BIOL 3840: Animal Biology

Unpack the process of biological magnification in the food chain and learn why consuming foods from lower trophic levels minimizes toxin exposure. Grasp the implications of human-induced pollutants and the benefits of dietary diversity.

Explore the distinct differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic chromosomes. Understand their structures, organization, size, and cellular locations. Grasp how these genetic units underscore life's incredible diversity.

Discover the debate between Intelligent Design (ID) and evolutionary science as they clash over the complexity of biochemical pathways in nature. Explore the concept of guided vs. unguided evolution and how diverse pathways challenge the ID perspective.

Learn how bioremediation works to treat contaminated environments and how microbes can help clean up pollutants. We evaluate multiple scenarios zeroing in on oil-degrading bacteria as a prime example of the process.

Explore what makes each element unique by focusing on the atomic components: protons neutrons and electrons. Learn why the number of protons known as the atomic number is the defining characteristic for each element's properties. Understand how protons set elements apart even as neutrons and electrons also play important roles.

Discover the role of Okazaki fragments in DNA replication and the importance of DNA Ligase in ensuring their correct joining. Learn how a malfunction in this enzyme might disrupt the formation of continuous DNA strands on the lagging strand.