Learning Objectives:

1.B.1:  Organisms share many conserved core processes and features that evolved are widely distributed among organisms today.

1.C.3:  Populations of organisms continue to evolve.

2.A.3:  Organisms must exchange matter with the environment to grow, reproduce, and maintain organization.

2.B.1:  Cell membranes are selectively permeable due to their structure.

2.B.2:  Growth and dynamic homeostasis are maintained by the constant movement of molecules across membranes.

2.C.1:  Organisms use feedback mechanisms to maintain their internal environments and respond to external environmental changes.

2.C.2:  Organisms respond to changes in their external environments.

2.D.1:  All biological systems from cells and organisms to populations, communities, and ecosystems are affected by complex biotic and abiotic interactions involving exchange of matter and free energy.

2.D.2:  Homeostatic mechanisms reflect both common ancestry and divergence due to adaptation in different environments.

2.D.3:  Biological systems are affected by disruptions to their dynamic homeostasis.

2.E.1:  Timing and coordination of specific events are necessary for the normal development of an organism, and these events are regulated by a variety of mechanisms.

3.E.2:  Animals have nervous systems that detect external and internal signals, transmit and integrate information, and produce responses.

4.A.3:  Interactions between external stimuli and regulated gene expression result in specialization of cells, tissues, and organs.

4.B.2:  Cooperative interactions within organisms promote efficiency in the use of energy and matter.