Main Concepts in Biology 11

                  The main concepts of Biology 11 are evolution, importance of taxonomy, and the environment's effect on a species characteristics. We can see the theory of evolution throughout the course, in animals, plants, fungi, and microrganisms. We could see the obvious evolution of species as we learn about the changes of the animals' body cavity, body plan, body symmetry, organ systems and other characteristics from aquatic animals to land animals. The importance of taxonomy was shown as we study about the similar characteristics of animals in each kingdom. Each kingdom and phylum has their own sets of characteristics which help identify and classify the different species of animals. The environment's effect on the species' characteristics is an important concept in Biology 11 as we learn about the different characteristics of animals and how they only have traits that are beneficial to their survival in their environment. In the beginning of biology, when we learned about evolution, we find out that species that have random mutations that benefits them in their environment are the ones that survive. This becomes more apparent as we continue to study about animals, plants, and microbiology.

                 What I would change in what  did would be spending more time studying on the concepts learned in class. I only studied at the last minute for tests and it was brutal. Biology 11 would have been easier if I didn't wait last minute to study.

                 The most interesting part of Biology 11 would be the dissection we did in class. I didn't get to dissect anything in my former science classes, and it was really fun to experience it. To see the different parts of an animal up close and not in the book, is really interesting.

African penguin

                  The African penguin belongs to the phylum chordata and the class aves. They are different from other birds because they adapted to life in the water. Their wings are used like fins to swim in the water. They lay eggs and has a beak like other birds. Although they have feathers, they are used differently than others of the same class. They are waterproof and keeps them dry and warm.

Praying Mantis

         

                 

                   The praying mantis a carnivorous arthropod named after its front legs that are bent similar to that of someone in a "praying" posture as they wait for their prey. They are deadly predators, they prey on insects and other various small animals, even small birds, as they camouflage into the surrounding plants and use their bent front legs to grab their prey at a very quick speed. Moreover, female mantids are most famous for eating their mate after or during mating. They have various traits of an arthropod; they have two compound eyes and three simple eyes in between, they shed many layers of exoskeleton during their life cycle, and they also have jointed appendages. 

Annelid picture

                    Annelids are segmented worms that have more complex body systems and organ than other worms. They are interesting because they are the more evolved worms among the worm phyla and have multiple roles environment. Earthworms, in particular, help to moisturise the soil by making little holes which helps water and air to flow to the plants' roots. They eat decaying organic matter and excrete wastes - rich in nitrogen which are good for fertilizing the soil. They are preys of numerous animals hence they give them nourishment and are important in the food chain. Essentially they are organisms that are beneficial to our environment and agriculture.