Final Post

Some of the key components and ideas in Biology 11 were comparing and contrasting evolution between different kingdoms and phyla. Others were understanding how different microorganisms, plants and animals reproduce as well as the common characteristics of each phyla. The only thing I would change is going over the homework before doing a homework quiz to ensure our answers are correct. The most interesting parts of this course were learning details about how how animals have evolved and why this happened. I also found the pond water lab very interesting as we saw living microorganisms moving under a microscope. I enjoyed this course very much. It was my favourite class! 

Aquarium Field Trip

This is a ray I saw at the aquarium. It belongs to the phylum Chordata and class Chondrichthyes. It is similar to other members in it's class because it is a cartilaginous fish, has gills, and paired fins.

Arthropod

An arthropod I find interesting is the preying mantis. The preying mantis has the ability to turn it's head 180 degrees which is very unique in insects.  This makes it difficult for predators to sneak up on preying mantises. Also, it lays eggs and protects them by covering them in a foam like substance that hardens. Three common arthropod characteristics that preying mantises have are having compound eyes, bilateral symmetry, and that it's body is divided into segments.

Starfish Dissection

I found the starfish dissection to be the most interesting. This is because I could view a water vascular system which is an important part of the starfish. It is responsible for movement, food, waste removal, and respiration. I enjoyed locating the many different parts of the starfish and learning their functions.