Natural selection is a fundamental mechanism of evolution introduced by Charles Darwin. It explains how species adapt to their environments over time, leading to the diversity of life observed today. Understanding natural selection is crucial for students in the IB MYP 4-5 Science curriculum, as it lays the groundwork for further studies in genetics, evolution, and biology.

Key Concepts

Definition of Natural Selection

Natural selection is the process by which heritable traits increase an organism's chances of survival and reproduction. Individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to pass these traits to the next generation, leading to evolutionary changes in the population over time. This mechanism drives the adaptation of species to their environments.

Historical Background

The concept of natural selection was first articulated by Charles Darwin in his seminal work, "On the Origin of Species" (1859). Darwin proposed that natural selection is the primary engine of evolution, where environmental pressures result in the differential survival and reproduction of individuals with favorable traits.

Mechanisms of Natural Selection

Natural selection operates through several key mechanisms:

Variation: Within any population, individuals exhibit variations in their traits, such as size, color, or resistance to disease. These variations can be genetic or influenced by environmental factors.
Inheritance: Traits that confer a survival or reproductive advantage are heritable, meaning they can be passed down from parents to offspring through genes.
Differential Survival and Reproduction: Individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, thereby increasing the frequency of those traits in the population.
Adaptation: Over generations, the accumulation of advantageous traits leads to the adaptation of the population to its environment.

Types of Natural Selection

Natural selection can occur in various forms, each influencing the direction of evolution differently:

Stabilizing Selection: Favors the average individuals in a population, reducing variation and maintaining the status quo. For example, human birth weights demonstrate stabilizing selection, where both very low and very high birth weights are selected against.
Directional Selection: Favors one extreme phenotype over others, causing a shift in the population's trait distribution. An example is the evolution of longer necks in giraffes to reach higher foliage.
Disruptive Selection: Favors individuals at both extremes of the trait spectrum, potentially leading to speciation. This can occur in environments where diverse resources are available, supporting multiple distinct traits.

Examples of Natural Selection

Natural selection is observable in numerous real-world scenarios:

Peppered Moth (Biston betularia): During the Industrial Revolution in England, soot-darkened trees provided camouflage for darker-colored peppered moths against predators. As pollution levels decreased, lighter-colored moths became more prevalent again.
Antibiotic Resistance: Bacteria can develop resistance to antibiotics through natural selection. Individuals with mutations that confer resistance survive antibiotic treatment and reproduce, spreading the resistant traits.
Galápagos Finches: Darwin’s finches exhibit a variety of beak shapes adapted to different food sources on the islands, demonstrating how natural selection drives diversification.

Genetic Variation and Mutation

Genetic variation is the raw material for natural selection. Mutations, which are random changes in DNA sequences, introduce new alleles into a population. While many mutations are neutral or harmful, some confer a beneficial advantage that natural selection can act upon. For example, a mutation that provides resistance to a virus can spread through a population if it enhances survival.

Role of Environment in Natural Selection

The environment plays a critical role in shaping natural selection. Environmental factors such as climate, predators, availability of food, and diseases create selective pressures that influence which traits are advantageous. Changes in the environment can alter the direction of natural selection, leading to new adaptations or even speciation.

Fitness in Natural Selection

Fitness in the context of natural selection refers to an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment. High fitness means that an organism is better suited to its environment and has a higher probability of passing on its genes. Fitness is relative and can vary depending on environmental conditions and interactions with other organisms.

Sexual Selection

Sexual selection is a subset of natural selection focusing on an organism's ability to obtain a mate. Traits that enhance mating success, such as elaborate plumage in birds or large antlers in deer, may evolve even if they do not directly contribute to survival. Sexual selection can lead to pronounced differences between males and females of a species.

Speciation through Natural Selection

Speciation is the process by which new species arise from existing ones. Natural selection contributes to speciation by promoting genetic divergence between populations. When populations are separated geographically or ecologically, different selective pressures can lead to the development of distinct traits, eventually resulting in the formation of new species.

