Life Cycles
A Lifetime of Change
In this guide you will study the series of structural and behavioral changes in an organism over its’ life time.
Video Overview
We will begin with this guide overview video.
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Life Cycles Lecture Guide Contents
The material from this guide and corresponding lecture is assessed on the weekly quiz.
Life Cycles Objectives
Chromosomes & DNA
Explain what a chromosome is, where it is located in a cell, how it is structured, and how it relates to inheritance; and describe the structure of the DNA macromolecule, including how the structure of DNA relates to cellular function.
Life Stages
Compare and contrast mitosis and meiosis, including the role of DNA replication, where these processes occur in an organism, and why the processes are significant; and outline the life cycles of various species, indicating when mitosis and meiosis occur.
Amphibians
Describe the evolutionary path and characteristics that distinguish amphibians from other vertebrates; outline the steps of a frog’s life cycle; and provide examples of amphibians, including their habitats and representative species.
Development
Outline the steps that occur after fertilization, including how DNA directs development and factors that can impact this process; describe the development of the different species, including fruit flies and mealworm darkling beetles; and explain the role of respiration in organisms, including how it relates to animal organ systems and development.
