An Ear Distinction

On page 158, Shubin begins discussion on ears. Explain why "some of the most distinctive traits of mammals lie inside the ear"(159). What is similar and different between mammalian inner ears and the inside of ears of other animals. How does the theme of evolution tie into the differences we see?

Matt Kim

(matthewkim0803@gmail.com)

Amphioxus

On page 94, Shubin describes Amphioxus, which is an invertebrate. Describe the evolutionary significance of Amphioxus and how it and others like it provide a window into our past. Include how it is unique and why it is studied.

Germ Layers

On page 98-99, Shubin talks about how chickens, frogs, and fish limbs all look very similar at the start of development. Shubin also states that three germ layers are all the same in these animals. Yet later in development, trillions of cells form very different animals. Describe how this can be used against the creationist argument and describe the similarities and differences of the general process of development using the three germ layers in frogs, chicks, and humans.

Fontanelles

In chapter 5, Neil Shubin discusses the plates, rods, and blocks that make up the cranial structure for human heads. Infants are born with fontanelles which clearly provide no protection for the brain. Discuss how fontanelles are key in the formation of the human skull and how a lack of fontanelles would effect the formation of a human.

hydroxyapatite and the rest

In chapter 4 Neil Shubin addresses the hydroxyapatite within teeth. The hydroxyapatite was initially suggested for internal use against deterioration due to chemical and mechanical digestion that occurs in the mouth. Furthemore, conodants are mentioned as the first organisms to have teeth. When was hydroxyapatite introduced and how does the time relate to the formation of chitin and calcium carbonate throughout evolutionary history? Discuss the chemical composition of hydroxyapatite.

The Cells That Make Us

In Chapter 7, Shubin describes all of the different kinds of cells that together make up the different organs and parts of the body. All of these cells that constitute all of these different organs has a distinct role in bodily functions. "What happens when you take away some bacteria from a mat of bacteria? You end up with a smaller mat of bacteria. What happens when you remove some cells of a human... say from the heart or brain? You could end up with a dead human" (117). Why are some of these cells more important than others when it comes to bodily functions? Which type of cells are more important for our body to continuously function properly? Why is it so important for cells such as skin cells to be sloughed off and continuously renewed, and why does our skin become wrinkly when we grow old if our skin cells are constantly able to produce new cells and replace our old ones?

(Sujin Ko, sujinko93@gmail.com)

DNA not the same in every cell in our body?

On page 45, Shubin writes, “there is a deep similarity among every cell inside our bodies: all of them contain EXACTLY the same DNA”. If this is true, then how do muscle, tissue, and bone develop within our bodies? Explain using what we have learned throughout the year about DNA and gene expression.

Matt Micucci (coochqbk@sbcglobal.net)