DNA Detective

While introducing the "Handy Genes" chapter about using DNA to find the evolutionary history of organisms, Shubin relates genetic information to physiological features (45).

How does this type of deduction lead to variations in phylogenetic trees? What can be misleading about tracing the past of an organism solely through DNA or solely through physiological features?

Supermodel (Organisms)

Toward the end of "The Meaning of it All," Shubin provides several examples of Nobel Prize-winning studies based on model organisms (198). Pioneering researchers have used these organisms to uncover new biological insights.

What exactly are model organisms? What are the pros and cons of using them?

For procratinators who need more prompt^^:BRAINS!!!

On pg 83, Shubin discusses the head and its chaotic state with the complexity of the nerves. While head as whole provides many interesting discussions, studying brain bringings up even more possible discussions. Please discuss brain's role in the central nervous system, endocrine system, both, or any others which pertain to our study, and discuss from evolutionary perspective why the developement of the brain is more crucial in more complex organisms as opposed to early, primitive organisms.

Kevin jeon
bboybyung@gmail.com

I'm Anxious

In "Tracing Heads," Shubin briefly explains the development of nervous systems from simpler ancestral parts, like a notochord (94).
Although Shubin focuses primarily on the specific trend toward cephalization in this section, his discussion is based on the assumption that our vertebrate nervous system has evolved over time.

How exactly does this nervous system work? How has it changed from our ancestors to vertebrates? What selective pressures in our evolutionary history have favored this development?

- Vincent Fiorentini
(vincent@panatechcomputer.com)

Movement of water in our body

On page 168, while Shubin discusses the effect of alcohol, he mentions the idea of diffusion across a membrane. Refering to our past studies, explain the factors behind the movement of water such as water potentional and concentration gradients. Also, relate how these movement of water effects organisms in environments in which they live as they maintain homeostasis. (i.e. fresh water fish vs salt water fish)

Kevin Jeon
Bboybyung@gamil.com

Invertebrate Phylum

In Chapter 7, Shubin in describing the body building of the organisms and their similarty mentions the choanoflagellates in sponges. Going back to the Invertebrate unit, please discuss different phylums that exist in the unit (Porifera, Cnideria, Platyhelminthes, Nemotoda, Mollusca, Annelida, and Arthropoda) in terms of their body plan, embryonic developement and other physcial characteristics that distinguishes it from other phylums.

Kevin Jeon
Bboybyung@gmail.com

Review of pregnancies

On page 102 of Subin's book, he talks about how a fertilized egg develops into a full grown animal. Using the text book, describe the different stages the cells go through until it latches on into the uterus. Include terminology of endoderm, ectoderm, and mesoderm and describe what each layer turns into.

Nikhil Pereira (nikhil.pereira3@gmail.com)