1. What are you proud of so far in Biology? Give specific examples (3?) of your "best" work. Why did you choose those pieces?
===So far I am proud that I have been able to complete all of my assignments in Biology. My best work is the classification project because I feel like I independently understood it and my partner (Chiedza) and I were very creative. Another project that I feel I put a lot of effort into is my natural selection web. Me and my partner really tried to puzzle together the correct sequence. The third thing I am proud of is my blog. I put effort into explaining my posts and making them look professional. I try to make my blog look organised and easy to navigate for others with clear titles and complete ideaséthoughts.
2. Look through your binder - what does your binder say about your work habits? Do you have incomplete work? Is it organized and easy to access? Have you kept up with the work that has been assigned?
===My binder contains handouts, worksheets, notes, assignments, and study tools. My binder shows that I have identified my learning style and do alternates in place of worksheets that don`t necessarily progress my learning. I have no incomplete work besides some colouring worksheets. In each unit I have made up supplementary notes to compensate. I have dividers to separate the units with all of the work accordingly. Everything has a date which makes it easy to access. I have tried my best to keep up with assigned work and think I have succeeded.
3. Look at your blog - what blog posts (&/or comments) mean the most to you so far and why?
===The blog post that means the most to me so far is part 2 of my `Viruses` post. This is because I was genuinly interested in the virus Cholera and found it interesting to learn the origins and details of the virus. Another post that is particularly interesting is the `Peculiar Animal` one. I like this post because the pug is such a cute animal which sparks my interest into why it looks the way it does. Also, I was never really fond of dogs or any domestic animals until learning their history.
4. What does engagement in class mean to you? What are some examples of you being engaged and contributing to learning?
===Engagement in class means completing work, answeringé asking questions, and being self directed during assignments. I always try to ask questions of things I am unsure or curious about and try to work independently while completing assignments.
5. Do you have any goals / improvements / hopes for the rest of the semester in this class?
===I hope to continue completing all of my work and improve on focussing during computeréI-Pad work. I hope I can continue to understand all of the concepts and balance the class with everything else.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Viruses
Part One -
1. Describe the general structure of a virus.A virus is very simple with either DNA or RNA (nucleic acids) which is contained in a protein shell or coat. It is typically 15-25 nano-metres in diameter.
2. What is the genetic material that can be found in a virus?
The genetic material that can be found in a virus is either a double stranded DNA or RNA, or a single stranded DNA or RNA. The specific type of genetic material depends on the virus and its function.
3. Draw & label (or find a really good picture to post) of a bacteriophage (a virus that infects a bacteria). Make sure to include the capsid, DNA, & tail fibers.
4. Find examples of both plant and animal viruses.
Animal Virus
5. Do you think that viruses are living or non-living? Explain your answer.
I think viruses are living because they are able to reproduce. Although they need a host cell, I believe that that is a physical reflection of what all humans need emotionally. Also they have genetic material.
Non-Living:
- don't reproduce without host
- no metabolism, no nutrition
- lack organelles.
6. Are their beneficial viruses?
There are beneficial viruses such as cowpox. In the past, people were injected with it because it would help their bodies would grow immunity. This would prevent deadly smallpox as well.
Part Two -
Research and describe an epidemic caused by a virus (be careful - bacteria can cause epidemics as well!)
Include the following:1. What is it's vector / way of being transmitted?
Transmission occurs when water or food is contaminated with the feces of an infected person. In the developed world it is more common to be infected by seafood.
2. What were the effects / symptoms?
Painless diarrhea and vomiting of clear liquid. This causes severe dehydration. Symptoms become apparent 1-5 days after infection.
3. How many deaths were caused?
100,000–130,000 deaths a year as of 2010
4. When & where in the world was the epidemic?
Began in India but spread worldwide in the 19th century.
5. What were the circumstances that created the epidemic?
"cholera organisms grow best at a temperatures above 17°C, and in a nutrient broth with a [NaCl] of 5-15 parts per million, well below hat of the open ocean, but above that of freshwater. Those conditions are met in the estuaries by episodes of heavy rains in the spring, and appear to be absolutely essential to establishing an ecological setting favoring an outbreak" (medical ecology)
6. Add pics / video / links to more information.
http://dsc.discovery.com/tv-shows/curiosity/topics/10-worst-epidemics.htm
http://www.medicalecology.org/water/cholera/cholera.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cholera
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jG1VNSCsP5Q
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Why do pugs have wrinkly faces? - THE FACTS
"What do you mean there's no more food?"
Researched Facts
-Originated in China
-Despite appearance, are strong willed but not aggresive.
-Compact breathing passageways which lead do difficulty in breathing and regulating body temperature.
-Eye prolapse can occur as a result of the skin/skeletal shape. The eye may have to be removed if chronic.
-Most are prone to being overweight if sedentary which may also be a factor in extra skin.
-Extra skin to keep them warm and dry.
-Helps them trap their desired scent
-Helps them be generally resistant to pain
-Protects muzzle
-Other fighting animals don't cause as much harm to Pug.
Reference Links
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Kkrmubsgf8
http://www.dogster.com/forums/Choosing_the_Right_Dog/thread/688257
Why does a pug have a wrinkly face?
Pugs have a lot of skin on their face which gives them a comical, if not angry expression. I think this is because they need to stay warm as they are small dogs. Perhaps they originated in a cold area of the world which forced them to adapt.
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