Abstract This paper is on the job description of an aquatic biologist. It includes the main prospective of the job, how biologists deal with it and what is it all about, the different categories of jobs within the same field, what attracts people to the field of biology, and the requirements to be fulfilled for this job.
Abstract This paper explains that the fundamental premise of Myriam Miedzian's "Boys will be Boys" is that violence in society can be drastically reduced, both in terms of war and crime, if society is willing to tear down the traditional archetypes of masculinity. The author points out that one of the most common lines of attack that Miedzian takes into consideration is the notion that somehow the male is biologically inclined to be violent, which stems from the argument put forth by a number of socio-biologists. The paper concludes that proposals for changing this archetype are likely to be insufficient in ultimately shifting the perspective held by society because market forces are likely to continue advertising and supporting the male as a figure of action for the simple reason that it is profitable.
From the Paper "The second powerful argument that Miedzian is forced to grapple with deals with the theories of political realism. Specifically, the idea that violent and aggressive males are advantageous to society because of foreign struggles and wars. Still, she classifies this premise as false and writes, "The 'real men' who run our country are handicapped by the values of the masculine mystique to make rational foreign policy decisions. . . . The masculine mystique teaches men to be tough, to repress empathy, and not to let moral concerns weigh to heavily when the goal is winning." Overall, she believes that these traits are harmful on a large scale and inevitable lead to unnecessary conflict."
Abstract This paper reviews, compares and contrasts three recent articles about environmentalism: (1) "Thinking Like a Mountain", in which biologist Aldo Leopold argues for environmental management; (2) "Places", in which David Ehrenfeld takes on commercial hunting; and (3) "Pollution Starts at Home", in which Stuart Leavenworth offers a scathing revelation of environmental recklessness for commercial purposes. The paper first provides a detailed accounting of the articles' premises and findings and then looks for similarities between them. The paper concludes that regardless of the reason society is using substances that change the environment, the impact will be deleterious for everyone.
From the Paper "In "Thinking Like a Mountain" biologist Aldo Leopold makes a case for environmental management. In a narrative showing his progression from overzealous protector of deer to an advocate of preserving all species, he emphasizes the total environment and the effect that animal life has on the geographical characteristics of a particular place. When he inadvertently witnesses the death of a wolf, he is moved by the effect the animal's death has on the other animals in its environment. While the wolf poses a danger to the animal forms upon which it preys, it acts as a natural protection against overpopulating the area with one specific life form. On a more direct level, the death of the wolf probably will lead to the eventual deaths of the young wolves in its litter, since the mother is no longer there to protect the young. Leopold describes the interaction of the species on a particular mountain, which he uses as a metaphor for the Earth, and comes to the conclusion that the natural conflicts in the animal kingdom should be allowed to proceed. Wildlife management should be focused on environmental balance, survival of the fittest and preservation of the food chain. It is his contention that reckless or emotional wildlife control ultimately affects the total environment to such an extent that it can literally cause drastic changes in the landscape over time. He offers as proof the changes in the face of the mountain that occur as a result of the extermination of wolves and the resulting overpopulation of deer."
Abstract The paper explains that procedures such as in-vitro translation are based upon the recognition that cells are protein-production facilities. Consequently, when medical researchers consider it necessary to make a particular protein, they can rely upon cells to produce that protein for them. The paper discusses the strengths and weaknesses of this method. The paper then discusses how molecular biologists consider in vitro synthesis of proteins in cell-free extracts to be an important method, for it offers a variety of applications.
From the Paper "Procedures such as in-vitro translation are based upon the recognition that cells are protein-production facilities. Consequently, when medical researchers consider it necessary to make a particular protein, they can rely upon cells to produce that protein for them. Unfortunately, a number of problems have been experienced because living cells are not very good sources of exogenous proteins, for some proteins are degraded and some are toxic, while other proteins are clumped into inclusion bodies comprised of insoluble aggregates."
Abstract Biologist E. Mayr put forth a theory that interplay between human genes and their environment contributes to human evolution. He believes this sets narrow limits on allowable evolutionary changes within a species. The paper shows that developmental biologists believe that the genes active early in development are the oldest acquired genes, while those active in the later stages of development are more recently acquired genes. In this respect, changes in the older genes would have more serious deleterious effects in the individual than changes in the newer genes. This paper produces support for this theory on human evolution by providing examples of human and other mammal development.
From the Paper "Engels (2) uses the example of human hands to explain the idea of human evolution. He believes that hands are the "perfected product of hundreds of thousands of years of labor. The endless adaption of new manual operations allowed human hands to become indispensable tools." Engels postulates that as apes evolved into man, they adopted an upright posture and began using their hands for purposes other than walking. Even though monkeys used their hands for holding food, clubs to attack their enemies, etc., none has the capacity for using their hands that man does. Since even primitive man was able to fashion tools and spear heads, and even simple jewelry, the muscles, ligaments, and bones must have evolved over time to allow their use in more complicated tasks."
