BIOL 260: Ecology

Explore the indispensable role of decomposers in ecosystems. Understand their impact on nutrient cycling, energy flow, and ecological balance. Realize what Earth would face without these vital organisms.

Explore the influential Three-Domain System of classification, introduced by Carl Woese in 1978. Discover how it categorizes life into Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya based on distinctive cellular structures. Learn about the characteristics of each domain, from prokaryotic Bacteria and Archaea to the rich diversity within Eukarya, encompassing Protists, Fungi, Plants, Animals, and the unique world of viruses.

Explore active and passive transport and understand how ion pumps and phagocytosis fit in. Discover endocytosis as an active transport where cells engulf particles. Differentiate between active transport mechanisms and passive methods like facilitated diffusion.

Uncover the fascinating system that nourishes osteocytes in our bones: the osteocyte lacunar-canalicular network. Learn how canaliculi connect these mature bone cells to vital nutrients, ensuring their health even at significant distances from blood vessels.

Explore the distinct characteristics of muscle tissues and their functions. Understand the differences between skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscles. Get insights into the anatomy of striations, cell shapes, and nuclei.

Learn about the role of Erythropoietin (EPO), a natural kidney hormone, in controlling red blood cell production and oxygen transport. Discover how athletes misuse synthetic EPO for performance enhancement, despite the associated health risks.