Biodiversity

It is believed by many that different life forms descended from the same origin event and have many things in common. Life forms are composed of many cells or one cell, they carry out metabolism and transfer energy with the universal energy currency (ATP) in all biological forms, and they encode genetic information in both DNA and RNA. From basic observations of the Biosphere, living things are highly diverse, ranging from bacteria and paramecium to blue whales and sequoia trees. Coral reefs, such as those found in the Turks and Caicos Islands are microcosms of diversity, comprising many life forms and sheltering an enormous array of life. For centuries, biologists have tried to group organisms based on shared characteristics. The most meaningful groupings are based on the study of phylogenetics an evolutionary relationships among organisms, which may explain life’s variety.

The course is will be delivered in an evolutionary context, the multiplicity of living things and their particular adaptations to survive in a specific environment. Topics covered will include a variety of organisms from all Kingdoms with a particular reference to their anatomy, patterns of development, mode of nutrition, level of organization, and other noteworthy characteristics. The major learning activities would be video documentation of life began vs other theories of life began. Group setting discussion on anatomy of similar organisms across kingdoms.