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Microbial Diversity, 2008.
This paper explores microbial diversity and its effects on aquatic ecosystem function.
1,754 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 20 sources, APA, $ 56.95
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Abstract
The paper reviews past and present literature on microbial diversity, bio-geochemistry and how they are interrelated. The paper provides a short overview on diversity and the aquatic ecosystem and reviews some of the new techniques in measuring microbial diversity as well as some of the disadvantages of these techniques. The paper discusses the biogeochemical processes and presents studies that link diversity to the overall functioning of the system.
Outline:
Introduction
Biodiversity
Aquatic Ecosystem
Measurement of Microbial Diversity
Trophic Interactions in Aquatic Systems
Biogeochemical Cycling
Diversity and Aquatic System Functioning
From the Paper
"Although microorganisms are barely visible in the aquatic system, they play a very important role in the processes occurring in the system be it in the food web or in nutrient cycling of the system, also called biogeochemical cycle. According to Kiorboe (1993), the majority of the biological activity in pelagic systems are performed by microorganisms smaller than 100 m. Larger organisms, on the other hand, play a very minor role in the nutrient and energy cycling of the system."
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"The Naked Ape" and Morris' View on Imprinting, 2008.
A review of Desmond Morris' views on imprinting as discussed in "The Naked Ape" and a comparison of his views with those of L. Salk.
1,109 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper explores the third chapter of Desmond Morris', "The Naked Ape," as it relates to the development of human children. It discusses the content of the chapter under discussion and describes Morris' view on imprinting. The paper compares Morris' view with that of L. Salk and his strong case for imprinting. It concludes that these individuals are very similar, but their methods differ.
From the Paper
"In the end, Desmond Morris relies heavily upon the work of Salk in the third chapter of his book. Instinctively, I am inclined to think that Morris is correct in dismissing left-handed cradling; I am also inclined to think that the matter is more complicated than he acknowledges - especially given the findings of later research. Fundamentally, I prefer Salk's findings to Morris' simple regurgitation of them; by engaging in original research, Salk gives his conclusions an authenticity that Morris does not. Furthermore, Morris' refusal to cite studies supporting the arguments of critics insisting that left-handed cradling is caused by "right-handedness" in society leaves the reader with the impression that he erected a "straw-man" so that his own argument would be strengthened."
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Infanticide: Overview and Analysis, 2008.
The author of this paper discusses both the social consequences of infanticide in traditional third world countries and the social acceptability of neonatal euthanasia in Western cultures.
1,780 words (approx. 7.1 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 57.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the social consequences that will result in traditional third world countries from gender imbalance due to a bias in male children, sex-selective abortion and female infanticide. Furthermore, the paper discusses the modern Western issue of the killing of infants who suffer from incurable illnesses. Specifically, the paper assesses the social acceptability of some nations in Western Europe that have in recent years attempted to enact legal protocols for neonatal euthanasia, by which the most severely ill infants may legally be killed following consultation between physicians, parents, and authorities.
From the Paper
"In contrast to the problem of mass, sex-selective infanticide in traditional cultures, in the West the issue of the killing of infants who suffer from incurable illnesses has recently arisen. It is important to clearly distinguish such euthanasia from infanticide proper, although opponents of such euthanasia are likely to argue that the distinction is not valid ("Outrage," 2004). In fact, euthanasia of both the elderly, the incurably ill, and infants (especially newborns) with incurable illnesses has taken place as long in Western nations as it has in other cultures, but only in recent years has it become a matter of controversy. One example of the controversy coming into a public debate is in the Netherlands, where in 2002, medical doctors from the University of Groningen working in cooperation with state prosecutors worked out what has come to be known as the Groningen Protocol, a set of guidelines for physicians treating severely ill infants who may not be capable of survival. According to these laws, physicians, in consultation with the infant's parents, social workers, and prosecutors, have the prerogative of making a decision concerning euthanasia in select and clearly limited situations. Of approximately 200,000 children born in the Netherlands annual, it is estimated that 600 of the most severely ill may be subject to physician-assisted euthanasia (Verhagen & Sauer, 2005). Whether this new attitude toward neonatal euthanasia will prevail and become more widely accepted remains to be seen."
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An Aquatic Ecosystem, 2008.
Looks at the food web of an aquatic ecosystem.
1,355 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses an aquatic ecosystem located in a botanical garden in which dragonfly larva eat stickleback fish, which eat daphnia. The author describes the dragonfly larva, the stickleback fish and the daphnia and points out that the actions of these three entities in this aquatic ecosystem transfer nutrients into energy as they move through the food chain. The author concludes that the presence of predators has an effect on the morphology of each of the species and any changes in their behavior affects the environment as a whole.
From the Paper
"A study by Arnqvist and Johansson (1998) considers ways in which the dragonfly larva may show the effects of adaptive phenotypic plasticity, meaning that the form of the insect based on environmental considerations, one of which is the action of predator-induced defenses in prey. Predation is known to affect the phenotypic expression of a wide range of traits in a way that reduces the impact of predation. Most studies have examined traits that exhibit switched plasticity and usually do not examine the ontogenetic growth trajectories of defense structures."
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The Neanderthal Problem, 2008.
A analysis of the relationship between early homo sapiens and the Neanderthals.
1,011 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper examines a number of the dominant theories concerning the nature of the relationship between the ancestors of modern humans - early homo sapiens or "anatomically modern" (AM) populations - and the distinct species of the "homo" genus known as the Neanderthals. The paper then examines the fate of the Neanderthals. The paper focuses on the two main groups of theories: replacement theory and the interbreeding theory.
