Unit 9 Reflection

This unit focused on the big picture behind how scientists organize life. Carolus Linneaus' taxonomy system groups organisms into a species, then genus, then family, then order, then class, then phylum, and finally kingdom. This manner of organization shows relationships between species. He also created a naming system called binomial nomenclature. Each organism is given two names, the first word is its genus, and the second word is its unique species. We began with the three domains: Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya. Then, we dove in deeper into the kingdoms within these domains, and the phyla inside the kingdoms. Every time we studied a new phyla, the question was asked, "how do defining characteristics of this phyla show the increased complexity that evolved in this kingdom?". Concentrating on major characteristics, we were able to pinpoint alterations in the way the organisms survive, that prove evolution among that kingdom. We watched a video this unit based on the novel, Your Inner Fish, that explored the fact that all life evolved from one ancestor, meaning that humans evolved from fish. Similar characteristics, especially in the embryos and fetuses, of these two organisms linked them to validate that fact that they descended from a common species.

I am still curious about the water vascular system of echinodermata. Its amazing to me that an organism can survive so efficiently with radial symmetry and only one opening for a mouth and anus. The process of the water vascular system centered around a radial disk is one that I would like to learn about more in depth sometime.

<http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Echinodermata.aspx>

I feel like my What on Earth Evolved? presentation was an overall success, although there are many aspects I could improve for a stronger presentation next time. Inspired by the white-board time-lapse video my group did for our Conservation Biologist Project in unit seven, I decided to make a similar video to present behind me while talking through my presentation. I did my project on the Influenza virus that drastically changed the course of human history, through its retro-virus instability affecting humans and animals alike. Being that the whiteboard video I created was going at a constant speed, it required me to have to talk at the same speed to keep the presentation moving at a good pace. This goal failed when I didn't spend as much time rehearsing as I needed to, causing the timing to be slightly off at some parts of the presentation. Overall, I felt like my choice of visual-aid was unique and was entertaining for my piers to watch. For the TED talk coming up, I will make sure that I rehearse enough because even with a visual aid that does not rely on timing, it is much better to be prepared and comfortable with the timing of the talk.

<https://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/cells/viruses/influenzavirus.html>

Here is the link to the white-board time-lapse of my presentation on the Influenza virus:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8KsxpARJJU