Evidence Supporting Natural Selection

Multiple lines of evidence support the theory of natural selection:

Fossil Record: Fossils show gradual changes in species over time, indicating evolutionary transitions.
Comparative Anatomy: Similarities in the anatomical structures of different species suggest common ancestry and divergent evolution.
Genetic Evidence: DNA analysis reveals genetic similarities and variations that underpin evolutionary relationships.
Biogeography: The distribution of species across different geographical regions aligns with patterns predicted by natural selection.
Observed Evolutionary Changes: Direct observations of evolutionary changes in populations, such as antibiotic resistance in bacteria, provide real-time evidence of natural selection.

The Modern Synthesis

The modern synthesis integrates natural selection with genetics, forming a comprehensive framework for understanding evolution. It combines Mendelian genetics with Darwinian selection, emphasizing the role of genetic variation, mutation, and recombination in evolutionary processes. This synthesis underscores that natural selection operates on heritable genetic traits, shaping the genetic structure of populations over time.

Mathematical Models of Natural Selection

Mathematical models help in understanding and predicting the dynamics of natural selection. One fundamental equation is the Hardy-Weinberg principle, which provides a baseline for studying genetic variation: $$ p^2 + 2pq + q^2 = 1 $$ Where:

$p$ = frequency of the dominant allele
$q$ = frequency of the recessive allele
$p^2$ = frequency of the homozygous dominant genotype
$2pq$ = frequency of the heterozygous genotype
$q^2$ = frequency of the homozygous recessive genotype

Natural selection can alter allele frequencies over generations, deviating from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Another important model is the **Fitness Landscape**, which visualizes the relationship between genotypes and reproductive success. Peaks represent high fitness, while valleys indicate low fitness. Populations evolve by moving towards higher fitness peaks through natural selection.

Natural Selection vs. Artificial Selection

While natural selection occurs without human intervention, artificial selection is driven by human preferences. Both processes influence the traits of populations, but they differ in their selective pressures and intended outcomes.

Comparison Table

Aspect	Natural Selection	Artificial Selection
Definition	The process by which environmental pressures lead to the survival and reproduction of individuals with advantageous traits.	The intentional breeding of organisms by humans to promote desirable traits.
Selective Pressure	Environmental factors such as climate, predators, and food availability.	Human preferences and breeding goals.
Outcome	Adaptations that increase fitness in a natural environment.	Specific traits chosen by humans, which may not necessarily increase fitness in the wild.
Examples	Evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacteria, Camouflage in peppered moths.	Breed of dogs, domesticated crops like corn and wheat.
Timescale	Occurs over long periods, often thousands of years.	Can produce noticeable changes in relatively short timeframes, such as a few generations.

Summary and Key Takeaways

Natural selection is a key mechanism of evolution, driving adaptation and diversity.
It operates through variation, inheritance, differential survival, and reproduction.
Different types of natural selection (stabilizing, directional, disruptive) influence trait distributions.
Environmental factors are crucial in shaping the direction of natural selection.
Evidence from fossils, genetics, and observed changes supports the theory of natural selection.
Understanding natural selection is essential for grasping broader concepts in genetics and evolution.

Examiner Tip

Tips

• **Mnemonic for Mechanisms:** Remember "V.I.D.A." - Variation, Inheritance, Differential survival, Adaptation.

• **Visual Aids:** Use diagrams like the Fitness Landscape to visualize how populations evolve over time.

• **Relate to Current Events:** Connect concepts to real-world scenarios, such as antibiotic resistance, to reinforce understanding.

Did You Know

1. The Galápagos finches that inspired Darwin's theory have evolved into 15 distinct species, each adapted to different food sources on the islands.

2. The peppered moth's color variation is a classic example of natural selection in action, demonstrating how environmental changes can rapidly influence species traits.

3. Antibiotic resistance in bacteria evolves faster than we can develop new antibiotics, posing significant challenges for modern medicine.

Common Mistakes

1. **Confusing Natural and Artificial Selection:** Students often mix up the two, forgetting that natural selection is driven by environmental factors while artificial selection is human-directed.

2. **Overlooking Genetic Variation:** Some fail to recognize that without genetic variation, natural selection cannot occur effectively.

3. **Misunderstanding Fitness:** Equating fitness solely with physical strength instead of its broader definition related to survival and reproductive success.

FAQ

What is the main difference between natural selection and artificial selection?

Natural selection occurs without human intervention, driven by environmental factors, whereas artificial selection is intentionally guided by humans to enhance desired traits.

