Problem
statement

Population Dynamics (Muskoka, Ontario)

Fish Species in Muskoka

Common species include lake trout, smallmouth bass, and walleye

Habitat Challenges

Pollution, shoreline development, and climate change reduce available habitats for fish

Predator-Prey Relationships

Overfishing and invasive species (like zebra mussels) disrupt food chains in Muskoka lakes

Metabolic Processes

Cellular Respiration

Fish cells use oxygen to generate ATP through cellular respiration, enabling movement and survival.

Waste Removal

Ammonia, a byproduct of protein metabolism, is excreted through gills.

Energy Use

Fish store energy in glycogen, which is metabolized during activities like swimming or migration.

Biochemistry

Role of Proteins

Fish produce enzymes to break down food into nutrients for energy

Lipids and Membranes

Fish cell membranes are made of fats that help keep their shape and control water movement in aquatic environments

Oxygen Transport

Fish hemoglobin helps carry oxygen so they can breathe, even in water with little oxygen.

Testosterone in Teenage Boys

Behavioral Impact

Affects mood, aggression, and risk-taking behavior, common during adolescence.

Hormone Production

Testosterone is made in the testes and controlled by signals from the brain."

Secondary Sexual Characteristics

Influences muscle growth, deepening of the voice, and development of body hair during puberty.

Molecular Genetics

Evolution

Mutations in DNA drive fish evolution, enabling species to thrive in different ecosystems.

Inheritance

Fish DNA is passed down to offspring, influencing traits like size, color, and survival rates.

Genetic Adaptations

DNA in fish contains genes that allow adaptations to specific environments (e.g., Arctic fish produce antifreeze proteins)

Homeostasis

Temperature Regulation

Fish adapt to water temperature by adjusting metabolic rates

Osmoregulation

Fish maintain salt and water balance through specialized gill cells.

pH Balance

Fish blood contains substances that keep the pH stable, helping enzymes work properly and supporting breathing.