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3.1: Unit 3 Introduction

  • Page ID
    86069
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    Unit 3 Introduction:

    This unit introduces learners to systematics and classification as well as the history and diversity of life on Earth. The core concepts of phylogeny, the history of life, and the defining features of the domains and kingdoms of organisms are discussed through examples. The diversity and importance of life are reinforced through media and special call-out features on sweetgrass and salmon to make connections between Western Science and Indigenous ways of knowing.   

    Unit 3 Course Learning Objectives:

    By the end of this Unit, you will be able to:

    • Explain our changing view of the evolutionary history of biological diversity;
    • Classify living organisms; 
    • Understand and articulate the principles and processes of scientific inquiry; and
    • Think critically about the principles of biology studied and communicate your thinking clearly and concisely in speaking and in writing.

    Unit 3 Learning Activities

    Learning Activity Key

    MR

    Mandatory Resource (e.g., Chapter Reading, Videos, Animations, Thought Questions)

    MA

    Mandatory Activity

    OR

    Optional Resource

    OA

    Optional Activity

     

    Unit 3 Table of Contents

    3.1    Introduction

    3.2    Systematics, Cladistics, and Phylogeny

    3.2.1    Systematics and Classification

    3.2.2    Phylogeny and Cladistics

    3.3    History of Life on Earth

    3.3.1    Deep Time

    3.3.2    Origins of Life

    3.3.3    Evidence for Early Life

    3.3.4    Climate and the Effects of Global Climate Change

    3.3.5    Eukaryotic Origins

    3.4    Biological Diversity

    3.4.1    Viruses, Prions, and Viroids

    3.4.2    Prokaryotes: Eubacteria and Archaebacteria

    3.4.3    Protists

    3.4.5    Fungi

    3.4.6    Kingdom Animalia - Evolution and Phylogeny

    3.4.7    Kingdom Animalia - Adaptations

    3.4.8    Kingdom Plantae - Evolution and Phylogeny

    3.4.9    Kingdom Plantae - Adaptations

    3.G   Glossary

    3.S   Summary

    Unit 3 Assessments (all in Moodle):

     

    Assessment Frequency Weight to Course Grade

    Check-In Questions (CQs)

    Five questions will be assigned in Moodle at the end of each of chapters 3.2, 3.3, and 3.4 

    All CQs from all Units are worth 5% of your overall course grade

    Unit 3 Assessment

    Case Study and Learning Reflection on Select Mandatory Activity in Moodle

    10%

     
    Please click on the blue arrow on the right to start Unit 3: Chapter 3.2. If you are on a mobile device, use the navigation links at the bottom of this page. 
     

    Cover Photo: "Introduction" (CC BY-NC 2.0; Larah McElroy)


    This page titled 3.1: Unit 3 Introduction is shared under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Tara Jo Holmberg.

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