Tags: recapitulation, Genetic, mutations, Geneticist, DNA
Abstract This paper looks at the big themes in H.G. Wells' "The Island of Doctor Moreau" which diametrically oppose each other: the theories of existence (i.e. evolution and religion), and the cruelty and need for dominion that man exhibits towards animals, and ultimately the question of the meaning of it all that Wells poses to his readers.
From the Paper "Prendick's first encounter with the creatures of the island is when the ship rescues him. His impression of M'ling is that he is a "misshapen man", and although M'ling turns from Prendick with "animal swiftness", he still refers to him as a man. He considers M?ling a person with animal-like qualities, rather than the other way around. The captain of the ship is called a "brute". His drunken, hostile behavior towards all on-board is construed as beastly. Without provocation, he batters M'ling, who accepts the abuse and does not retaliate. His spirit has been broken like a whipped dog. Wells draws an image here of man against beast, with man being the aggressor, and the beast being the submissive party. Man's attempt at controlling nature through violence and carnage is noted immediately. Ironically, the so-called less civilized creatures are more refined. M'ling conducts himself passively, while the captain behaves barbarously. The two species inter-relate, and the reader sees a bit of beast in the man, and some of man in the beast."
Abstract This paper discusses that Aristotle originated the development of logic and logical thinking as related to science and mathematics, independent of the mathematical influence from other Greek philosophers and scientists. The author presents details of Aristotle's life both as a scientist and as a philosopher. He concludes that Aristotle's greatest contribution was his ability to communicate his scientific thoughts that were far beyond his age.
From the Paper "Aristotle based his findings on his knowledge of Greek mathematics at the time, but since he created a new form of mathematical logic, his findings were also completely new and therefore independent of the mathematical influence from other Greek philosophers and scientists. He drew upon his teachings from Plato in his "Prior Analytics," then went on to refine it and add his own explanation for arriving at middle terms in equations and logical thought. "
From the Paper "Alfred Russell Wallace was a leading biologist in the nineteenth century and worked on writings with Charles Darwin. He was indeed one of Darwin's major supporters, in opposition to the alternative point of view embodied in Thomas Huxley and others. Wallace has not remained as well known as these other players in the controversy of the time, though he was extremely important in the development and dissemination of Darwin's theory of natural selection.
Alfred Russell Wallace was born in the village of Usk in Monmouthshire, England in 1823. His father died when Alfred was still young, and not long after that, formal schooling ended for the boy. He then joined his brother, William, in surveying a number of English counties, a task that extended over the next four years, an experience that taught him how to make accurate..."
Abstract Author Jack London was greatly influenced by an array of prominent philosophers and it is especially evident in his novel "Martin Eden". The paper describes how the story tells of a young, uneducated man who vies for the affections of Ruth Morris, a young woman of a higher class. Martin Eden decides to educate himself and become a writer in order to gain her respect, and finally her love. The paper shows that the novel, which is an autobiographical tale of London's own search of knowledge, invokes many philosophies, including those of English philosopher, Herbert Spencer, American naturalist and educator, David Starr Jordan and English biologist; Thomas Henry Huxley. The paper shows how these philosophies are incorporated into the novel.
From the Paper "We understand a "somnambulist" to be someone who walks in his or her sleep. London would be fascinated with Spencer's principals for his entire life, and it believed Spencer was a large influence on London's racialism. Spencer adapted his theory of evolution into a social system where species, individuals and races with the best-acquired traits would survive. A "survival of the fittest" theory known as Socialist Darwinism.
This thinking is evident in Martin Eden, as it is after Eden has gained fame through finally being published does Ruth and her family accepts him."
This paper concludes, after reviewing articles, that biologist Garrett Hardin's concerns about the environmental crisis, commencing in the 1950?s, are plausible.
Abstract This paper explains that Garrett Hardin introduced ethics into the environmental equation in "The Tragedy of the Commons", a collection of essays on population and resources, which generated thought-provoking analyses across a wide range of disciplines, including environmental law and politics. The author stresses that Hardin's theories have been debated, if not acknowledged, for over 22 years.The paper comments that history has shown that, overall, humans are more reactive than proactive; it often takes a major experience in one's life to take action.
From the Paper "Joyner has been involved with CCAMLR as well as the evolution of the Antarctic Treaty of 1959 that meets on matters of environment, meteorology, telecommunications and wide-ranging research, and the Protocol on Environmental Protection adopted in 1991 in Madrid as the legal basis for the protection of Antarctica. The Antarctic marine commons, he says, "is the largest and most conspicuous coherent ecosystem on Earth" (145). Interfering with it, by over-fishing krill, for instance, can endanger the entire system. He stresses how states have put aside their differences so mutual agreements could be reached. He cites how opposing sides in the Cold War cooperated in managing the "frozen commons" that included agreeing to inspection schemes and arms control. ?The cases analyzed make it evident that environmental regimes do make a difference,? he concludes."
Abstract This paper explains that tuna is the most profitable and important fish species; thereby, at least six species of tuna fish are either on the verge of the endangered list or nearing extinction altogether. The author points out that the major causes of this depletion of tuna are modern commercial fishing practices and fish pens. The paper concludes that marine biologists say that the only way to let the tuna species recover is through a moratorium on tuna fishing.
