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Blog Post: Human Variation & Race

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  Environmental Stress: High Altitude High altitude serves as an environmental stressor in that it disrupts human homeostasis through the reduced amount of oxygen available in the air. This condition is called hypoxia and stresses the body primarily through the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Mountains and other high-altitude areas may be thought of as high altitude at elevations above 2,500 meters (8,200 feet). At elevations of more than 8,200 feet, the atmospheric pressure is reduced, and in turn, fewer oxygen molecules are delivered into the lungs with each breath. In tissue, oxygen is limited, energy production is limited, cognition is limited, and physical performance is limited. Short-Term Adaptation Adaptation: Increased respiration and heart rate. A human adapts by increasing respiration and heart rate to try and circulate more oxygen around the body to maintain oxygen levels in the tissues during high-altitude travel. This is a short-term adaptation that can help m...
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Piltdown Blog Assignment

The Piltdown Hoax: A Lesson on Staying Alert in Science In 1912, amateur archaeologist Charles Dawson reported a startling find near Piltdown, Sussex, England: fossilized remains of a skull that possessed both human-like and ape-like features. Dawson claimed the find was the missing link between apes and modern humans, a coup de grâce in the hunt for human ancestors, declared gargantuan at the time. Dawson was working with Arthur Smith Woodward, a curator at the British Museum, who supported the find and assisted Dawson in reconstructing the skull, which was subsequently called Eoanthropus dawsoni (which means "Dawson's Dawn Man.")   The Piltdown fossil received an enthusiastic response because it coincided with British nationalism and the scientific ideas of the time, in that the method and discovery were important. For example, England was not Germany or France, and it had never made any significant hominid discovery. The find would furnish English pride and elitism. Th...
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Analogy & Homology

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  Homologous Traits: Human & Whale Forelimbs Species Background Humans (Homo sapiens) are taxonomically categorized as terrestrial mammals. Physically, humans of the species are unique within the class of mammals, as they are bipedal, tool designers and users, and possess high cognitive function for problem-solving. By contrast, whales such as the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) are fully aquatic mammals that evolved from terrestrial animals on land. While humans evolved in terrestrial habitats that favored grasping, tool manipulation, and upright posture, whales adapted to marine habitats that required them to evolve streamlined bodies for movement and swimming. In addition to humans and whales being mammals, they also share deep genetic similarities and anatomical similarities since they are both part of the Mammalia class. Trait Description and Evolutionary Differences Humans and whales have two forelimbs according to the same basic skeletal structure: one bone, called th...
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Scientific Method Post

Why Does He Keep Falling Asleep? A Scientific Approach Testable Hypothesis: The student is falling asleep in class as a result of a high sugar breakfast, which leads to a spike, followed by a crash, in blood sugar, that leaves him feeling drowsy. Test: Based on the hypothesis that the student's diet may be contributing to his falling asleep in class, I would observe his breakfast consumption for a two-week period. During the first week, the student continues eating breakfast in the same way he usually does, which includes sugary cereals or pastries. During the next week, the student eats breakfast that is low in sugar and high in protein such as eggs or oatmeal. The experimental condition that is being controlled is the nutritional content of the morning meal. Supportive Result Prediction: If the student is more alert and does not fall asleep in the second week, that would support my hypothesis. Falsifying Result Prediction: If the student still falls asleep in class in the second ...
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Stranded on a deserted island

If I were to find myself stranded on a deserted island, I would take: 1. Durable Multi-tool - This would include a knife, fire starter, can opener, screwdriver, and other essential items all put together in one convenient item. This would help me build a shelter, cook food, and defend myself if necessary. 2. Large Water Filter Bottle - Clean liquid drink sources are imperative for survival. A filter bottle would allow me to safely drink from streams or rainwater and stay hydrated with several liters of water. With these two items, I would have the basic tools for survival, health, and maybe signal for help.
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