Thinking About Biology

For one-semester, non-majors introductory biology laboratory courses with a human focus. This manual offers a unique, extensively class-tested approach to introductory biology laboratory. A full range of activities show how basic biological concepts can be applied to the world around us. This helps you to: * gain practical experience that will help you understand lecture concepts* acquire the basic knowledge needed to make informed decisions about biological questions that arise in everyday life* develop the problem-solving skills that will lead to success in school and in a competitive job market, and * learn to work effectively and productively as a member of a team. The Fourth Edition features many new and revised activities based on feedback from hundreds of students and faculty reviewers, including a new evolution exercise.Preface Exercise 1. Introduction to the Scientific Method Exercise 2. Windows to a Microscopic World Exercise 3. Functions and Properties of Cells Exercise 4. Movement of Molecules Across Cell Membranes Exercise 5. Investigating Cellular Respiration Exercise 6. Photosynthesis Exercise 7. Organic Molecules and Nutrition Exercise 8. Factors that Affect Enzyme Activity Exercise 9. Introduction to Molecular Genetics Exercise 10. Mitosis and Asexual Reproduction Exercise 11. Connecting Meiosis and Genetics Exercise 12. Human Genetics Exercise 13. Evolution Exercise 14. Functions of Tissues and Organs Exercise 15. The Cardiovascular System Exercise 16. Introduction to Anatomy: Dissecting the Fetal Pig Exercise 17. Organs of the Abdominal Cavity Exercise 18. Introduction to Forensic Biology Exercise 19. Biotechnology: DNA Analysis Exercise 20. Using Biotechnology to Assess Ecosystem Damage Exercise 21. Ecosystems Exercise 22. Population Ecology Appendix I. Game Cards for Ex. 21 Appendix II. Self-Test Answers