Tutor profile: Jessica P.

What are some possible explanations for the various colorations found in the animal kingdom? Why are some animals/insects brightly colored? Why are some dull/natural colored?

The animal kingdom is full of a wide variety of coloration on animals/insects and each one has evolutionary-driven reason. Brightly colored animals can often be indicators of a potential poisonous or venomous animal, which warns predators away. Because of this, some brightly colored animals/insects are using mimicry, so they are brightly colored to avoid being preyed upon. Another common reason for bright coloration is to attract mates. Dull or natural coloration could be used by animals/insects to blend in with their environments to avoid predators. Many tree-dwelling insects have a natural coloration to evade predators.

Briefly explain why sinuosity of a waterway is ecologically important.

The biggest ecological advantage to sinuosity in a waterway is that it allows for natural bank development. Straight channel waterways are typically deep and lack any embankment structure which impacts diversity as well as ecological function. In a sinuous waterway, the bank structure allows for a natural floodplain as well as specific vegetation that has the potential to provide functions such as buffering pollution and/or salt from the water.

Briefly describe the purpose of PCR and what information could be gained from the process.

PCR uses specifically designed primers to tag and isolate targeted DNA which is then amplified. The amplified DNA can be visualized using a technique such as gel electrophoresis. This process can allow us to easily "measure" and compare gene expression. At its core, PCR is a scientific utility that allows for multiple biological applications.