Evoblog: Conversation between Mendel, Darwin, and Lamarck

Mendel: Did you guys know that the trait of an offspring is determined by its parents' alleles?

Darwin: Yes, however I noticed that throughout the ages, there have been changes in the offspring of species.

Lamarck: That is because over time, species change because of the environment.

Mendel: How does the environment affect traits?

Lamarck: Organisms might have to inherit specific traits to survive in a certain environment. For example, a carnivorous bird will need a sharp, curved beak to tear raw meat while a bird with a sharp, pointed beak can catch insects.

Darwin: This is related to natural selection. If an organism is in an environment where they don't need a certain trait, the trait will gradually fade away.

Mendel: It must take a long time for dominant traits to fade away, since when offspring inherit traits, they have a higher chance of taking the dominant allele from both parents.

Lamarck: Well, the trait doesn't always have to come from ancestors. Any traits that an organism picks up during its lifetime will be passed down.

Darwin: This is how new traits form!

Evoblog: Extinction

If extinction is a natural event should we try to save endangered species?

Yes, we should try to save the endangered species. Most species are endangered because of us, so it is not exactly natural. Also, we could benefit from saving species. They could help to increase our knowledge. The species could also be useful to the environment. They could be responsible for doing something and when extinct, the world will not be at equilibrium. I think the main cause of many species becoming extinct is because we are destroying their habitat, so instead of trying to kill them we must save them.

Evoblog: Creationism in schools

Should creationism be taught in schools?

Yes, creationism should be taught in schools. Even though it opposes science, it can make people more open-minded. The children learning about creationism shouldn't be forced to believe or accept it. They should just be aware of all the theories and possibilities of how the world was created. Then, the children will have a choice to believe in either science or creationism.

Evoblog: Paleontologist

Paleontologists

Paleontologists find the fossils of animals or other organisms and identify facts about the fossils using scientific technology. They sometimes also study evolutionary biology.

Education and training: Typically, you need a Ph.D. in paleontology. You need a strong educational background in natural sciences, geology, and biology. You also need skills in statistical analysis and computers. Voluntary or paid fieldwork is suggested to gain experience.

Average salary: In Canada, the average salary of a paleontologist is $66,900. In the U.S., the average salary is $82,500.

References: http://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/geology-careers/how-to-become-a-paleontologist

Blog 9: Letter to News Editor

Write a letter from you to the editor of a newspaper about why you do or do not support bioengineering. Pick something specific like GMOs and support your position.

Dear News Editor, 

       I support bioengineering. Bioengineering is used to produce many goods, like crops. It gives foods traits that ultimately benefit our society. A few examples would be making food more nutritious, making crops grow faster, and making the food resistant to disease, pest, and the weather. Many countries do not consider GMOs as safe, and ban them. However, the U.S. government allows GMOs to be sold based on studies. Without bioengineering, food might not be as plentiful. Bioengineering makes our lives easier. 

                                                                                        Sincerely,
                                                                                                Cynthia Au

Blog 8: Letter to Mendel

Write a letter from you to Gregor Mendel explaining how the structure of DNA explains his genetic discoveries of "factors" and P1 and F1.

Dear Gregor Mendel,

The structure of DNA explains your discoveries of factors and P1 and F1. DNA is in the form of a double-helix. Each nucleotide pairs with its partner nucleotide: A with T, and C with G. Both strands of the DNA carry the same genetic information because of this. DNA replication duplicates the genetic information by having the strand split into two and then copying each strand. The genes are carried in the chromosomes. When two parents produce an offspring, the offspring genetic information is a combination of both parents'.

Sincerely,
Cynthia Au

Blog 7

Write about a genetic disease that runs in your family.

Type 2 Diabetes runs in my family.

Symptoms:
Tiredness, increased urination, thirst, weight loss, blurred vision, frequent infections, slow wound healing, asymptomatic

Treatment:
Sometimes gastric surgery, lifestyle/medication treatment for remission, physical exercise, healthy weight loss, diet control

Genetics:
You can inherit a predisposition to the disease. Usually something in the environment will trigger it. Obesity tends to run in the family and they have similar eating/exercising habits.

Reference:
http://www.diffen.com/difference/Type_1_Diabetes_vs_Type_2_Diabetes
http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/genetics-of-diabetes.html

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