Essays and Research Papers on Biology

Durable disease reduction, an integral component of modern plant breeding is one solution that many plant biologists believe will be the deciding factor in whether the world's population of 2020 will be fed. This 5 page paper argues that the goal of durable disease resistance is not only possible but also probable before 2020. Bibliography lists 7 sources. ...

This 5 page report discusses technological and intellectual advances that have taken place in the 20th century and whether or not such an expansion of knowledge has been due to great new ideas suddenly appearing on the intellectual horizon or a technological evolution of ideas that has led to such commonplace realities as photocopy machines, personal computers, and jet travel. It ...

A 10 page discussion of the phylogeny of the phylum Mollusca. Provides an overview of the major classes of Mollusca including Amphineura, Monoplacophora, Gastropoda, Pelecypoda, Scaphopoda, and Cephalopoda. Outlines common morphological features known as synomorphies and discusses the variations between species. Bibliography lists 10 sources.

A 10 page discussion of the first eight chapters of Charles Darwin's "Origin of the Species". Presents the thesis that "Origin of the Species" itself is a product of evolutionary progression of thought. The first two-thirds of the book, Chapters 1 through 4, introduce Darwin's most basic evolutionary thoughts while the subsequent chapters 5 ...

A 5 page paper discussing the Psittacine disease that is not limited only to the parrot family. PBFD has been found to infect and cause disease in geese and even guinea pigs, and it is believed to affect poultry species as well. It is now known that the disease is caused by a virus and that ...

An 8 page overview of the considerations which must be made when growing Philodendron. Devotes considerable attention to growth preferences and the physiological reasons behind those preferences. Concludes that while Philodendrons are among the easiest of houseplants to grow, attention must be paid to the type of soil that they are planted in, ...

This 5 page paper discusses fall fertilization programs for trees, shrubs and vines defined as woody ornamentals. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 13 page paper describing crocodiles and discussing ways in which people can coexist with them. Crocodiles coexisted with the dinosaurs, but they have survived their reptilian relatives by 65 million years. All 23 species were listed as endangered in 1971, but only seven remain so designated. In 2000, it was discovered that crocodile cartilage possesses ...

A 5 page exercise in converting lists of facts to readable, continuous prose. This paper uses a field guide's description of three rails, which are marsh birds native to various areas of the US. The paper incorporates physical identification features, habitat description and differences in vocalization patterns in this technical writing exercise. Bibliography lists 1 source. ...

A 5 page analysis of James Shreeve's article "Secrets of the Gene," which explores the latest developments in gene research and its ramifications. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 6 page research paper that investigates how the shapes that protein assumes influences the healthy functioning of cells. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

A 5 page paper discussing the physical characteristics, geographical distribution, morphological adaptations and reproduction of the genus Cycas of the Cycadaceae family. The long survival of Cycas is easy to explain, though some species are now endangered because of their commercial value and the slow growth rate of their seedlings. Others are in danger because of loss ...

This 10 page paper looks at pheromones, what they are, how they work, their discovery and how they might be used. The chemical compounds are discussed and the use of the synthetic chemicals as a replacement for pesticides is discussed. The bibliography cites 10 sources.

A 5 page discussion of bacterial growth in the presence of antibiotics. Examines how bacterial growth is dependent on a number of their physiological mechanisms such as enzymes, proteins, and even the communication of one organism with another in a phenomenon referred to as quorum sensing. Emphasizes that it is critical to continue ...

An 8 page paper discussing the research investigating possible paths to genetically altering this opportunistic bacterium so that it is unable to cause disease. The organism is ubiquitous, but rarely causes disease in healthy individuals. In those with compromised immune systems, however, it can be quite devastating. The focus of the research here is on genetically altering ...

A 5 page discussion of destiny as it relates to the actional and nonactional theories. Associates the theory of biological determinism with the nonactional theory but observes other areas of research which indicate numerous factors, particularly parental involvement in our childhood, affect the way we live our lives. Concludes that there is some ...

5 pages in length. The writer discusses contemporary views on evolution, as well as discusses DNA as it relates to recent evidence. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

An 8 page consideration of the theory of catastrophism in relation to the dinosaur extinction which occurred during the Cretaceous and Tertiary periods. Weighs the geologic evidence of such an event against the environmental effects which would have occurred to contend that such an event would have had much further effects than on the ...

A 5 page discussion of the concepts of natural selection. Details Darwin's theories in regard to fitness and adaptation to an ecological niche. Emphasizes that much of Darwin's work is supported by a volume of contemporary scientific information. Concludes that while evolution is not a phenomena which can be precisely detailed, and ...

A 5 page research paper and analysis of the sociological impact of biotechnology. The writer uses "Brave New World" and "Gattaca" as a springboard to discuss the fears that biotech engenders and argues that the benefits outweigh the risks of such technology. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 5 page paper discussing evolution, natural selection and social Darwinism. There are many who continue to argue today that Darwin was mistaken, that origin of species could not arise in the manner he described. There are many more, however, absolutely convinced that Darwin found the mechanism by which species arise. The controversy surrounding Darwin's theories ...

An 8 page discussion of the events which resulted in the extinction of the dinosaurs. Suggests that a meteoric impact with the earth set in motion a series of environmental events which ultimately translated into dinosaur extinction. Bibliography lists 10 sources.

This 10 page report discusses hypnosis and the altered state of consciousness it produces. While the term “hypnosis” often carries a certain number of negative connotations that do not truly convey the beneficial and physiological relation response that is the legitimate hypnotic response, many people are still hesitant about the concept in general. The simple fact is that hypnosis is not a ...

A 7 page discussion of the impact of fire and wind on seed germination and dispersal. Discusses the evolutionary adaptations of certain seeds which have allowed them to benefit from wind or fire and discusses how fire can have both direct and indirect effects on seed germination. Bibliography lists 8 sources.

A 6 page paper discussing the controversy arising from the UN Kyoto Protocol of 1997 as it has taken shape in 2000, with an explanation of the process of photosynthesis as the mechanism by which green plants remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and replace it with pure oxygen. Environmental groups claim that giving credits to industrialized nations ...