Download Class Notes: (1/21/10)

“In Search of Symbiosis” Session 1 Class Notes (1/21/10) by Maheen Aziz
Introductions:
Briefly introduced ourselves to the rest of the class and stated why we enrolled for this
class and what we what to take away from the course.
What we want out of this course:
1. Making connections (i.e. biological realm and social sciences, policies)
2. More information about Potomac Valley
3. Developing and implementing of research questions and connecting
4. Relevance to waste reduction
5. Taking a step back and looking at the big picture
6. Exposure to current information and stay up to date with subject area
7. Understand key concepts and identify application(s)
8. Learn about symbiosis with a focus on invertebrates (especially insects)
9. Gain vital information
Definitions:
1. What is life?
a. Heredity
b. Reproduction
c. cellular organization
d. growth/development
e. homeostasis
f. metabolism
g. responsiveness
2. What is Symbiosis?
a. Two or more forms that can change relationship by the influence of one or
the other.
Scales Matter!
3. Relationship
Ex. Dragon Flies
a. pattern of interactions; continuous
- 2 competing for food
4. Interactions
- Symbiosis? No, because no
a. one time experience/exchange
continuous relationship
5. Mutualism
Ex. Species – Species
a. Both benefit (+/+)
- can co-evolve
6. Commensalism
Ex. Indirect Symbiosis
a. One benefits (+/0)
- Whale, bird, and food
7. Parasitism
Ex. Big fish eats little fish; no relationship
a. One or the other benefits (+/-)
8. Competition
a. Based on how one effects the other
Ex. Cougar,
i. Predation: negative impact (+/-)
ii. Herbivory: continuous use of resource (+/+)
bear, wolf
Ice Breaker:
1. Four groups, each represents mutualism, commensalism, parasitism, or
competition.
2. Using whiteboards, each group listed examples of relationships and labeled
examples as mutualism, commensalism, parasitism, and competition.
3. Went over each groups list, discussed which relationship is efficient.
- Editable
Website:
- Leave enough time for others to
1. Syllabus
prepare if and when changes are
2. Plans
a. Flexible to meet off campus or virtually
made
3. Glossary
a. Add words with definitions or words you would like defined
4. Links to reference database
5. Grades
a. Posted on blackboard
6. How to use technology
a. Wiki
b. Zotero
c. Skype
Master’s Students:
1. Must attend and be prepared for five classes
2. Contribute to five online blogs/journal entries
3. Sign up to create and lead one presentation (lecture, activity, etc.) of reading
a. 20-30 minutes (presentation + Q&A)in
4. Serve as note-taker for one session, summarizing key creations, lessons, outcomes
PhD Students
1. Must attend and be prepared for ten classes
2. Contribute to ten online blogs/journal entries
3. Sign up to create and lead two presentations (lecture, activity, etc.) of reading
a. 20-30 minutes (presentation + Q&A)
End Product:
1. Put together a project that will go public via the web and presented on the last day
of class to attendees.
Homework:
1. Must read Lawrey (2009) – distributed during class
2. Readings; blog/entry on one of the listed readings OR add a relevant reading (and
add to zotero)
Next Class:
1. Guest Speaker – Dr. Lawrey (Lichens)
2. Potomac River Valley overview
3. Discussion of photobionts (roles)
4. Troubleshooting electronic tools
5. Go over on third class