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doi: 10.1080/00219266.1980.10668975pmid: N/A
Abstract Criticism is made of the conventional use of the Darwin finches in teaching. An alternative, ‘irruption’, theory is presented, to explain the occurrence of the finches in the Galapagos Islands. This postulates that all the species we know today arrived in the archipelago as a mass irruptive migration movement from the north-east. The theory is explained by reference to the European crossbills. In a discussion of the educational role of the theory, it is suggested that we need to make more effort to encourage the creative and critical faculties in advanced work in schools and at undergraduate level. The occasional presentation of alternative theories, and the discussion of their evaluation, are recommended as means to achieving these aims.
doi: 10.1080/00219266.1980.10668976pmid: N/A
Abstract Woodlice are easy to obtain in large numbers, their biology is relatively simple, they are easy to culture, and the common species can usually be recognized with the naked eye: consequently they provide ideal material for student research projects. Various aspects of their distribution, including the influence of soil pH are discussed. Investigations of the effects of wind speed on nocturnal activity, and methods to be employed in population studies are described. The dearth of field observations on predators and parasites is also stressed. By means of physiological investigations on transpiration, combined with choice-chamber and aktograph experiments on behaviour, it can be shown that water conservation provides a unifying theme for many inter-related aspects of the biology of terrestrial isopods.
doi: 10.1080/00219266.1980.10668977pmid: N/A
Abstract The ciliate most commonly used in school and lower tertiary education is Paramecium. This animal's rapid movement and a number of other reasons make it unsuitable for introductory studies. The peritrich Vorticella is more suitable as it is attached by a stalk to the substrate, can be grown easily, and is found in almost all aquatic environments. If the animal is cultured on glass microscope slides it is particularly easy to observe. Methods are described for collection, culture, observation, and making permanent stained preparations. Suggestions are made for experiments to investigate growth, reproduction, settlement, ecology, feeding, and osmoregulation. The important role of Vorticella in sewage treatment is indicated.
doi: 10.1080/00219266.1980.10668978pmid: N/A
Abstract A correlation has been demonstrated between oxygen concentration and ability of Corixidae to survive. This correlation has been shown by the effect of increased rates of surfacing on rates of predation by the Notonectidae. These findings support Macan's (1974) contention that decreases in the competitiveness of a species with falling oxygen concentration may, in ecological terms, be more important than lethally low concentrations.
doi: 10.1080/00219266.1980.10668979pmid: N/A
Abstract The ability to interpret data depends heavily on the higher skills listed in Bloom's (1956) taxonomy—comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. It is suggested that students should be given an opportunity to acquire these skills in practice sessions in which they discuss their own attempts to interpret given data.
KARGBO, DENNIS B.; HOBBS, EDWARD D.; ERICKSON, GAALEN L.
doi: 10.1080/00219266.1980.10668980pmid: N/A
Abstract Results are reported on clinical interviews with 32 children on the topic of inherited characteristics. Analysis of these data indicates that children as young as seven have definite ideas about the acquisition of inherited characteristics. It also suggests that many children, even up to the age of 13, believe that environmentally induced characteristics, such as a missing finger, can be transmitted to offspring under certain circumstances. Various explanations used by the children during the interviews were recorded and categorized into four basic types. Finally the educational implications of these results are briefly discussed.
doi: 10.1080/00219266.1980.10668981pmid: N/A
Abstract There are two extant theories concerning the limits of sensory discrimination. This article refers briefly to the history, physiological background, and adaptive implications of the two theories, but is mainly concerned with describing an experiment, suitable for colleges and sixth-forms, which can be used to investigate the validity of the two theories. Details of experimental procedure are presented and discussed with reference to the analysis, limitations, and use of the experiment.
doi: 10.1080/00219266.1980.10668982pmid: N/A
Abstract Some practical exercises involving the glutamine synthetase enzyme of Beneckea natriegens are described. Singly, or in combination, these exercises can be used at many stages in tertiary-level biology courses. Practical detail suited to class needs is presented, together with results typical of those obtained by students. The exercises encompass many biochemical techniques, and involve theoretical points of importance to microbiologists and biochemists in particular. Suggestions are made as to the kind of critical discussion which should arise among students after they have performed the experiments.
JOHNSTONE, A. H.; MAHMOUD, N. A.
doi: 10.1080/00219266.1980.10668983pmid: N/A
Abstract A technique devised to isolate topics of high perceived difficulty in a school biology syllabus is described. Results obtained from questioning school pupils, teachers, and university students indicate a large measure of agreement.
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