Biology 7 - General Biology II
Organismal, Evolutionary and Ecological Biology
Los Angeles Mission College - Fall of 2007
Instructor: J. Michael Reynolds
Lecture: MW 5:30-6:55 PM; Lab 7:00-10:10 PM
Office Hours: MW 3:00 - 5:25 PM and TuTh 12:10 - 12:40 PM
Office Phone (818) 364-7695 and e-mail: mikereynolds@att.net
Life Science Web Site - http://www.lamission.edu/lifesciences
Prerequisites: Math 125
Advisory: English 28 – College-level reading, writing and study skills
Last day to apply for refund - September 17
Last day to drop without a W – September 30
Last day to drop with W - November 21
Articulation:
Biology 6 & 7 together are equivalent to Biology 107 & 106 at CSUN; Biology 101, 102, & 103 at
CSULA; and Life Sciences 1 & 2 at UCLA. Biology 6 & 7 & 40 together are articulated with Life
Science 1 & 2 & 3 at UCLA. Speak with the instructor for additional guidance.
Biology 7 is intended for students intending to major in an area of the life sciences at the college/university level. Upon
completion of this course, the student will be able to describe the morphological and physiological characteristics that are
used to determine the phylogenetic relationships of organisms of the five kingdoms of life. The student will be able to
describe the anatomy and physiology of the major organ systems of vertebrates. In addition, the student will learn to
apply the principles of ecology and evolution to understand the behavior and adaptability of plant and animal ecosystems.
The student will apply the concepts learned in lectures through hands-on application in related laboratory exercises. The
laboratory experience will allow the student to develop practical knowledge of many fundamental biological principles by
employing an experimental approach to scientific inquiry. Students will be required to explore their own questions in
many of the labs, and will be required to perform a final project at the end of the term. Critical analysis and small group
collaboration are encouraged throughout the course.
Course Goals
Throughout the semester the student:
1.
Applies and interprets the terminology of biology in both written and oral expression.
2.
Demonstrates the ability to read with comprehension current, historical, and popular literature in biology.
3.
Develops the ability to use classical and contemporary laboratory methods for studying basic life processes.
4.
Applies the general concepts from the textbook and other references to the specific principles that are demonstrated
in the laboratories, and shows this in written and oral reports.
5.
Develops a practical understanding of the use of the scientific method through experimental design.
6.
Expresses an awareness of the complexity and interrelatedness of organisms and their environment.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the successful student should be able to:
1.
Describe the classical Kingdom and contemporary domain systems of classification
2.
Describe the conditions of the pre-biotic Earth and how early organisms led to a transformation
3.
Identify major structural/functional differences between procaryotes and eucaryotes
4.
Perform a Gram-stain and identify simple bacteria
5.
Explain the endosymbiotic theory for the origin of eucaryotes
6.
Describe major phyla of the Kingdom Protista
7.
Identify different modes of reproduction of Protists, alternating generation
8.
Describe the major events in the evolution of plants and how the system of classification takes these events into
account
9.
Explain the major phyla of Kingdom Fungi and their roles in the various ecosystems
10. Describe the major events in the evolution of animals and how the system of classification takes these events
into account
11. List major phyla of invertebrates
12. List major phyla of vertebrates
13. Explain our current understanding of human origins
14. Describe major evolutionary and structural differences between angiosperms and gymnosperms
15. Describe the mechanisms of fluid and bulk transport in plants
16. Describe and major organs of the GI tract and their roles in digestion
17. Explain how gas exchange occurs across the gill of a fish
18. Draw a picture of a nephron and how each part is involved in formation of urine
19. Explain the roles of the hypothalamus and pituitary in the regulation of the endocrine system
