Biology report/essay

Write an essay/report of NO MORE THAN 1200 words on one of the following topics. Topic 1: Ecological succession Ecological succession is the process by which ecological communities are replaced by other ecological communities over time. It usually proceeds in a predictable sequence. Succession is often divided into two types: primary (in which organisms colonise previously uninhabited land) and secondary (where organisms colonise land that has been modified in some way). • Compare and contrast the two types of succession. In your answer consider factors such as the source of colonising organisms and the relationship between their life cycles and their roles in succession. (Hint: Primary succession is well known where volcanic eruptions have produced new land (e.g. Krakatoa, Hawaii, Surtsey). Secondary succession is well known in agricultural and urban areas. __________ Topic 2: Plants Describe the pathway of a water molecule in a flowering plant. Start with the process of the molecule moving from the soil through the tissues of the root, stem, and leaves to the atmosphere. Explain the mechanisms involved in conducting water through these tissues. Topic 3: Evolution Evolution is one of the unifying concepts of modern biology. Explain the mechanisms that lead to evolutionary change. Describe how scientists use each of the following as evidence for evolution: • Bacterial resistance to antibiotics • Comparative biochemistry • The fossil record _________ Topic 4: Energetics Describe the light reactions of photosynthesis. Trace the path of a carbon dioxide molecule in a C3 plant from the point at which it enters a plant to its incorporation into a glucose molecule. How does this differ in a C4 plant? Include leaf anatomy and biochemical pathways in your discussion of each type of plant. __________ Assignments must be TYPED or WORD PROCESSED, and REFERENCES MUST BE CITED appropriately. There is a guide on the Harvard system of referencing in the library. If you are unsure then ask for guidance. You will lose marks if your assignment is not typed and/or you have not cited references