From the Paper
"It should be noted, however, that there is as yet no definitive conclusion to the "Neanderthal problem" as scholars and researchers in a range of disciplines from archaeology to bio-genetics argue about the complex issues in this debate. It is clear that AM populations who comprise the ancestors of modern day humanity likely played some role in the extinction of the Neanderthals, given the coincidence of their settlements in the archaeological record, as well as similarities in their cultural technologies. This being said, however, the question of whether early humans replaced Neanderthals - who became extinct through natural processes or violence - or absorbed them through interbreeding, remains an open subject of debate to this day."
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The Origins of Life, 2008.
Looks at the origins of life on earth and the implications for the search for extraterrestrial life.
2,010 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 9 sources, APA, $ 63.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the search for life beyond this planet must be built on a solid understanding of how life managed to emerge on Earth. The author examines the development of extraterrestrial theories about the origins of life by beginning with an examination of previous theories of origin. The paper then presents current research and the empirical basis for current theories with implications for the search for extraterrestrial life. The author also offers some possible avenues of future research and examination, which could help refine the understanding of the origins of life in the universe.
From the Paper
"In fact, the presence of a liquid like water seems to be the only major prerequisite for the development of life. Without a liquid, the complex chemical reactions required for the emergence of life are presumed impossible. But, that's not to say that the liquid in question must be water. Many researchers are exploring the possibility of life developing in more unorthodox liquids, such as methane, ammonia, or even sulfuric acid. Life on earth may have simply developed to take advantage of the very abundant liquid water; water's presence may have only been happenstance."
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The Doll-Maker, 2008.
A creative short story about the growing "designer baby" craze.
1,030 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper presents a fictional story about a couple going to a clinic to have their baby designed. The paper describes the drive to the clinic of the couple, Jim and Nancy, noting that they are both quiet on their long drive to see the doctor. The paper relates that Jim realizes he was scared about the doctor and, maybe just a little, about Nancy, as well. The paper then relates that Jim wanted a baby, just not the baby that was now being built piecemeal by his wife.
From the Paper
""I'm fine," Nancy said. She was wearing sunglasses and Jim couldn't be sure if she wasn't looking at him out of the corner of her one eye. "Just keep your eyes on the road, hun'; we don't need an accident." From where he sat, Jim thought he saw the faintest flicker of a smile, but he really couldn't be sure. To be honest, she rarely smiled anymore."
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The Biological Basis for Personality, 2008.
An analysis of the impact of environmental cues on the genetic predisposition of personality development.
2,561 words (approx. 10.2 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 77.95
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Abstract
This paper is based on the premise that personality development is affected by the environmental cues an individual experiences throughout his or her life, within the confines of the genetic predisposition. It analyzes this perspective by focusing on two critical points. It discusses that there is an emerging consensus as to what constitutes the fundamental dimensions of personality traits and it suggests that these traits have a strong biological and evolutionary basis.
From the Paper
"Though it can be difficult to accept from a philosophical perspective, the evidence gleaned from several large twin studies clearly concludes that genetics plays a significant role in determining personality, accounting for roughly two-thirds of all observed personality differences. With such a significant influence, it becomes evidence that the role of the environment is greatly diminished and likely only affects how biological personality traits will express themselves, not which traits will develop. From a practical perspective, this means that clinicians must shift from an environmental control model of treatment to one that more fully addresses the basic biological underpinnings of personality development and personality disorders."
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Delicious Fruits and Natural Seed Dispersers, 2008.
A research paper carried out on an evergreen shrub.
1,015 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper presents a research study carried out on an evergreen shrub belonging to the Rubiaceae family. The hypothesize states that the color of these drupes in relation to the foliage has some significance, either to ecological factors or the fruit-eating animals that carry out seed dispersal. The paper examines various factors related to fruit conspicuousness and refers to similar experiments, but does not produce any conclusive results.
Outline:
Introduction
Method
Results
Discussion
From the Paper
"In order to distinguish the degree of colour difference between the foliage and drupes, a system of quantitative colour analysis must first be developed. Although basing this system upon human colour vision may seem a commonsense idea, it is important to remember that the animals which feed upon Coprosma petriei may have different visual spectrums than humans. If we are to narrow down the ecological and animal-related factors that may influence fruit colouration, it is important to include those light spectrums used by the birds and lizards which commonly consume and disperse this seed. Thus, a proper method of reflectance spectroscopy should be applied to gauge colour variations in the drupes, leaves and bark of Coprosma petriei."
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The Global Food Market, 2008.
This paper explores the issue of excess foods on the market by discussing the world food trade, dumping and biofuels.
1,348 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the problems that arise with the inexpensive foods that flood the market. The paper first explains how the global food trade can have a negative effect on the agriculture in developing countries. The paper then discusses the possibility of using crops for biofuels and examines the benefits and drawbacks of this solution. The paper concludes by stating that just continuing with the situation as usual is not an option.
From the Paper
"The concept of food trade seems such a simple one on its face. All people must eat in order to survive. If people have a surplus of food, it is better than if they have only a subsistence level of food or an insufficient quantity of food, no matter where that food comes from or what type of food is being produced. Inexpensive food is always better; lower prices mean more people spend less on food and quality of life improves all around. Global trade is better for the food trade because it keeps food prices lower. Finally, more land has to be dedicated to food production. All of these things seem simple and true on their faces, but how reliable are these statements?"
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