Life in Biological Environment Discussion
Science is a human endeavor, and scientists practice their craft within the larger context of the culture in which they live. Take a moment to think about modern biological science and culture and mull over the relationship between the two. Some questions you might discuss are: How do cultural and societal values influence the research questions that are pursued by scientists? Which areas/fields of environmental science seem to be heavily researched right now and what do they say about our priorities as a society? (There are no right or wrong answers and you need not discuss every one of these questions. They are intended as jumping-off points to get you started.
Discussion must be over 300+ words:
The essay must be over 500+ words:
A new discussion has been started that may be interesting to you:
Discussion 2: Water and Life
Directions: In this module, we explored the idea of the pH scale and the importance of maintaining the pH of a given environment for the overall functioning of organisms that inhabit that environment. For this discussion, identify one area within your own body, nature, or another organism where maintaining pH is important for overall functioning in that organism’s environment. You may want to review the general concept of homeostasis before writing your post.
To receive full credit for this discussion, include a definition for homeostasis in your own words and explain the environment you chose as one where maintaining pH is critical for functioning. Also, include any “fail safes” that may be in place to maintain the pH in this environment. You will want to pick a unique situation and one that is different from your classmates ‘ to receive full credit.
Submission: After you have posted your initial post, read and respond to two or more of your classmates’ posts. Be sure to make substantive and constructive comments (just posting a “nice post” doesn’t count). For example, add something from your own experience, something you’ve read or seen. If the situation calls for it, feel free to state an opinion, but be sure to state any points with which you agree and/or those with which you disagree, as well as your reasons for agreeing or disagreeing.