20. Describe the coordination of the major events of the uterine and ovarian cycles
21. Explain the major mechanisms involved in cell differentiation during embryogenesis
22. Describe the resting membrane potential of a neuron and synaptic transmission
23. Identify major abiotic and biotic components of an ecosystem
24. Provide examples genetically programmed and environmentally influenced behavior in animals that can be
explained by increased Darwinian fitness
Required Books
Lecture:
Biology, Campbell and Reece, 7th (2005) (this same text used in Bio 6 also)
Laboratory:
Investigating Biology, Morgan and Carter, 5th (2005) (used in Biology 6 also)
Fish Farm, A Simulation of Commercial Aquaculture, Robert J. Kosinki, 1993
Lab Pack - additional lab exercises available in bundle at the bookstore
Fantastic Outside Reading (optional - my suggested reading list of biology majors that like great books)
“Beak of the Finch,” Jonathan Weiner, 1994 (Pulitzer Prize Winner)
"Guns, Germs, and Steel," Jared Diamond, 2000 (Pulitzer Prize Winner)
"On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection," Charles Darwin, 1859
Evaluation and Grading
A summary of the assignments, quizzes, and examinations is provided on the following page.
(1) Laboratories (approximately 150 points;  19%) - Students will be required answer all questions in each of the
assigned laboratories and return the completed assignment at the beginning of the next laboratory meeting. Standard
laboratories will be worth 10 points each. Students must turn in the laboratories complete and on time - incomplete
and late laboratories will be marked down.
(2) Quizzes (120 points; 15%) - The vital importance of staying up-to-date on reading assignments will be reinforced by
the administration of eight short, 15 point quizzes. There will be a total of 8 quizzes during the term. Quizzes
cannot be made up. At the end of the term, the low quiz score will be dropped and the student will be awarded
“bonus points” equivalent to the average score of all quizzes taken.
(3) Examinations (4 X 100 = 400; 50%) - There will be four examinations covering material from the reading
assignments, lectures, and laboratories. The dates of each of the exams are provided in the course schedule. No
make-up examinations will be given. A student who has an excused absence from one-exam only will have the
equivalent percentage earned on the next examination counted for that missed score. The Final Examination (#4) will
be on Wednesday, December 19, at 5:30 PM. Make all holiday plans accordingly!!!!
(4) Case Study Analysis (15 points; 3%) - Students will be required to read and respond to a controversial issue raised
by advances in modern biological sciences. After reading the case, the student will write a two-page minimum,
double-spaced, and typed essay in which he/she will argue the reasons for their point of view. Emphasis will not be
placed on the position taken, but rather on the clarity and thoroughness of the arguments. There is no correct answer
- written communication of ideas is the key.
(5) Field Trips (2 X 15 = 30; 6%) - There will be two mandatory Saturday field trips: on Saturday, October 13, from
9:45 AM – 1:00 PM at the Los Angeles Zoo (Admission fee $3); and on Saturday, December 8, from 1:00 - 3:30
PM at the Cabrillo Beach Museum and Tide Pools (Voluntary fee + $8 Parking) (Low Tide -0.5 feet at 2:54 PM).
Carpooling from the campus is strongly encouraged for both field trips.
(6) Final Research Project (25 points; 5%) - Working in pairs or groups not to exceed four partners, students research
and prepare an oral presentation using PowerPoint on an ecosystem of interest. Each individual will submit their own
written final project report and the group will together give an oral presentation summarizing their findings on
Monday, December 19.
Grading Scale
Percentage of Total Points
100 - 90
89 - 80
79 - 70
69 - 60
59 - lower
Letter Grade
A
B
C
D
F
Internet Access to WWW Sites to Complement the Course
The lecture notes for Biology 7 can be accessed from the Life Sciences department home page located on the internet at:
http://www.lamission.edu/lifesciences/
The instructor would like to receive suggestions from students on web sites they may find that are particularly instructive or
interesting, so that they may be placed on the Biology 7 web page for other students to access.
General Comments