Table of Contents
Overview of the Tuna Population
Causes of Depletion
Solutions
From the Paper "In the oceans around Australia, the Southern bluefin is often caught using the purse-seine method. Instead of hooks, fishers use fine nets to enclose the fish. Currently, there are an estimated 3.5 million such fishing vessels scouring the ocean for edible fish. Many are equipped with sonar equipment and satellite navigation. These nets can snare up to 120,000 pounds of fish during one run. The most modern of these trawlers have their own freezers and facilities. Because the catch can be processed on board, these fishing boats can remain at sea for months at a time."
Abstract This paper studies Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, which contends that throughout history, human society has been like a jungle where only the fittest survived. It looks at the origins, its applications, and weaknesses in the theory. The paper goes on to discuss the impact Social Darwinism had on American society in terms of perceptions held regarding poverty and inequality.
From the Paper "Social Darwinism was used to justify several actions of questionable ethics in the nineteenth and early twentieth century. For example, Colonialism was supported or even considered necessary by the Social Darwinist. It was rationalized that natives of colonized countries were weaker and unfit to survive; therefore the Colonialists were justified in seizing their land and resources. Social Darwinism also provided a justification for the more exploitative forms of capitalism in which workers were grossly underpaid and made to work in the most horrid conditions. "
Abstract This paper discusses how xenotransplantation, the transfer of cells, tissues and organs from other species into humans, is a topic that has started to gain considerable interest among biologists today. It examines how these types of procedures could completely revolutionize modern medicine and how there are many physical and ethical risks associated with both research and implementation of xenotransplantation. Such risks include rejection and the introduction of novel diseases into the human species.
From the Paper "Ultimately, animal experimentation can be warranted by the fact that while no amount of benefit could justify any harm to human research subjects, even extreme harm and pain for animal research subjects could be justified by the potential benefit to human beings (Bishop and Nelson, 2001). As well, it is generally thought that, especially with animals such as pigs, if we are willing to kill them for their meat, then we should be willing to kill them for their organs in order to save human lives. This view is undermined, however by some popular views that animals should not be killed for any human purpose."
This paper discusses the topic of "evolution and creation", linking this to the contemporary discussion between science and religion, based on book "Religion and Science: Historical and Contemporary Issues" by Ian Barbour.
Abstract This paper relates that Barbour's book "Religion and Science: Historical and Contemporary Issues" takes a chronological approach starting with the medieval picture of the Universe as a synthesis between Aristotelian cosmology and Christian theology. The author points out that Barbour argues that nowhere is the divide between religion and science wider than in the debate between biologists and theologians and, in particular, in the debate between evolutionists and creationists, which goes to the very core of the divide between science and religion. The paper relates that evolution is a process of change over time that refers to the formation and development of life on earth. The idea that all living things evolved from simple organisms and changed through the ages to produce millions of species is known as the theory of organic evolution.
From the Paper "In his book, Barbour discusses the knowledge of historical geology prior to Darwin, and how Cuvier had reconstructed fossilized bones from extinct species, using these reconstructions to point out, to his students, that "a variety of creatures had been produced by special acts of divine intervention". Barbour the discusses the work of Hutton, who, through his research on large-scale geological processes, such as volcanoes and sedimentation, had concluded that these processes, acting across geological time, could act to provide different life forms with different habitats, and could also act to destroy life forms at different times to make way for other, new, life forms. Thus, Barbour argues, using Hutton's work as a prime example, "the need to reinterpret the Biblical accounts of the creation of living things was apparent to most literate persons long before Darwin's specific views made this need more acute"."
Abstract This paper discusses how, since the publication of the human genome sequence in 2001, biologists have developed and applied a range of novel technologies in an attempt to extract the valuable biological information encoded within the genome sequence. In particular, it examines they way in which we have set about decoding the human genome to date and provides an insight into some of the progressive new technologies currently under development.
Outline
Objectives and Achievements of the HGP
Computational Biology and Genome Annotation
Comparative Genomics
Functional Genomics
Genetic Perturbations
The Transcriptome
The Proteome
The Interactome
Conclusion: The Rise of Systems Biology
From the Paper "The objectives of the HGP can be considered as four overlapping goals: 1. The construction of high resolution genetic and physical maps. 2. A high quality, complete genomic sequence. 3. Identification of sequence variation within the human genome. 4. A complete list characterising each and every gene. Both working drafts have achieved almost complete sequencing of the euchromatic DNA in the human genome14. The highly repetitive nature of heterochromatic DNA renders its sequencing difficult and it is unlikely to be well represented even in the final sequence, anticipated by April 2003. To date, the public consortium (IHGSC) report that 75% of the human genome sequence is in "finished" state. That is, a continuous sequence with gaps no larger than 150kb and an expected error rate of less than 1 in 10,000 nucleotides. The public consortium's effort also resulted in a high resolution physical map of the genome, constructed to facilitate accurate assembly of sequenced fragments16. However, the genome sequence itself represents a physical map of the highest possible resolution."