Can natural selection lead to the creation of new species?

Yes, over long periods, natural selection can cause populations to diverge significantly, leading to the emergence of new species through the process of speciation.

What role do mutations play in natural selection?

Mutations introduce new genetic variations into a population. Some mutations may confer advantages that natural selection can act upon, increasing the frequency of beneficial traits.

How does environmental change affect natural selection?

Environmental changes can alter the selective pressures on a population, leading to shifts in trait frequencies as different traits become more or less advantageous.

Is natural selection the only mechanism of evolution?

No, other mechanisms such as genetic drift, gene flow, and mutation also contribute to the evolution of species alongside natural selection.

How does sexual selection differ from natural selection?

Sexual selection specifically focuses on traits that enhance an organism’s chances of mating, which may not directly relate to survival, whereas natural selection encompasses all traits that improve overall fitness.

1. Electricity and Magnetism

1.1 Magnetic Fields and Electromagnetism

1.1.1 Magnetic Field Around a Bar Magnet

1.1.2 Field Lines Around Currents and Solenoids

1.1.3 Right-Hand Rule and Magnetic Direction

1.1.4 Strengthening Electromagnets

1.1.5 Uses of Electromagnets in Real Life

1.2 Everyday Applications and Safety

1.2.1 Electric Fuses and Circuit Breakers

1.2.2 Earth Wires and Electrical Grounding

1.2.3 Dangers of Overloading and Short Circuits

1.2.4 Household Wiring and Power Ratings

1.2.5 Electricity Safety Rules and First Aid

1.3 Static and Current Electricity

1.3.1 Understanding Static Charge and Discharge

1.3.2 Charging by Friction, Induction, and Conduction

1.3.3 Electric Field Concepts (Introductory)

1.3.4 Hazards and Uses of Static Electricity

1.3.5 Comparison Between Static and Current Electricity

1.4 Series and Parallel Circuits

1.4.1 Constructing Simple Electrical Circuits

1.4.2 Current and Voltage in Series Circuits

1.4.3 Current and Voltage in Parallel Circuits

1.4.4 Advantages and Applications of Each Type

1.4.5 Measuring Current and Voltage with Ammeters and Voltmeters

1.5 Resistance, Voltage, and Current

1.5.1 Ohm’s Law: V = IR

1.5.2 Factors Affecting Resistance

1.5.3 Graphing V-I Characteristics for Resistors and Bulbs

1.5.4 Calculating Resistance in Series and Parallel

1.5.5 Practical Circuits and Energy Consumption

2. Human Body Systems

2.1 Immune System and Diseases

2.1.1 Components of the Immune System

2.1.2 First and Second Line of Defense

2.1.3 Vaccination and Immunity

2.1.4 Pathogens: Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi, and Parasites

2.1.5 Antibiotics, Resistance, and Public Health

2.2 Homeostasis and Regulation

2.2.1 Definition and Importance of Homeostasis

2.2.2 Negative Feedback Mechanisms

2.2.3 Regulation of Body Temperature

2.2.4 Control of Blood Glucose Levels

2.2.5 Disruption of Homeostasis and Disease

2.3 Circulatory and Respiratory Systems

2.3.1 Structure and Function of the Heart

2.3.2 Blood Vessels: Arteries, Veins, Capillaries

2.3.3 Components and Functions of Blood

2.3.4 Structure and Function of the Lungs

2.3.5 Gas Exchange and Role of Alveoli

2.4 Digestive and Excretory Systems

2.4.1 Organs of the Digestive Tract and Their Functions

2.4.2 Mechanical vs Chemical Digestion

2.4.3 Role of Enzymes in Digestion

2.4.4 Absorption in the Small Intestine and Villi

2.4.5 Structure and Function of Kidneys and Nephrons

2.5 Nervous and Endocrine Systems

