Links to Subtopics

Jay Crewe's Page

Rebuilding Evolutionary History with the Alu Element

Mihori Ikeda's Page

Ogasawara Islands - Galapagos in Asia-

Belinda Maier's Page

Endangered Species of Nova Scotia

Eleanor Melrose's Page

Myxobolus cerebralis: The causative agent of whirling disease in salmonid fish

Alexis Paluch's Page

Primate Diversity

evˇoˇluˇtion
Pronunciation (ev-o-lushn) n.
a. Change in the genetic composition of a population during successive generations, as a result of natural selection acting on the genetic variation among individuals, and resulting in the development of new species.
b. The historical development of a related group of organisms; phylogeny.

eˇcolˇoˇgy
Pronunciation (e-kol-a-g) n. pl. eˇcolˇoˇgies
a. The science of the relationships between organisms and their environments. Also called bionomics.
b. The relationship between organisms and their environment.

These pages, written by the very capable and intelligent students found in BIOL2500, are devoted to these two words. The pages in themselves show the broad and profoundly interesting subjects covered by those two words. Enjoy!

Molecular Evolution & The Alu gene

In the past evolutionary study consisted mainly of gathering fossils and comparing them to existing organisms and then looking at their synamorphies to categorize them into taxa. The process is subjective with scientists saying that one organism looks more like hippo than a rhino while other scientists said the opposite. Finding evidence for the relationships was also difficult, often relying on complete fossil records showing each step of evolution as it occurred. Today, however, with the great advancements in genetics and molecular biology, a new way of classifying organisms has developed using biochemical laboratory genetic sequencing and computer analysis. Click here to view Jay's site Image Source: GC 1131 Home Page at the University of Minnesota. Used with permission.

The Ogasawara Islands - the Galapagos in Asia

The beautiful Ogasawara islands with unique ecosystem are called "the Galapagos in Asia". The varied topography of islands provides for a wide range of habitats, and there is a high degree of endemism. However, most of the native forest had been cleared. Although the Japanese have protected large areas as national park, the remainder of natural vegetation continues to be threatened. Click here to view Mihori's site Image Source: STUDIO MONONOFU

Endangered Species of Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia has many unique habitats and species. Due to human interference many wonderful species have become threatened. In order to protect these species and prevent further declines in population numbers, species that are at risk of extinction or extirpation must be evaluated. In order to implement conservation measures a full knowledge of the threats that face Nova Scotia's species must be investigated. This page lists the fauna in Nova Scotia that are labeled as endangered. It must be noted that many other species in Nova Scotia are at risk, but are labeled as either threatened or rare. Click here to view Belinda's site Image Source: North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium. Used with permission.

Myxobolus cerebralis

Myxobolus cerebralis is a microscopic parasite which causes whirling disease in salmonid fish. This disease is responsible for high mortality rates in hatchery reared fish, and has recently been detected in wild populations. This site offers an overview of the topic, with a particular emphasis on current and recent research. Click here to view Eleanor's site Image Source: Cal Fraser. Used with permission.

Primate Diversity

This site focuses on the wide diversity within the order Primates. Information is provided on the features that separate primates from other mammals including their senses, intelligence, behaviour, reproduction, and manner of locomotion. The remainder of the site focuses on the distinguishing characteristics of the large primate groups, including Prosimians, New World Monkeys, Old World Monkeys, Lesser Apes, Great Apes, and finally, humans. Click here to view Alexis' site Image Source: John White, University of California, Berkeley