unit1 learning links

CHAPTER 1: The Study of Life

1.1 SIMILARITIES AMONG LIVING THINGS

The Tree of Life: How would you catalogue all life on Earth? Two scientists from the University of Arizona started this Internet project with the amazing goal of providing information about every single species on Earth. The site is a great source of information on specific plants, animals, and other organisms that dwell on the Tree's many branches. It is also an excellent resource for exploring the diversity of life.
The Slow Death of Spontaneous Generation (1668-1859): For thousands of years, people believed that many organisms simply appeared. This article from Access Excellence describes experiments that led to the downfall of the belief in spontaneous generation.
On Spontaneous Generation: Go to this site to read the actual speech given in 1864 by Louis Pasteur to the "Sorbonne Scientific Soiree." (That's French for " party.")
Primordial Soup to the Prebiotic Beach: Are you interested in exobiology--the study of life beyond Earth? Take a look at this interview with Dr. Stanley Miller, Mr. Exo himself.
Cell Basics: This page describes the properties of life, cell theory, levels of organization, and the composition of cells. It is one of the introductory pages of the Massachussetts Institute of Technology Hypertextbook, an online reference for biology.

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1.2 ADAPTATION AND INTERDEPENDENCE

All About Tigers: This Tiger Information Center site is rich in information about existing and extinct tigers. Learn about tiger evolution, variations, distribution, population, and behavior. There is also information on tiger conservation.
The Yucca Plant and the Yucca Moth: This article on mutualism and coevolution is from the Kansas School Naturalist, a publication of Emporia State University and Central States Entomological Society. It describes the unique interdependence of this plant and animal.
Ocean Planet: This online exhibit explores the relationship of humans to the ocean, the largest biome on Earth. From this Smithsonian Institution site, learn more about the residents of the oceans, our reliance on ocean resources, and the threats to the ocean environment.
Access Excellence: This site is rich in articles and fun activities for biology, particularly in the area of biotechnology. It features news, interviews with famous and influential scientists, a history of biotechnology, and a career center.
Tree World: This richly-illustrated site is a great introduction to the seasonal cycle of trees, trees as a human resource, and what we are doing to protect and preserve the forests. Stretch the window as wide as possible for better viewing or view the site designed for smaller monitors. Tree World was created by Canadian paper manufacturer Domtar.

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1.3 DOING THE SCIENCE OF BIOLOGY

Cargo Cult Science: Nobel Prize-winning physicist and lecturer-extraordinaire Richard Feynman gives a humorous talk about pseudo-science and the application of the scientific method.
On Being A Scientist: Responsible Conduct in Research: This is a detailed discussion, full of historical anecdotes and hypothetical examples, on what it means to be a scientist. Learn about the influence of culture and society on scientific practice and the ethical dilemmas faced by scientists. This guidebook for proper conduct was published by the National Academy of Sciences.
Science, Non-science and Pseudoscience: A chemistry instructor at Simon Fraser University designed this interactive software to teach his class the difference between good and bad science. Test yourself to see how much you know about science and the scientific method. You can download a free version for either Mac, DOS, or Windows.
Discovery, Chance, and the Scientific Method: Find out how much of penicillin's discovery was due to chance in this article from Access Excellence.
Science's Next Wave: This online feature of Science Magazine is devoted to careers in science.

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