Evolution Blog 4: Weblab Natural Selection

In this weblab, I was able to see different animals in their habitats, an estimate of the population and how they would evolve/change over a couple of months or years. With the flutter bugs, I learned that the color increased their chances of survival. If the predator are more attracted to bright colors, then overtime the species would change to a different color. The beak size of finches are dependent on how much precipitation is in their habitat. Overtime, animals(mice) blend into their surroundings to increase chances of survival. Once, the barnyard was painted yellow, many of the mice were born with yellow fur, instead of brown fur.

RATE: I give this tutorial a 10/10 because it was easy to understand and it did not lag at all.

Diamante Poem: Triceratops

Evolution Blog 3: If extinction is a natural event should we try to save endangered species?

If extinction is an actual event then I believe that we still should try to save endangered species. Most species are now endangered because of our carelessness and not from natural disasters. Also, we could benefit from saving species and increase our knowledge about them, to prevent them from going extinct. The main cause of many species becoming extinct is because we are destroying their habitats, by creating more buildings and cities. Even though, they are going to become extinct eventually, we should make an effort to save them and keep them out of extinction for as long as we can. Maybe then, people would raise awareness in society, and they would try to take part in a evolutionary movement.

Evolution Blog 2: Should creationism be taught in schools?

I agree that creationism should be taught in schools. Although creationism could put an end to science, it could cause people to become more open-minded. Children learning about creationism would not be forced to believe or accept it, if chosen not to. When children learn about creationism, they should just be aware of all the possible theories and possibilities of how the world was created. Then the children would have a choice to either believe in science or creationism.

Evolution Blog 1: Paleontologist

Required Education/Training: Naturally, you would need a Ph.D. in paleontology. You also need a strong educational background in natural sciences, geology and biology. You might be required to have skills in statistical analysis and computers. Voluntary or paid fieldwork is suggested to gain more experience.

Average Salary: In Canada, the average salary of a paleontologist is $66,900. But in the United States, the average salary of a paleontologist is $82,500.

References: 
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/40/Joda_paleontologist.jpg

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

Blog 9: Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper about why I do or do not support bioengineering. Pick something specific like GMOs and support your position.

Dear Newspaper Editor,

          I support bioengineering. Bioengineering has been used to produce many goods, such as crops/foods. It has the ability to provide foods traits that finally gives us an advantage to our society. By making food healthy, the ability to make crops/foods grow faster, and the ability to make crops/foods resistant to any disease, bugs, or climate change are just a few of the many examples there are that makes bioengineering an advantage to the U.S. government. Many countries do not consider GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) as something safe and would ban them. However, our society allows GMOs because our studies shown by our scientists prove that it is indeed safe. Without bioengineering, our food resources might not be as abundant and it also helps to make our lives easier. 

Sincerely,

Cindy Phung

Blog 8: Write a letter 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 does in fact explain his genetic discoveries of  factors and P1 and F1. DNA has the form of a double-helix. Of course, nucleotide would pair with its partner nucleotide: A with T, and C with G. Both of the strands of DNA carry the same amount of genetic information because of this. In order for DNA replication to copy the genetic information, the strand has to split into two and genes would be carried in the chromosomes. When two parents produce an offspring, the offspring would most likely also contain the genetic information of both parents'.  

Sincerely,
Cindy Phung