2.5.1 Structure and Function of the Nervous System

2.5.2 Reflex Arcs and Response to Stimuli

2.5.3 Central and Peripheral Nervous System

2.5.4 Hormones and Their Functions

2.5.5 Comparing Nervous and Hormonal Control

3. Forces and Motion

3.1 Mass, Weight, and Gravity

3.1.1 Distinguishing Mass from Weight

3.1.2 Calculating Weight Using W = mg

3.1.3 Gravitational Field Strength on Earth and Other Planets

3.1.4 Free Fall and the Effect of Gravity

3.1.5 Weightlessness and Orbiting Objects

3.2 Friction, Air Resistance, and Terminal Velocity

3.2.1 Friction: Causes, Effects, and Reduction

3.2.2 Air Resistance and Streamlining

3.2.3 Terminal Velocity in Free Fall

3.2.4 Benefits and Drawbacks of Friction

3.2.5 Applications in Engineering and Sports

3.3 Types of Forces and Newton’s Laws

3.3.1 Types of Forces: Contact and Non-Contact

3.3.2 Newton’s First Law: Inertia and Balanced Forces

3.3.3 Newton’s Second Law: F = ma

3.3.4 Newton’s Third Law: Action and Reaction Pairs

3.3.5 Force Diagrams and Vector Representation

3.4 Balanced vs Unbalanced Forces

3.4.1 Identifying Balanced and Unbalanced Force Scenarios

3.4.2 Motion of Objects Under Balanced Forces

3.4.3 Effect of Unbalanced Forces on Motion

3.4.4 Calculating Net Force in One and Two Dimensions

3.4.5 Friction and Its Role in Balance

3.5 Motion Graphs: Distance-Time and Speed-Time

3.5.1 Interpreting Distance-Time Graphs

3.5.2 Calculating Speed from a Graph

3.5.3 Interpreting Speed-Time Graphs

3.5.4 Calculating Acceleration and Area Under Graphs

3.5.5 Describing Motion Qualitatively and Quantitatively

4. Acids, Bases, and Salts

4.1 Making and Testing Salts

4.1.1 Preparing Soluble Salts Using Different Methods

4.1.2 Using Acid + Base, Acid + Metal, Acid + Carbonate Reactions

4.1.3 Filtering, Crystallizing, and Drying a Salt

4.1.4 Testing Salts for Solubility and Identity

4.1.5 Understanding Solubility Rules for Salts

4.2 Applications of Acids and Bases

4.2.1 Acids in Industry: Cleaning, Fertilizers, Battery Acid

4.2.2 Bases in Everyday Products: Soap, Toothpaste, Drain Cleaners

4.2.3 Role of Acids and Bases in Environmental Chemistry

4.2.4 pH Control in Agriculture and Swimming Pools

4.2.5 Safety and Storage of Corrosive Substances

4.3 Properties of Acids and Bases

4.3.1 Physical and Chemical Properties of Acids

4.3.2 Physical and Chemical Properties of Bases

4.3.3 Common Examples and Uses of Acids and Bases

4.3.4 Laboratory Safety When Handling Acids and Bases

4.3.5 Conductivity of Acidic and Basic Solutions

4.4 pH Scale and Indicators

4.4.1 Understanding the pH Scale (0–14)

4.4.2 Using Litmus, Universal, and Natural Indicators

4.4.3 Strong vs Weak Acids and Bases (Conceptual)

4.4.4 Measuring pH Using Electronic and Paper Meters

4.4.5 Everyday Substances and Their pH Values

4.5 Neutralization Reactions

4.5.1 Definition and Real-Life Examples of Neutralization

4.5.2 Word and Symbol Equations for Neutralization

4.5.3 pH Changes During Neutralization

4.5.4 Applications: Indigestion, Agriculture, Waste Treatment

4.5.5 Heat Changes During Neutralization (Intro to Enthalpy)

5. Genetics and Reproduction

5.1 Variation and Selective Breeding

5.1.1 Sources of Genetic and Environmental Variation

5.1.2 Continuous vs Discontinuous Variation

5.1.3 Artificial Selection in Plants and Animals

5.1.4 Benefits and Risks of Selective Breeding

5.1.5 Natural Selection (Introductory Concept)

5.2 Ethical Issues in Genetics

5.2.1 Genetic Testing and Screening

5.2.2 Genetic Modification and GM Crops

5.2.3 Cloning and Its Controversies

5.2.4 Privacy, Consent, and Use of Genetic Data

5.2.5 Balancing Scientific Progress and Ethics

