BIOL 1407 Extra Credit Opportunities Spring 2014 Mr. Dees

BIOL 1407 – extra credit opportunities Spring 2014 – Mr. Dees

This semester students have the opportunity to earn extra credit points four times. Each extra credit opportunity is worth 5 points. These points will be added to the sum total of the 4 lecture exams before an average is calculated; a maximum of 20 points may be earned:

Lecture Exam average=

(Exam 1 score)+(Exam 2 score)+(Exam 3 score)+(Exam 4 score)+(total extra credit points)/ 4

Here are your extra credit opportunities; they may be completed at any time this semester prior to the date of the final exam. Note for Fine Arts events and Athletic events each event attended counts as one opportunity. You may mix and match categories if you like as well.

1. Attend a WCJC Athletic event – provide photographic evidence via email to [email protected] of yourself at a WCJC athletic event.

A list of spring Pioneer athletic events can be found on the following links :

Rodeo - http://www.wcjc.edu/Programs/athletics/rodeo/rodeo-schedule.aspx

Baseball - http://www.wcjc.edu/Programs/athletics/baseball/baseball-schedule.aspx

2. Attend any WCJC Fine Arts event – Drama, Choir or Band concerts. Provide photographic evidence via email to [email protected] of yourself at a WCJC fine arts event.

3. Participate in any PTK fundraiser or can drive. Provide photographic evidence via email to [email protected] of yourself at a PTK fundraiser event.

4. Extra credit essays

Each topic essay may count for one opportunity. Each essay should be between 1 to 1 ½ pages . It should be created in MS word or as a pdf file and emailed to [email protected]

Topic A – Vestigial organs. Define a vestigial organ or structure from an evolutionary standpoint. After you define them, describe 3 such vestigial organs/structure found in modern humans. In your description be sure to describe the homologous structures of ancestors and their basic function.

Topic B. Malaria and DDT Without doubt malaria is one of the most significant parasitic diseases in human history. Its life cycle, using mosquitos as vectors caused many pesticides to be developed and used to help control the disease. One of the most effective was DDT. DDT is no longer used in the United States for mosquito control because it is known to bioaccumulate and disrupts aquatic food chains. It is still used in other countries. Briefly explain bioaccumulation and how DDT does impact aquatic food chains, and then provide your opinion as to if there should be a world-wide ban on DDT.

Topic C – Useful Flowering plants. Do some internet research and provide an essay that illustrates four examples of flowering plants (Angiosperms) that produce a medically useful, industrial, or otherwise beneficial product or derivative to humankind. These should not be examples we discuss in class 

Tropic D – Pollination biology. Do some internet research and provide an essay that illustrates three unique pollination mechanisms between an angiosperm and an animal pollinator. Be sure your essay describes how the flower and animals’ structures or behavior have co-evolved

Topic E – Parasites. Provide an essay that illustrates an important human nematode parasite (not discussed in class). Be sure your essay highlights the life cycle of the parasite and its host(s) species as well as how it impacts humans.

Topic F – highly evolved animals. Provide an essay that supports your opinion on the most highly evolved animal. Your essay must list the animal and provide evidence to support your claim as to why it is the highest form of life on Earth.