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Showing posts from December, 2023

CELL: FUNCTIONS

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The functions of cells Cells perform a variety of functions that are essential for the survival and reproduction of living organisms. Some of the main functions of cells are: -  Metabolism : The  sum of all the chemical reactions  that take place in the cell  to convert or use energy . Metabolism includes  catabolism , which is the  breakdown of molecules to release energy ; and  anabolism , which is the  synthesis of molecules to store or use energy . -  Growth : The  increase in size or number  of cells. Growth can be achieved by  cell enlargement or cell division .  Cell division  is the process by which a  cell splits into two identical daughter cells . There are two types of cell division:  mitosis , which  produces two diploid (2n) cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell ; and  meiosis , which  produces four haploid (n) cells that are genetically different from the parent cell and each other . -  Differentiation : The  process  by which a  cell changes its structu

Cell: Types & Structure

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The basic unit of life is the cell. Cells are the smallest and simplest living organisms that can perform all the functions necessary for life.  Cells are the building blocks of all living things, from bacteria to humans. Cells have different shapes, sizes and structures depending on their function and type. Cells can be divided into two main types: prokaryotic and eukaryotic. Prokaryotic cells are simpler and lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Eukaryotic cells are more complex and have a nucleus and other organelles that perform specific tasks. All living things are made up of one or more cells, and cells arise from pre-existing cells by division. The types of cells There are two main types of cells: prokaryotic and eukaryotic.                                                  Prokaryotic cells are the simplest and most ancient forms of life. They lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles and have a single circular chromosome. Prokaryotic cells include bacteri

Evolution: Origin of Species

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The theory of evolution and the origin of species are two related but distinct concepts in biology. The theory of evolution explains how living organisms change over time through natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and other mechanisms. The origin of species describes how new species arise from existing ones through speciation, which is the splitting of a single evolutionary lineage into two or more genetically isolated populations. What is speciation? Speciation is the evolutionary process by which "new and distinct species" are formed in the course of evolution. Species are groups of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. Speciation occurs when some members of a species become "reproductively isolated"from the rest of the population, meaning that they can no longer exchange genes with them. This can happen due to various factors, such as geographic barriers, ecological differences, behavioral changes, or genetic mutations. They are t

Evolution: Origin of Life

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The theory of evolution is one of the most well-promoted narrative by the international establishment to explain for the origin, the diversity and complexity of life on Earth. Some of its premises are constructed on assumptions and hypothesis which is repeatedly tested to get required results. For other premises where no evidence is available, it is left to conjecture. Once upon a time, billions of years ago...  Abiogenesis : According to the theory of evolution, organic molecules and subsequent simple life forms first originated from inorganic substances on the primitive Earth about 4 billion years ago in a process called abiogenesis.  Abiogenesis is the natural process of life arising from non-living matter, such as simple organic compounds. It is also known as the origin of life or biopoiesis. Scientists have proposed various hypotheses and experiments to explain how abiogenesis could have occurred on Earth or other planets. Some of the main challenges are to understand how the basi

Deserts: Landforms+Life

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Desert Landforms: Deserts have diverse and unique landforms that are shaped by wind and water erosion, deposition, and weathering. Some of the common desert landforms are: -  Dunes : mounds or ridges of sand that are formed by wind blowing over loose sand. Dunes can have different shapes and sizes depending on the wind direction, speed, and sand supply. Some examples of dune types are barchan, transverse, longitudinal, star, and parabolic dunes. -  Salt flats : large areas of land formed by the evaporation of ancient lakes. They are composed of crystallized salt, minerals, and clay, creating a smooth and reflective surface that stretches for miles. -  Playas : flat areas of clay or salt that are formed by the evaporation of water from temporary lakes or ponds. Playas can be dry or wet depending on the season and rainfall. They often have cracks or polygons on their surface due to contraction and expansion. -  Alluvial fans : cone-shaped deposits of sediment that are formed by streams f

Deserts: Classifications

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Classification of Deserts: Deserts are regions that receive very little rainfall and have a high evaporation rate. They cover about one-fifth of the Earth's land surface and can have different climates, vegetation and wildlife. There are several ways to classify deserts based on their geographical location, dominant weather pattern, temperature and moisture. The most common classification system divides deserts into five types: subtropical, coastal, rain shadow, interior and polar.    Subtropical deserts  are located in the tropics, where hot and dry air masses create high pressure zones that prevent cloud formation and precipitation. Examples of subtropical deserts are the Sahara, the Arabian and the Kalahari.   Coastal deserts  are found along the western coasts of continents, where cold ocean currents create stable and dry air masses that move inland. Examples of coastal deserts are the Atacama, the Namib and the Baja California.   Rain shadow deserts  are formed on the leeward

Deserts: Characteristics

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  Deserts are regions of the Earth that receive very little rainfall, usually less than 250 mm per year. They cover about one-fifth of the land surface and can be hot or cold, depending on their location and climate. Deserts are characterized by extreme temperatures, low humidity, sparse vegetation, and high evaporation rates. Deserts are not lifeless wastelands, however. They are home to a variety of plants and animals that have been attuned to the harsh conditions. Some of these specializations include drought tolerance, water conservation, heat tolerance, camouflage, and nocturnal activity. Deserts also have unique geological features, such as sand dunes, salt flats, oases, and rock formations. Deserts are important for many reasons. They provide natural resources, such as minerals, oil, and solar energy. They also influence the global climate by reflecting solar radiation and creating wind patterns. Deserts are also rich in cultural diversity and history, as many civilizations have

Deserts

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Deserts are regions of the Earth that receive very little rainfall, usually less than 250 mm per year. They cover about one-fifth of the land surface and can be hot or cold, depending on their location and climate. Deserts are characterized by extreme temperatures, low humidity, sparse vegetation, and high evaporation rates. Deserts are not lifeless wastelands, however. They are home to a variety of plants and animals that have been attuned to the harsh conditions. Some of these specializations include drought tolerance, water conservation, heat tolerance, camouflage, and nocturnal activity. Deserts also have unique geological features, such as sand dunes, salt flats, oases, and rock formations. Deserts are important for many reasons. They provide natural resources, such as minerals, oil, and solar energy. They also influence the global climate by reflecting solar radiation and creating wind patterns. Deserts are also rich in cultural diversity and history, as many civilizations have e

FORESTS

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Forests are large areas of land covered by trees and other woody plants, which are the main form of life in these ecosystems. Forests cover about 31 percent of the world's land area and provide many benefits for humans and other living beings. Forests are home to 80 percent of the Earth's plant biomass and 75 percent of its primary production, which means they capture and store a lot of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and produce oxygen. Forests also regulate the climate, water cycle, soil quality, and biodiversity. Forests provide many resources for humans, such as timber, food, medicine, fuel, and recreation. Layers of Forests : Forests are complex ecosystems that consist of different layers of vegetation, each with its own characteristics and functions. We will explore the main layers of forests and their roles in supporting biodiversity and ecosystem services.  The layers of forests can be broadly classified into following categories:  the emergent layer, the canopy, the