that date back over 300 million years ago. What I find interesting is that WV was a swampland during that time yet today is relatively far from the coast and is not a flat land. This has opened my eyes to the fact that fossils can be found anywhere and feel free to see what can and has been found in WV.
http://www.geocraft.com/WVFossils/TableOfCont.html
Fossils are formed in many different ways which seems to me mostly just by a chance of all the stars lining up, with all the elements being at the right time and place. Among them are: Freezing, Drying, Asphalt, Amber, Carbonation and Permineralization. Look at this link for further explanations:
http://www.fossils-facts-and-finds.com/how_are_fossils_formed.html
Instead of simply choosing one fossil, want to point people more in an different area or location that fossils have been found, West Virginia (WV). WV is known for its coal production, which is in fact a fossil fuel. Due the destruction to the fossil during the creation of coal it is very difficult to find any fossil that are still recognizable but the ones that are still preserved that date back over 300 million years ago. What I find interesting is that WV was a swampland during that time yet today is relatively far from the coast and is not a flat land. This has opened my eyes to the fact that fossils can be found anywhere and feel free to see what can and has been found in WV.
http://www.geocraft.com/WVFossils/TableOfCont.html
# 5-2 "Swimming" in the Pool
How does the condition of a population's "genetic pool" relate to the ability of the population (or species) to survive over time in its environment? How does this relate to the concepts of "endangered" or "threatened" species? Can you find any examples? Does an organism's "genetic pool" and ecological diversity within a ecological community or the biosphere effect the stability of life on the planet?
References (among many others):
http://www.worldwildlife.org/endangered/index.cfm
http://www.fws.gov/endangered/
http://www.endangeredspecie.com/
The pool carries DNA information that has been developed over many years that has been changed to allow the species to survive in the environment they are most adapter to. This can a have a large effect on the species to keep their numbers up. For whatever reason a species may be forced to relocate (human encounter, fire or other natural disaster, etc...) if the remaining species doesn't have the information to be able to survive in this new environment there numbers will fade away until and IF evolution can reprogram the DNA for the species to go from just survival to prosperous. This in turn can through the balance off when any tier of the food chain is changed by effecting the link under it (lack herbivores to keep plants under control) and the link above (a lack of food to maintain their current numbers). This should also take into consideration effects that would take place when the shift happens (shortage of graze land, interaction of species that were normally separated, etc...)
So while most animals already have the equipment to live in their current environment any shift that disturb the balance or took place before evolution could make correction or adaptations could lead to the endangerment of species.
References (among many others):
http://www.worldwildlife.org/endangered/index.cfm
http://www.fws.gov/endangered/
http://www.endangeredspecie.com/
The pool carries DNA information that has been developed over many years that has been changed to allow the species to survive in the environment they are most adapter to. This can a have a large effect on the species to keep their numbers up. For whatever reason a species may be forced to relocate (human encounter, fire or other natural disaster, etc...) if the remaining species doesn't have the information to be able to survive in this new environment there numbers will fade away until and IF evolution can reprogram the DNA for the species to go from just survival to prosperous. This in turn can through the balance off when any tier of the food chain is changed by effecting the link under it (lack herbivores to keep plants under control) and the link above (a lack of food to maintain their current numbers). This should also take into consideration effects that would take place when the shift happens (shortage of graze land, interaction of species that were normally separated, etc...)
So while most animals already have the equipment to live in their current environment any shift that disturb the balance or took place before evolution could make correction or adaptations could lead to the endangerment of species.
# 5-1 Perfect?
Would natural selection (and evolution), if given enough time, develop organisms that were perfect? ... or develop the "perfect" organism?
I don't think it is possible to have a perfect organism; just ones that are able to tolerate certain environments better then others. Like deer for instance; there are a large variety of deer (i.e. mule, whitetail, black, etc...) each that has been designed/adapter to survive with-in the environments that they are most populated in. If you take the deer (or anything) from their environment and put it in another, more then likely the majority would die with only the strong surviving (the begining of natural selection).
This would allow one generation to create the next but in order to grow any real numbers they will have to adapt to that environment. Over time they will not have the same characteristics that made them identifiable as being part of the group they were originally part of (they may change size, fur color, etc...). Also I believe that they would loose the information/ability to live in the original environment that they left.
What it boils down to is that; what makes one organism the strongest in one environment would/could make it the weakest in another and vise-versa. This is not to say that they aren't already some organisms that can live in both extremes (frozen tundra and desert) but also anywhere in between. It however would need to be studied to see if they are able to do that because of evolution or if they aways have been able to do so. Yet to the best of my knowledge, although there are some that can live without one or two of the life essentials i.e. oxygen, sunlight, etc... I am unaware of any organism is capable of living without all of them; which would qualify as the perfect organism.
I don't think it is possible to have a perfect organism; just ones that are able to tolerate certain environments better then others. Like deer for instance; there are a large variety of deer (i.e. mule, whitetail, black, etc...) each that has been designed/adapter to survive with-in the environments that they are most populated in. If you take the deer (or anything) from their environment and put it in another, more then likely the majority would die with only the strong surviving (the begining of natural selection).
This would allow one generation to create the next but in order to grow any real numbers they will have to adapt to that environment. Over time they will not have the same characteristics that made them identifiable as being part of the group they were originally part of (they may change size, fur color, etc...). Also I believe that they would loose the information/ability to live in the original environment that they left.
What it boils down to is that; what makes one organism the strongest in one environment would/could make it the weakest in another and vise-versa. This is not to say that they aren't already some organisms that can live in both extremes (frozen tundra and desert) but also anywhere in between. It however would need to be studied to see if they are able to do that because of evolution or if they aways have been able to do so. Yet to the best of my knowledge, although there are some that can live without one or two of the life essentials i.e. oxygen, sunlight, etc... I am unaware of any organism is capable of living without all of them; which would qualify as the perfect organism.
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