BIO 172W - Introduction to Organismal Biology and Evolution

Credits: 4
Instructional Contact Hours: 6

1. Explain the theory evolution by natural selection using an example.
2. Discuss how the fossil record, comparative anatomy, embryology, biogeography, and molecular biology data explain evolution.
3. Describe the processes other than natural selection that cause evolution.
4. Explain why the biological species concept does not explain all observed organisms.
5. Describe the processes that can lead to speciation.
6. Explain adaptive radiation using an example.
7. Identify the contributions of historically important scientists in the field of evolution.
8. Compare taxonomic and systematic groupings of organisms.

2. Demonstrate understanding of ecological concepts.

1. Define ecology.
2. Describe the structure and function of ecosystems and their interactions.
3. Describe the relationship between ecology and evolution.
4. Describe how populations can change and how the environment can affect the size and growth of a population.
5. Describe how energy and nutrients move through ecosystems.
6. Describe ecological principles on an individual, population, community, ecosystem, and biome level.
7. Describe the process of ecological succession.

3. Describe the diversity of Domain Bacteria.

1. Describe the characteristics of living organisms.
2. Identify the general features common to prokaryotic cells.
3. Differentiate between organisms found in the domains Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.
4. Describe the basic characteristics of organisms found in Doman Bacteria.
5. Explain the structural differences between Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
6. Describe the metabolic strategies used by prokaryotic cells to obtain energy and carbon.
7. Explain the role of prokaryotes in nutrient cycling.

4. Describe the diversity of Domain Archaea.

1. Describe the basic characteristics of organisms found in Domain Archaea.
2. List the subgroupings of domain Archaea.
3. Describe the environments where thermophile, acidophile, and halophile Archaean organisms can be found.

5. Describe the diversity of Kingdom Protista.

1. Explain the endosymbiont theory for the origin of eukaryotic cells.
2. List the taxonomic subgroupings of protists, algae, protozoa, and fungal-like protists.
3. Describe the different nutritional strategies of protists.
4. Identify the ecological roles of protists.
5. Describe the role of photosynthetic protists in the development of the atmosphere.
6. Describe the basic characteristics which differentiate early eukaryotes from prokaryotes.

6. Describe the diversity of Kingdom Plantae

1. Describe the major adaptations of the plant kingdom.
2. Identify the closest protist relative to modern plants.
3. Describe the alternation of generations in plants.
4. Compare gymnosperm and angiosperm plants.
5. Describe the role of anthophyte flowers, fruits, and seeds in reproduction.
6. Describe how anthophytes affected the evolution of other organisms.
7. Describe the symbiotic relationship between plant roots and bacteria, and plant roots and fungi.

7. Describe the diversity of Kingdom Fungi.

1. List the major characteristics of fungi.
2. Identify the ecological roles of fungi.
3. Describe fungal structures utilized for vegetative growth and reproduction.
4. Compare multicellular and single celled fungi.
5. Compare fungi to plants and animals.
6. Describe the symbiotic relationships between fungi and other organisms.
7. Compare the life cycle and reproduction of Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Zygomycota fungi.

8. Describe the diversity of Kingdom Animalia.

1. Describe the major groupings in the animal kingdom.
2. Describe how the appearance of the animals changed the evolution of other organisms on the early Earth.
3. Compare and contrast the acoelomates and the coelomates.
4. Compare and contrast the protostomes and deuterostomes.
5. Compare and contrast the echinoderms and the chordates.
6. Compare and contrast invertebrate and vertebrate chordates.

9. Apply the scientific process using a course-based research project.

1. Use observations and previous knowledge to formulate testable questions.
2. State hypotheses that identify independent and dependent variables.
3. Collect and manipulate data in an organized manner to support analysis.
4. Display experimental design and data-appropriate graphing technique.
5. Use proper vocabulary to describe processes for both precision and accuracy and to distinguish between related ideas.
6. Design experimental approaches that allow for measurement and controlled conditions.
7. Use evidence derived from the scientific process to form conclusions and inform decision-making.