Recording of 1/15 Biology class - speciation

https://youtu.be/5qfjsA-0Sjg

1/25 Biology update and homework due 2/1

Hi folks,

Today in class we took the time to "debate" the ideas of manipulating DNA to control traits and also whether or not humans are still evolving.  We also went over speciation and the methods in which living things become new species.

Homework for next week is to continue thinking about the concept of human evolution.  To do so, I've included three articles that I would like you to read.  Afterwards, answer the included questions.

http://www.npr.org/2013/09/27/226837803/modern-humans-still-evolving-and-faster-than-ever

http://www.yourgenome.org/stories/are-humans-still-evolving

http://www.popsci.com/article/science/human-species-still-evolving

1.  Who were the Denisovans?  Why are they interesting as far as genetics goes?

2.  What is an example of something that we have in our genotype that may have come from the Denisovans?

3.  Explain why, evolutionarily, we can't digest fibrous materials?

4.  How recent is the variation of skin pigmentation?  What is a hypothesis for why there are different colors of skin?

5. List five different stressors that are mentioned in the articles.

6.  List ten different pieces of evidence that humans are still evolving.  

7.  What would it take to get Homo sapiens to evolve into a new species?

8.  What is epigenetics?

9.  Can stresses in our life make genes act differently?

10. What is a "SNP" and how does it help us to see if humans are evolving?

11.  What is indicated if scientists find genetic variants in lots of genomes in a population?

12. What is a hypothesis for why drinking milk would be an evolutionary advantage in Europe?

Blue-eyed humans have a single, common ancestor -- ScienceDaily

An article I though you folks may enjoy.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080130170343.htm

1/18 Biology Recording - Evolution

https://youtu.be/dXTRIwDBxN0

1/18 Biology update and homework due 2/25

Hi folks,

Today we dove quite deeply into the concept of evolution.  What is it, what causes it and what does it do.  

For homework this week:

Read the text 317 - 330

Do questions on page 332 #'s 2-4, 6-16

Extra Credit Opportunity

10 points extra credit to anyone who listens to the debate (50mins) and writes a paragraph or more about their thoughts.  

Before listening, however, read the following quote and think about it.  What do you think about the issue?  Then listen to the debate and write the paragraph about how you felt originally, how do you feel now and what facts either changed or supported your original thoughts.

"What if, before your children were born, you could make sure they had the genes to be taller or smarter? Would that tempt you, or would you find it unnerving?

What if that genetic engineering would save a child from a rare disease?"

http://www.npr.org/2013/02/15/172137776/should-we-prohibit-genetically-engineered-babies

Error on Answer Sheet

Hi folks,

For #5 there should be all "rt" across the top. They have one Rt but that's incorrect.

Jim Mueller

Recording of 1/11 Biology Class a bit more genetics and intro to evolution

https://youtu.be/jnT0aCKoBE0

1/11 Biology Update and homework due 1/18

Hi folks,

Today we spent quite a bit of time doing an activity called Dragon Genetics. It allowed us to take a fairly deep look at the genetic make-up of fantasy dragons and see what happens with different traits as the dragons produce offspring.

We also began our unit on evolution. We will be spending quite a bit more time on this next week.

Homework due 11/18 is to do the enclosed .pdf. I've included the answer sheet so that you can check your answers when you're FINISHED. Make sure you feel good about this because it will be tested next week.

Incorrect problem on biology homework

Hi folks,

Don't worry about question #15 on the Biology homework. That problem shouldn't be there.

Sorry for the confusion on that.

Jim Mueller

1/4 Biology recording - Punnet Squares

https://youtu.be/0XGNuV6wrZM

1/4 Class update and homework due 1/11

Hi folks,

We are now at the point where we can see how genetic material from two parents intertwine to create an new and unique individual. This is the beginning of genetics. We used Punnet squares as a tool to see what kinds of combinations could be created from the parents genotypes. We will be doing more with genetics next week.

Homework for 1/11 is to:

Read chapter 9 pages 173 - 186
Do questions 1 - 17 on page 188