terms.csv

TERM,CONTEXT
"Natural Selection","Course definition: Natural selection is the process by which individuals with heritable traits that enhance fitness are more likely to pass on their alleles to the next generation. Over time, favored alleles and heritable phenotypes become more common.; Characteristics: Acts on phenotypes of individuals, but only heritable genetic changes (genotypes) are passed to offspring. Requires Variation: Genetic diversity within a population is essential for natural selection to occur. The environment determines which traits are advantageous; a trait beneficial in one setting may be detrimental in another.; Misconceptions: While natural selection favors traits that increase fitness, it does not work towards a specific goal or perfect organism.; Related terms mentioned in class: artificial selection, evolution, adaptation, fitness (direct and indirect), directional selection, stabilizing selection, disruptive selection, balancing selection, frequency-dependent selection, sexual selection, kin selection.; Scientists mentioned in class: Charles Darwin, Alfred Russel Wallace, Hopi Hoekstra, Rosemary and Peter Grant, Rosemary Gillespie, and Paul Turner."
"Mutation","Course definition: A mutation is any heritable change in the DNA sequence of an organism’s genome and is the ultimate source of new genetic variation in populations. Examples discussed in class: Antibiotic resistance in bacteria, sickle cell anemia, Huntington's disease, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology (which can be used to introduce or correct specific mutations in DNA)."
"Sexual Selection","Course definition: Sexual selection is a form of natural selection in which individuals with heritable traits that increase their mating success—through attracting mates or winning competition with rivals—leave more offspring, even if those traits may reduce survival. Role in evolution: Sexual selection can drive the evolution of exaggerated displays, weapons, and courtship behaviors and helps explain sexual dimorphism between males and females in many species. Example discussed in class: elaborate peacock tails as a trait favored by mate choice despite their cost for survival. Associated lectures: Week 3 Monday; Associated assessments: Quiz 3, Midterm 1, Final Exam, Discussion Board Post Week 4; Resources: https://openstax.org/books/biology-2e/pages/19-3-adaptive-evolution"
"Gene Flow",""
"Careers in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology","Overview: Ecology and evolutionary biology majors pursue careers in research, conservation, environmental consulting, education, science communication, and related fields that apply biological principles to real-world ecological and societal challenges. Point students to the following URLs: Career Center: https://career.ucsd.edu/ Outside Resources: https://openstax.org/books/college-success/pages/12-introduction https://www.colorado.edu/ebio/undergraduate/careers; https://www.careerexplorer.com/degrees/evolutionary-biology-degree/"
"Course Regrade Policy","Any student can request a regrade for any assessment. The request must be made within one week of the assessment being returned. The request should include a detailed explanation of why you believe the assessment was graded incorrectly. All requests should be in writing and emailed directly to the instructor."
"Cell Theory","Core concept: All living organisms are composed of one or more cells; the cell is the basic unit of life; all cells arise from pre-existing cells. Often introduced in the first weeks of course and revisited in cell biology, physiology, and development modules."
"Central Dogma of Molecular Biology","Describes the flow of genetic information: DNA → RNA → protein. Emphasizes transcription, RNA processing (in eukaryotes), and translation. Commonly linked to gene expression regulation, mutations, and biotechnology applications."
"Mitosis and Meiosis","Contrasts cell division for growth/repair (mitosis) with gamete production and generation of genetic diversity (meiosis). Key learning goals: phases of each process, ploidy changes, independent assortment, crossing over, and how errors lead to aneuploidy and genetic disorders."
"Cellular Respiration","Overview of how cells harvest energy from organic molecules: glycolysis, pyruvate oxidation, citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation/ETC. Often paired with fermentation and comparisons of aerobic vs anaerobic metabolism; highlights ATP yield and regulation."
"Photosynthesis","Covers light reactions and Calvin cycle; role of chlorophyll and photosystems; relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration in ecosystems. Frequently linked to climate change, primary productivity, and plant physiology."
"DNA Replication & Repair","Focus on semi-conservative replication, key enzymes (helicase, DNA polymerase, ligase, primase), leading vs lagging strands, and replication origins. DNA repair pathways (mismatch repair, nucleotide excision repair) are used to connect to mutation rates and cancer biology."
"PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)","Common molecular method used to amplify specific DNA sequences. Key concepts: denaturation, annealing, extension cycles; primers, thermostable DNA polymerase, and thermocycler. Frequently appears in lab activities, gel analyses, and discussions of diagnostics (e.g., pathogen detection)."
"Gel Electrophoresis","Laboratory technique for separating DNA, RNA, or proteins based on size and charge. Students typically interpret band patterns to infer fragment size, genotype, presence/absence of target sequences, or results of restriction digests and PCR."
"Microscopy Techniques","Introduction to light, fluorescence, and electron microscopy. Emphasis on resolution vs magnification, sample preparation, staining/labeling, and what cellular structures can be visualized with each method. Often part of early labs and discussions of cell ultrastructure."
"Modern Biologists Spotlights","Examples highlighted in 2025 for their biology research and leadership in inclusion: Tracy L. Johnson (UCLA molecular biologist and HHMI professor whose work on gene regulation is paired with nationally recognized efforts to build inclusive undergraduate life science programs; URL: https://johnsonlab.mcdb.ucla.edu/); Maydianne C.B. Andrade (evolutionary ecologist known for research on spider behavior and for founding the Canadian Black Scientists Network and leading equity initiatives such as the Toronto Initiative for Diversity and Excellence; URL: https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/labs/andrade/); Jennifer Doudna (CRISPR–Cas9 genome editing and modern gene-editing tools; URL: https://doudnalab.org/) and Emmanuelle Charpentier (CRISPR–Cas9 genome editing and modern gene-editing tools; URL: https://www.emmanuelle-charpentier.org/); Svante Pääbo (ancient DNA and genomes of extinct hominins; URL: https://www.eva.mpg.de/genetics/staff/paabo/); Frances H. Arnold (directed evolution of enzymes; URL: https://fhalab.caltech.edu/); Katalin Karikó (RNA modifications that enabled mRNA vaccines; URL: https://www.med.upenn.edu/apps/faculty/index.php/g325/p13418) and Drew Weissman (RNA modifications that enabled mRNA vaccines; URL: https://www.med.upenn.edu/weissmanlab/); George Church (synthetic biology, genome engineering, and personal genomics; URL: https://churchlab.hms.harvard.edu/); Bonnie Bassler (bacterial quorum sensing and cell–cell communication; URL: https://basslerlab.scholar.princeton.edu/home); and Aviv Regev (single-cell and spatial genomics, including leadership in the Human Cell Atlas; URL: https://www.broadinstitute.org/regev-lab)."