Key Concepts in Ecology and Biological Interactions

Key Concepts in Ecology

  • Ecological Factor: The characteristics of the environment that affect living organisms. They can be abiotic and biotic.
  • Adaptation: The evolution of organisms so that they are able to survive in a specific environment. They can be morphological, physiological, and behavioral.
  • Population: A group of organisms of the same species that inhabit the same territory and that can reproduce together.
  • Biotic Potential: The maximum reproductive potential of a population, which is the difference
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Neanderthals and the Origin of Life: Key Concepts

Neanderthals: A Closer Look

(7) Homo neanderthalensis

  • They are closer to non-African than African anatomically modern humans, likely due to interbreeding between Neanderthals and the ancestors of Eurasians.
  • Evidence of fire use by Neanderthals in Gibraltar suggests they may have survived there until 24,000 years ago.
  • Neanderthal cranial capacity is thought to have been as large as, or perhaps larger than, that of modern humans.
  • They were much stronger than modern humans, with particularly strong arms
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Physical Therapies: Lymphatic Drainage, Laser, and More

Physical Therapies

Lymphatic Drainage

This technique involves massage using physical methods on an edematous area. It is performed with the fingertips, applying strong pressure in the direction of venous or lymphatic circulation.

Lymphatic System Functions: Protecting the body, transporting intestinal fat via chylomicrons, and removing accumulated interstitial fluid.

Lymphatic Drainage Directions: Used for lymphedema, aesthetic medicine for cellulite, eye bag removal, acne, and post-mastectomy care.

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Urinary System: Functions, Components, and Health

**Functions of the Urinary System**

  • Removes metabolic wastes from the blood
  • Maintains proper pH in blood (approximately 7.4)
  • Controls the amount of electrolytes (mineral salts)
  • Regulates water balance in the body
  • Produces some hormones, such as erythropoietin (for red blood cell production)

**Urinary System Components**

  • Kidneys
  • Bladder
  • Ureters
  • Urethra

**Kidneys**

Kidneys are paired, bean-shaped organs. Humans can live with one, even with 90% of its function lost, without needing a transplant. They are located

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Animal and Fungi Biology: Key Concepts and Characteristics

Key Concepts in Animal Biology

Body Temperature Regulation

What kind of animal does not use its energy to regulate its body temperature?

Ectotherm

How does the minimum body size compare in ectotherms and endotherms?

Ectotherms have a smaller minimum body size.

What kind of animal uses its energy to regulate its body temperature?

Endotherm

Which will lose body heat to its environment at a faster rate if all other conditions are the same?

A small animal will lose body heat at a faster rate.

Body Size and Environment

How

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Biotic and Abiotic Components: Matter, Energy, Photosynthesis

Biotic and Abiotic Components: Matter and Energy

  • Biotic and abiotic components are made of matter. Matter is what holds a place in the ecosystem, has weight and volume, undergoes transformations, and may or may not have its own form. The world is classified into organic matter (in living organisms and their derivatives, proteins, fats, sugars, etc.) and inorganic matter (in the inanimate world, living things like water, minerals, gases).
  • Organic Matter: Whenever hydrogen is composed of carbon and
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