How did the environment, as noted above, affect the development of various civilizations?

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Modern scientific theories recognize the interaction of genetics and environment (the availability of food sources – hunter-gathers versus farmers, the domestication of animals, climate, etc.). With this basic concept in mind, please share your thoughts on the following:

1. Homo Sapiens share a common ancestor with primates. By what mechanisms have we evolved into distinct species?

2. What defines a species?

3. How did the environment, as noted above, affect the development of various civilizations?

4. Now that the human genome ( as well as those of other species) have been mapped, how can modern technology intervene to affect genetic disorders?

5. Take a few minutes to think about your family ancestry. Do you think that what has been shared with you is accurate or inaccurate? What steps might you take to verify or refute what you think you know? What if any response might you have if the evidence presented to you contradicted what your family has shared with you?

Please be very thorough with your thoughts. The discussion format is the place to embellish your answers and provide your knowledge gained from not only the required reading, but also additional reading that you may do to enhance your overall understanding of the material.

https://learn.umuc.edu/d2l/le/content/385937/viewContent/15434211/View

https://learn.umuc.edu/d2l/le/content/385937/viewContent/15434212/View

https://learn.umuc.edu/d2l/le/content/385937/viewContent/15434214/View

https://learn.umuc.edu/d2l/le/content/385937/viewContent/15518308/View

https://learn.umuc.edu/d2l/le/content/385937/viewContent/15518309/View

https://learn.umuc.edu/d2l/le/content/385937/viewContent/15518310/View

Why do they think that the high incidence of this gene in populations who live at high altitudes is due to natural selection?  

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This week is all about evolution. For your primary post, respond to one of the following topics. Also, be sure to reply to at least one fellow student on any topic.

Topic 1

:  High Altitude Adaptation. In the recorded interview (1)*, Emilia Huerta-Sanchez describes some research her team conducted. Watch the video, then address the following questions:

  • (a) What data did they collect, who did they collect it from, and what were they looking for?
  • (b) Which gene was implicated as a gene associated with high altitude adaptation, and what does it do?
  • (c) Why do they think that the high incidence of this gene in populations who live at high altitudes is due to natural selection?

Topic 2 [reading]: Co-evolution of rattlesnakes and squirrels. Read at least one of the following articles (2)* and/or (3)*, and then address the following questions:

  • (a) How do squirrels adapt to rattlesnake venom?
  • (b) How do rattlesnakes adapt to squirrel’s defenses against rattlesnake venom?
  • (c) What do the results of this research tell us about evolution?

*References (in Strayer Writing Standards format).

  1. NESCent, October 2010. High Altitude Adaptation, https://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/anims/altitudevideo2_pop.php
  2. May 18, 2016. How is rattlesnake venom like fine wine? Both have regional varieties, https://news.osu.edu/how-is-rattlesnake-venom-like-fine-wine-both-have-regional-varieties/
  3. Sarah Kaplan, May 20, 2016. Snake venom evolved to kill specific squirrels with shocking precision. The Washington Post. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-

Recognize current and emerging technical challenges and areas of innovation inherent in the field of bioinformatics to target career opportunities and development

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Addresses Course Outcomes 4:

  • recognize current and emerging technical challenges and areas of innovation inherent in the field of bioinformatics to target career opportunities and development

For Bioinformatics tools and emerging technologies assessment project you will

  1. Select one tool used in gene or protein annotation. Write a paragraph describing the bioinformatics purpose the tool serves and how it works. Perform the following assessments:
  • Functionality of the tool
  • Current issues with the tool
  • Foreseen challenges
  • Suggestions for improvements

Select one emerging bioinformatics technology. Write a paragraph describing the bioinformatics/medical or scientific research problem that the tool is addressing, how it is used in bioinformatics. Perform an assessment on:

  • Capability of the technology to solve the bioinformatics/medical/scientific research it is addressing
  • The distinction between this technology and the already existing technology that relatives performs similar tasks.
  • Obvious and foreseen challenges for the technology
  • Suggest any other tasks the technology needs to complete and additional features that would help the technology accomplish its mission.

Conclusion on the bioinformatics and scientific research that the tool and technology are addressing, their success, challenges and shortcomings.

General requirements for the project are: The project should have at least 3 pages and not more than 8 pages. The tool must not be the same as the technology selected. They must be discussed separately in two subsections each with an introduction paragraph.

How do you get out the vote? Given your issue stands, what voter groups do you need to target? 

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The Campaign: SLO #2

  1. How much does it cost to run for office in Texas?
    1. https://www.texastribune.org/2017/03/01/heres-how-much-texas-candidates-spent-vote-general-election/
    2. How will you raise money? (read this handy info from the Texas Democratic Party before you violate any campaign finance laws:  https://www.txdemocrats.org/act/run-for-office )
    3. What interest groups will support/oppose you?  Go to https://votesmart.org/interest-groups/TX/#.WXjT4ojyuUk and identify two (2) interest groups that you think will support your campaign, and two (2) who will oppose your campaign.  Explain why, referring to your platform.
  2. What’s your SLOGAN?
  3.  Design a campaign sign.
  4. Which newspaper, official, celebrity endorsements will you seek? Why?
  5. How do you get out the vote? Given your issue stands, what voter groups do you need to target?  What is (refer back to the district analyses documents on your current legislator’s homepage).