Humans - Their Origins and Adaptations

The first sections start off with Genetics which is essential to understand the process of cell division and the phenomenon of evolution. Lamarck and Darwin had different theories about the cause of evolution which is discussed in more detail. Over time, living organisms developed adaptations that increased survivial. This unit illustrates the physical, social, and behavioural benefits of Humans but also shows how parasites are adaptated to hide form the immune system and take advantage of their host.

SECTION 3.2.1

Information of Life

1) Genetics

Keywords: nucleic acid, nucleotide, purine, pyrimidine, DNA, semi-conservative replication, replication fork, complementary base pairing, ribonucleic acid, genetic code, triplets, phenotype, alleles, genes, homologous chromosomes, mutation, cystic fibrosis, phenylketonuria

SECTION 3.2.2

Cell Division - Growth, Repair, Reproduction, and Cancer

1) Cell Division

Keywords: chromosomes, chromatid, centromere, cell cycle, interphase, mitosis, prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, cytokinesis, meiosis, random segregation, diploid, haploid, Down's syndrome, non-disjunction, trisonomy, chromosome 21, triple test, amniocentesis

1) Cancer

Keywords: carcinogens, tumour, benign, malignant, metastasis, cancer, haemoptysis, pneumonia, smoking, oncogenes, tumour suppressor genes

SECTION 3.2.3

Where we fit in the world and how we came to be here

1) Classification

Keywords: classification, taxonomy, genus, species, kingdom, reproductive isolation, evidence of classification, cytochrome c, DNA hybridisation

2) Lamarck and Darwin

Keywords: Lamarck's Theory, Darwin's Theory, natural selection, new species, adaptation, phenotype, stabilising selection, directional selection, pesticide resistance, antibiotic resistance, penicillin, speciation, reproductive isolation, geographical isolation, fossil dating, radioactive isotopes, stratigraphy, potassium-argon, carbon dating

3) Evolution

Keywords: hominids, australopithecus, homo habilis, homo erectus, homo neanderthalensis, homo sapiens, cultural evolution, physical change, control of fire, hunter-gather way, social groups, ramapithecus

SECTION 3.2.4

Adaptations to a way of life

1) Adaptation

Keywords: successful reproduction, adaptations, bipedalism, foramen magnum, opposable thumb, pincer grip, fine motor skills, skin colour, vitamin D, osteoporosis, rickets, osteomalacia, melanin, surface area to volume ratio, diffusion, behaviour, facial expressions, language, extended childhood

1) Ventilation and Heart Rate

Keywords: medulla, dorsal respiratory group, ventral respiratory group, inspiration expiration, intercostal muscles, diaphragm, intercostal nerve, phrenic nerve, oxygen, carbon dioxide, chemoreceptors, aortic bodies, carotid bodies, autonomic nervous system, parasympathetic, sympathetic, vagus nerve, medulla oblongata, sinoatrial SA node, atrioventricular AV node, norepinephrine, noradrenaline, adrenaline, adrenal medulla, potassium, cardiac output, shock, vasodilation, stropke volume, heart rate, glucose

1) Parasites

Keywords: parasites, adaptations, toxocara, lifecycle, reproductive strategies, optinum environment

SECTION 3.2.5

We have changed and are changing our environment

1) Environment

Keywords: early farming, slash and burn, farmed animals, deforestation, selective breading, cereals, dogs, cattle, succession, autogenic succession, allogenic succession, climax community, seral stages, abiotic factors