5.3 DNA Structure and Genetic Inheritance

5.3.1 Structure and Components of DNA

5.3.2 Chromosomes, Genes, and Nucleotides

5.3.3 How DNA Codes for Proteins (Introductory)

5.3.4 Human Genome and Genetic Information

5.3.5 Replication and Genetic Consistency

5.4 Dominant, Recessive, and Co-Dominant Traits

5.4.1 Understanding Dominant and Recessive Alleles

5.4.2 Phenotype vs Genotype

5.4.3 Punnett Squares and Genetic Crosses

5.4.4 Examples of Inherited Traits in Humans

5.4.5 Incomplete and Co-Dominance (Introductory)

5.5 Punnett Squares and Genetic Diagrams

5.5.1 Constructing and Interpreting Punnett Squares

5.5.2 Monohybrid Crosses

5.5.3 Probability and Ratios of Offspring

5.5.4 Predicting Carrier and Affected Individuals

5.5.5 Limitations and Assumptions of Punnett Models

6. Scientific Inquiry and Skills

6.1 Graphing and Data Analysis

6.1.1 Choosing Appropriate Graph Types

6.1.2 Labeling Axes and Using Scale Accurately

6.1.3 Interpreting Line Graphs, Bar Charts, and Pie Charts

6.1.4 Finding Trends and Patterns in Graphs

6.1.5 Using Graphs to Make Predictions

6.2 Evaluating Results and Drawing Conclusions

6.2.1 Analyzing Data to Support or Reject Hypothesis

6.2.2 Sources of Error and How to Reduce Them

6.2.3 Improving Experimental Design

6.2.4 Reliability, Validity, and Repetition

6.2.5 Communicating Scientific Findings Effectively

6.3 Scientific Method and Experimental Design

6.3.1 Steps of the Scientific Method

6.3.2 Formulating Testable Hypotheses

6.3.3 Designing Fair and Controlled Experiments

6.3.4 Variables: Independent, Dependent, Controlled

6.3.5 Distinguishing Between Theory, Law, and Hypothesis

6.4 Measurement, Units, and SI Conventions

6.4.1 SI Base Units and Derived Units

6.4.2 Using Prefixes: milli-, centi-, kilo-

6.4.3 Accuracy, Precision, and Significant Figures

6.4.4 Instrument Selection and Measurement Techniques

6.4.5 Errors and Uncertainty in Measurements

6.5 Data Collection and Recording Techniques

6.5.1 Creating Effective Data Tables

6.5.2 Recording Observations vs Inferences

6.5.3 Use of Tally Marks, Frequency, and Time Logs

6.5.4 Recording Qualitative and Quantitative Data

6.5.5 Safety and Ethical Considerations in Data Gathering

7. Energy and Work

7.1 Heat Transfer: Conduction, Convection, Radiation

7.1.1 Conduction in Solids and Thermal Conductors

7.1.2 Convection in Liquids and Gases

7.1.3 Radiation and Emission of Infrared Energy

7.1.4 Comparing All Three Modes of Heat Transfer

7.1.5 Insulation Techniques and Practical Applications

7.2 Energy Transformations in Real-World Devices

7.2.1 Energy Changes in Light Bulbs, Motors, and Toasters

7.2.2 Energy in Food Chains and the Human Body

7.2.3 Battery to Mechanical Energy Conversion

7.2.4 Identifying Input and Output Energy Forms

7.2.5 Designing Energy-Efficient Systems

7.3 Forms and Conservation of Energy

7.3.1 Different Forms of Energy: Kinetic, Potential, Thermal, etc.

7.3.2 Energy Transformations and Real-Life Examples

7.3.3 Law of Conservation of Energy

7.3.4 Energy Flow in Systems

7.3.5 Useful vs Wasted Energy and Sankey Diagrams

7.4 Work, Power, and Efficiency

7.4.1 Definition and Formula for Work Done

7.4.2 Calculating Power and Energy Transfer Rate

7.4.3 Efficiency = Useful Output / Total Input × 100

7.4.4 Units: Joules, Watts, and Their Conversions

7.4.5 Improving Efficiency in Machines and Devices

7.5 Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources

7.5.1 Types of Renewable Energy Sources

7.5.2 Fossil Fuels and Their Environmental Impact

7.5.3 Advantages and Disadvantages of Energy Resources

7.5.4 Energy Resource Comparison Chart

7.5.5 Global Energy Use and Sustainability

8. Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table

8.1 Periodic Table: Groups and Periods

8.1.1 Structure and Organization of the Periodic Table

8.1.2 Metals, Non-Metals, and Metalloids

8.1.3 Identifying Groups, Periods, and Atomic Number

8.1.4 Group 1: Alkali Metals

8.1.5 Group 17: Halogens and Group 18: Noble Gases

8.2 Periodic Trends and Element Properties

8.2.1 Trends in Reactivity Down Groups

8.2.2 Trends in Atomic Radius, Ionization Energy

8.2.3 Electronegativity Across Periods

8.2.4 Chemical Properties Based on Position

8.2.5 Predicting Properties of Unknown Elements

8.3 Structure of the Atom

8.3.1 Subatomic Particles: Protons, Neutrons, Electrons

8.3.2 Atomic Number, Mass Number, and Nuclear Symbol

8.3.3 Structure of the Nucleus and Electron Shells

8.3.4 Charge and Mass of Subatomic Particles

8.3.5 Development of Atomic Models (Dalton to Bohr)

8.4 Isotopes and Relative Atomic Mass

8.4.1 Definition and Examples of Isotopes

8.4.2 Calculating Relative Atomic Mass (RAM)

8.4.3 Uses of Isotopes in Medicine and Industry

8.4.4 Stability of Isotopes and Radioactivity (Intro)

8.4.5 Representing Isotopes with Notation

8.5 Electronic Configuration and Shell Model

8.5.1 Understanding Electron Shells

8.5.2 Electron Configuration Notation

8.5.3 Rules for Filling Electron Shells

8.5.4 Electronic Configuration of Ions (Intro)

8.5.5 Relating Configuration to Reactivity

9. Ecology and Environment

9.1 Biodiversity and Conservation

9.1.1 Importance of Biodiversity in Ecosystems

9.1.2 Threats to Biodiversity: Habitat Loss, Pollution, Climate Change

9.1.3 Endangered Species and Extinction

9.1.4 Conservation Strategies and Protected Areas

9.1.5 International Agreements on Conservation

9.2 Human Impact and Climate Change

9.2.1 Greenhouse Gases and Global Warming

9.2.2 Carbon Cycle and Human Disruption

9.2.3 Deforestation, Urbanization, and Land Use

9.2.4 Sustainable Practices and Renewable Energy

9.2.5 Climate Action and Global Citizenship

9.3 Ecosystems and Trophic Levels

9.3.1 Definition and Components of an Ecosystem

9.3.2 Producers, Consumers, and Decomposers

9.3.3 Trophic Levels and Energy Transfer

9.3.4 Biomass Pyramids and Energy Pyramids

9.3.5 Limiting Factors and Ecosystem Stability

9.4 Biotic and Abiotic Factors

9.4.1 Definition and Examples of Abiotic Factors

9.4.2 How Biotic Factors Influence Population Size

9.4.3 Adaptations to Environmental Conditions

9.4.4 Interdependence in Communities

9.4.5 Ecosystem Changes Due to Natural and Human Causes

9.5 Food Webs, Pyramids, and Energy Flow

9.5.1 Constructing and Analyzing Food Webs

9.5.2 Energy Loss at Each Trophic Level

9.5.3 Bioaccumulation and Toxins

9.5.4 Ecological Efficiency and Energy Flow

9.5.5 Disruption of Food Webs

10. Cells and Biological Processes

10.1 Enzymes and Metabolism

10.1.1 Structure and Function of Enzymes

10.1.2 Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity

10.1.3 Enzyme Specificity and Active Site

10.1.4 Denaturation and pH/Temperature Effects

10.1.5 Role of Enzymes in Digestion and Respiration

10.2 Energy in Cells: Respiration and Photosynthesis

10.2.1 Word and Symbol Equations for Respiration

10.2.2 Aerobic vs Anaerobic Respiration

10.2.3 Photosynthesis Equation and Factors

10.2.4 Leaf Structure and Adaptations for Photosynthesis

10.2.5 Interdependence of Photosynthesis and Respiration

10.3 Cell Structure and Microscopy

10.3.1 Structure and Function of Animal and Plant Cells

10.3.2 Specialized Cells and Their Adaptations

10.3.3 Differences Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

10.3.4 Using Light Microscopes and Staining Techniques

