BIOL 110: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity

Explore stromatolites, the oldest indicators of life on Earth formed by microbial actions. Understand their presence in shallow marine environments and their connection to early eukaryotic life.

Unpack the concept of Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP), exploring the significance of DNA fragment variations. Learn how restriction enzymes act as molecular scissors, leading to insights into genetic disorders, biodiversity, and more.

Discover the integral role of osmosis in cellular biology and its connection to passive transport. Learn about the movement of water and its significance in maintaining cellular balance. Unravel the distinctions between osmosis and other passive transport mechanisms.

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 sensory marvels of the male silkworm moth known as Bombyx mori and how they detect specific chemical signals from females. Uncover a hypothesis about the unique sensitivity of the moth's antennae and a prediction stemming from it. Learn how to design an experiment to test this hypothesis and deepen your understanding of insect behavior.

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.