BIO 225: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Learn the distinctions between dispersal and vicariance in biology. Understand how organisms' movements and environmental changes play crucial roles in allopatric speciation. Grasp the differences between movement across existing barriers and the creation of new barriers.

Uncover the key roles of the cerebral cortex, from cognition and memory to emotional regulation. Compare its functions to those of the hypothalamus, particularly regarding circadian rhythms. Get the answer to what the cerebral cortex doesn't govern.

Explore the foundational principles of Hutton and Lyell, which shaped Darwin's evolutionary ideas. Understand uniformitarianism, deep time, and geographical patterns that inspired Darwin's theory. Discover how geology influenced biological understanding.

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.

Discover the science behind thermoregulation, focusing on endotherms and ectotherms. Understand how internal metabolic processes distinguish endotherms, while ectotherms rely on environmental factors. Highlighting the adaptations each group has evolved to thrive in their habitats.

Explore the incredible process of cell differentiation and how cells become specialized through the production of tissue-specific proteins. Witness the unique roles of muscle cells and neurons as they create essential proteins for their functions. Uncover the symphonic beauty of life's complexity through this fascinating biological journey.