By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:
Describe the distinguishing characteristics of echinoderms
Describe the distinguishing characteristics of chordates
By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:
Compare the internal systems and appendage specializations of phylum Arthropoda
Discuss the environmental importance of arthropods
Discuss the reasons for arthropod success and abundance
By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:
Describe the structural organization of nematodes
Describe the importance of Caenorhabditis elegans in research
Describe the features of Tardigrades
By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:
Describe the unique anatomical and morphological features of flatworms, rotifers, and Nemertea
Identify an important extracoelomic cavity found in Nemertea
Explain the key features of Platyhelminthes and their importance as parasites
By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:
Describe the unique anatomical and morphological features of molluscs and annelids
Describe the formation of the coelom
Identify an important extracoelomic cavity in molluscs
Describe the major body regions of Mollusca and how they vary in different molluscan classes
Discuss the advantages of true body segmentation
Describe the features of animals classified in phylum Annelida
By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:
Identify bacterial diseases that caused historically important plagues and epidemics
Describe the link between biofilms and foodborne diseases
Explain how overuse of antibiotics may be creating “super bugs”
Explain the importance of MRSA with respect to the problems of antibiotic resistance
By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:
Explain the need for nitrogen fixation and how it is accomplished
Describe the beneficial effects of bacteria that colonize our skin and digestive tracts
Identify prokaryotes used during the processing of food
Describe the use of prokaryotes in bioremediation
By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:
Describe the evolutionary history of prokaryotes
Discuss the distinguishing features of extremophiles
Explain why it is difficult to culture prokaryotes
By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:
Identify the macronutrients needed by prokaryotes, and explain their importance
Describe the ways in which prokaryotes get energy and carbon for life processes
Describe the roles of prokaryotes in the carbon and nitrogen cycles
By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:
Describe the basic structure of a typical prokaryote
Describe important differences in structure between Archaea and Bacteria
By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:
Describe the cell structure characteristics of protists
Describe the metabolic diversity of protists
Describe the life cycle diversity of protists
By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:
Describe the role that protists play in the ecosystem
Describe important pathogenic species of protists
By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:
List the unifying characteristics of eukaryotes
Describe what scientists know about the origins of eukaryotes based on the last common ancestor
Explain the endosymbiotic theory
By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:
Describe representative protist organisms from each of the six presently recognized supergroups of eukaryotes
Identify the evolutionary relationships of plants, animals, and fungi within the six presently recognized supergroups of eukaryotes
Identify defining features of protists in each of the six supergroups of eukaryotes.
By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:
Explain why angiosperms are the dominant form of plant life in most terrestrial ecosystems
Describe the main parts of a flower and their functions
Detail the life cycle of a typical gymnosperm and angiosperm
Discuss the similarities and differences between the two main groups of flowering plants
By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:
Describe the two major innovations that allowed seed plants to reproduce in the absence of water
Explain when seed plants first appeared and when gymnosperms became the dominant plant group
Discuss the purpose of pollen grains and seeds
Describe the significance of angiosperms bearing both flowers and fruit
By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:
Discuss the type of seeds produced by gymnosperms, as well as other characteristics of gymnosperms
Identify the geological era dominated by the gymnosperms and describe the conditions to which they were adapted
List the four groups of modern-day gymnosperms and provide examples of each
Describe the life cycle of a typical gymnosperm