10.3.5 Calculating Magnification and Image Size

10.4 Cell Division: Mitosis and Meiosis

10.4.1 Cell Cycle and Mitosis

10.4.2 Functions of Mitosis in Growth and Repair

10.4.3 Introduction to Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction

10.4.4 Comparison of Mitosis and Meiosis

10.4.5 Chromosome Behavior and Genetic Continuity

10.5 Diffusion, Osmosis, and Active Transport

10.5.1 Definition and Examples of Diffusion

10.5.2 Factors Affecting Rate of Diffusion

10.5.3 Osmosis in Cells and Living Systems

10.5.4 Active Transport and Energy Requirement

10.5.5 Importance of Transport in Organisms

11. Chemical Reactions and Bonding

11.1 Types of Reactions

11.1.1 Combination and Decomposition Reactions

11.1.2 Single and Double Displacement Reactions

11.1.3 Combustion Reactions (Complete and Incomplete)

11.1.4 Precipitation and Gas Formation Reactions

11.1.5 Observing Chemical Change: Color, Gas, Temperature, Precipitate

11.2 Reactivity Series and Reaction Predictions

11.2.1 Reactivity of Metals with Water, Acid, and Oxygen

11.2.2 The Reactivity Series of Metals

11.2.3 Displacement Reactions Using Metals

11.2.4 Predicting Products Based on Reactivity

11.2.5 Applications of Reactivity in Industry and Everyday Life

11.3 Ionic, Covalent, and Metallic Bonding

11.3.1 Ions and Formation of Ionic Bonds

11.3.2 Properties of Ionic Compounds

11.3.3 Formation and Diagrams of Covalent Bonds

11.3.4 Properties of Covalent Compounds

11.3.5 Structure and Properties of Metallic Bonds

11.4 Chemical Formulas and Equations

11.4.1 Writing Chemical Formulas of Compounds

11.4.2 Word Equations and Symbol Equations

11.4.3 State Symbols in Chemical Reactions

11.4.4 Identifying Reactants and Products

11.4.5 Introduction to Moles and Formula Mass (Optional Extension)

11.5 Balancing Equations and Conservation of Mass

11.5.1 Law of Conservation of Mass

11.5.2 Balancing Simple Chemical Equations

11.5.3 Balancing Complex Reactions with Polyatomic Ions

11.5.4 Mass Changes in Closed and Open Systems

11.5.5 Predicting Products Using Balanced Equations

12. Waves, Sound, and Light

12.1 Electromagnetic Spectrum and Its Uses

12.1.1 Order and Properties of EM Waves

12.1.2 Visible Light and Color Dispersion

12.1.3 Uses of EM Waves: Radio, Microwaves, Infrared, Ultraviolet, X-rays, Gamma Rays

12.1.4 Dangers and Precautions of EM Radiation

12.1.5 Comparing EM Waves: Speed, Wavelength, Frequency

12.2 Light in Communication and Technology

12.2.1 Fiber Optics and Total Internal Reflection

12.2.2 Lasers and Optical Devices

12.2.3 Wave Transmission in Phones and Satellites

12.2.4 Digital vs Analog Signals (Introductory)

12.2.5 Applications of Light and Sound in Modern Tech

12.3 Wave Properties and Types

12.3.1 Definition and Examples of Waves

12.3.2 Transverse vs Longitudinal Waves

12.3.3 Wave Parameters: Wavelength, Frequency, Amplitude

12.3.4 Speed of a Wave: v = fλ

12.3.5 Identifying Crest, Trough, Compression, and Rarefaction

12.4 Sound Waves and Their Behavior

12.4.1 Production and Transmission of Sound

12.4.2 Speed of Sound in Solids, Liquids, and Gases

12.4.3 Echoes, Reflections, and Absorption of Sound

12.4.4 Pitch, Loudness, and Frequency Relationship

12.4.5 Applications: Sonar, Ultrasound, and Musical Instruments

12.5 Reflection and Refraction of Light

12.5.1 Laws of Reflection

12.5.2 Plane, Concave, and Convex Mirrors

12.5.3 Refraction Through Glass Blocks and Water

12.5.4 Lenses: Converging and Diverging (Introductory)

12.5.5 Ray Diagrams and Image Formation Basics

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Natural Selection (Introductory Concept)

Introduction