Biology 7 is an intensive science course intended for students wishing to pursue science degrees. It is incumbent upon every
student to stay up with the readings, turn in assignments on time, and be actively involved in the labs.

Do not fall behind!!! This is a fast-paced course that covers a lot of material in a short amount of time. Students should read
the text material prior to the lecture and read the lab exercise prior to the lab.

Work together!!! Each student is individually responsible for their own study habits and mastery of the material. However,
science is most often a collaborative effort which involves many individuals working together to achieve a common goal.
This is especially true in the laboratory. Some students may find the formation of small study groups beneficial, but one
must have something to contribute as an individual for any group effort to be successful.

Ask questions!!! Science is a deliberative field based on question and fact finding. If you have a question, ask! Chances are
there is someone beside you wanting to know the same thing, but is afraid to raise a hand. Speak up!

Safety, cleanliness, and organization in the laboratory is mandatory. Use proper technique in the handling of all equipment
and supplies. Return microscopes and equipment to their proper location in the correct condition at the end of the lab
period. Leave the laboratory in a neater condition than you found it!
•
Format for Final Project Laboratory Reports
All laboratory reports must be typed, using proper grammar and spelling, and include the following sections:
Introduction - This section should include the background information needed to inform the reader of the purpose of the
experiment that was performed. What is the question that is being asked? What was the hypothesis of the experiment?
Materials and Methods - In as much detail that would allow another individual to repeat your experiment, describe exactly
what procedures were followed and the nature of the materials that were used.
Results - The results of the experiment should be described in narrative form, and in most cases can be summarized by
tables, graphs, or other illustrations. Be sure to include appropriate labels and units.
Discussion - Explain the significance of the results as they relate to the original question/hypothesis addressed in the
introduction. In this section, you may wish to describe any problems with the materials/methods, and how the experiment
might be improved in the future.
•
Format for Case Study Analysis
The case study analysis must be at least two pages, double-spaced, and typed, using proper grammar and spelling, and
include:
Analysis - A simple, clear, and concise argumentative essay explaining why you arrived at your decision.
Lecture/Laboratory Schedule
Biology 7 - Fall 2007
Los Angeles Mission College
Instructor: J. Michael Reynolds
Date
Lecture (Text Chapter)
Laboratory/Assignment
Week 1
We 9/5
Introduction to the Course
The Tree of Life: Intro to Diversity (26)
· M/C - #13 - Bacteriology (13.1A,B,C - Characteristics)
Mo 9/10
The Prokaryotes (Bacteria) (27)
· M/C - #13 - Bacteriology (13.3A,B; 13.4A,B)
We 9/12
The Protists (28)
QUIZ #1
· M/C #14 - The Protists (14.1A,B,C,D)
Mo 9/17
The Fungi (31)
· M/C #14 - The Kingdom Fungi (14.2A,B,C,D,E)
We 9/19
Plants I: Colonization of Land (29)
QUIZ #2
· M/C #15 - Bryophytes and Seedless Vascular Plants
Mo 9/24
Plants II: Evolution of Seed Plants (30)
· M/C #16 - Seed Plants
We 9/26
EXAMINATION #1 - Chaps 26-31 & Labs
Introduction to Animal Evolution (32)
Mo 10/1
Animals and Invertebrates I (32,33)
· M/C #17 - Animal Diversity I (17.1,2,3,4)
We 10/3
Invertebrates II and Vertebrates I (33,34)
· M/C #17,18 - Animal Diversity (17.5 and 18.1,2)
Mo 10/8
Vertebrates II (34)
QUIZ #3
· M/C #18 (cont’d) - Animal Diversity (18.3)
We 10/10
Animal Structure and Function (40)
· M/C #21 - Vertebrate I - Skin and Digestive
Sa 10/13
Field Trip to Los Angeles Zoo
(Examination of Kingdom Animalia 9:45 AM – 1:00 PM)
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Mo 10/15
Animal Nutrition (41)
QUIZ #4
· Lab Pack - Digestion (Dickey #14)
We 10/17
Circulation and Gas Exchange (42)
· M/C #22 - Vertebrate II - Circulatory & Respiratory
Week 8
Mo 10/22
EXAMINATION #2 - Chaps 32-34, 40-42 & Labs
We 10/24
Regulating the Internal Environment (44)
· Lab Pack - Circulation (Dickey #15)
Week 9
Mo 10/29
Chemical Signals in Animals (45)
· Lab Pack - Sensory Systems (Dickey #16)
We 10/31
Animal Reproduction (46)
QUIZ #5
· M/C #23 - Vertebrate III – Excretory, Repro (23.1,2)
Mo 11/5
Animal Development (47)
· M/C #24 - Animal Development
We 11/7
Nervous Systems (48)
· M/C #23 - Vertebrate III - Nervous (23.3)
Week 10
Week 11
Mo 11/12
Veterans Day - NO CLASSES
We 11/14
Plant Structure and Growth (35)
QUIZ #6
· M/C #19 - Plant Anatomy (19.1,2,3,5)
DUE: Case Study Analysis
Mo 11/19
Transport in Plants (36)
· M/C #20 - Plant Growth
We 11/21
EXAMINATION #3 - Chaps 44-48, 35-36 & Labs
Week 12
Week 13
Mo 11/26
Introduction to Ecology (50)
(Read pp. 1-31 in Fish Farm!!!!!)
We 11/28
Population Ecology I (52)
· Fish Farm - Lab #1 (Chs 1 & 2, pp. 1-31)
In lab: Complete WS 1, and data sheets (23, 27, 30)
At home: (Read Chs 3 & 4 and complete WS 2 & 3)
Mo 12/3
Population Ecology II (52)
QUIZ #7
· Fish Farm - Lab #2 (Ch 4, pp. 66-76)
We 12/5
Behavioral Biology (51)
Design Small Group Final Projects
Due: All Fish Farm Worksheets and Data Sheets
Sa 12/8
Field Trip to Cabrillo Beach Museum and Tide Pools
[Museum exhibits from 1:00 - 2:30 PM; Tide Pools 2:45-3:30 PM (Low Tide -0.5 feet at 12:54 PM)]
Week 14
Week 15
Mo 12/11
Community Ecology (53)
Work on Final Projects
We 12/13
Ecosystems (54)
QUIZ #8
Work on Final Projects
Mo 12/18
Conservation and Restoration (55)
Oral Presentations of Projects
We 12/19
FINAL EXAMINATION - Chaps 50-55 & Labs
Week 16