BIOL 106: Evolutionary Biology

Explore the Evolutionary History of Invertebrates: Are Beetles Related? Discover the intricate web of invertebrate evolution, dating back over 500 million years, and why beetles and their invertebrate counterparts do not share a common ancestry.

Explore the vital roles of pharyngeal slits in lancelets and tunicates. Learn how these clefts aid in filter-feeding, capturing food particles, and evolve through different life stages.

Explore Fluorine's electron configuration and its impact on chemical reactivity. Learn about electron shells, orbitals, and the quest for a complete valence shell.

Unravel the intricacies of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) and its pivotal role in controlling involuntary bodily functions. Differentiate between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems and their unique contributions. Debunk misconceptions surrounding the ANS's characteristics.

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.

Discover how cholesterol, a substance found in our body and certain foods, significantly impacts cell membrane fluidity. Learn its varying effects under different temperatures and in diverse cellular lipid compositions. Uncover its indispensable role in nerve signal transmission and cellular health.