Classification of Living Things: Definition, Examples, and Practice

For centuries, there were only two ways to classify living things; either as a plant or an animal. Today, thanks to the classification of living things, we can gain a better understanding of all living organisms. Learn more about the classification of living things and some tips for remembering the classification.

Classification of Living Things: Definition, Examples, and Practice

From an early age, we all learned the difference between plants and animals, and it probably wasn’t until a few years later when we learned that there are different types of animals and plants; even though they share some similarities, they are entirely different.

Centuries ago, living things were classified as either plants or animals. Today, the classification of living things helps us gain a better understanding of the world we live in, our relation to living things, and understanding Biology better overall. Let’s take a closer look at the classification, a little bit of its history, and some tips for learning how to use it when exploring a living organism.

What Is The Classification Of Living Things?

You might already know a little about the classification of living things, which is also referred to as taxonomy. Many students learn the basics of taxonomy in elementary school, but unless you spend a lot of time focused on Biology, the details may have become a bit fuzzy over the years.

Classification of all living things got its start with Swedish Botanist, Carl Linnaeus. Due to his interest in plants and animals, his first classification guide, Systema Naturae, was published in 1735.

Linnaeus, who is often considered to be the “Father of Taxonomy,” and his classification system is still in use today. While the classification system continues to grow, Linnaeus will always remain an integral part of how we name, rank, and classify plants and animals.

The classification system starts out by sorting living organisms into groups based on basic and shared characteristics (such as a plant or animal). Then each group is broken down further into more specific classifications; it might be helpful to think of a classification system like a family tree.

Next, we’ll take a closer look at the eight levels of the taxonomy, depending on your resource, you may see seven levels discussed.

Domain

The first or top level of the classification system is the domain. A domain has the most number of individuals in the group since it’s the broadest level. The domain level helps to distinguish between cell types. Currently, there are three types of domains, which include Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

Kingdom

Kingdoms are levels which are broken down from the domains. There are six kingdoms which include Eubacteria, Archaebacteria, Plantae, Animalia, Fungi, and Protista. While kingdoms are a little more specific, it should still be relatively easy to categorize a living organism based on the kingdom.

The Plantae Kingdom is broken down even further to include divisions. The following divisions include:

Bryophyta: mosses, liverworts, and hornworts
Psilotophyta: whisk ferns
Lycophyta: club mosses and quillworts
Sphenophyta: horsetails
Polypodiophyta: ferns
Coniferophyta: pines, spruces, redwoods
Ginkgophyta: ginkgoes
Cycadophyta: cycads
Gnetophyta: gnetophytes
Magnoliophyta: flowering plants

Learning the kingdoms can be a little tricky, and if you don’t get the kingdoms right from the beginning, you may have a difficult time classifying something correctly. Check out this checklist for figuring out which kingdom that an organism belongs to.

Phylum

The phylum is the next level in the classification system and is used to group living organisms together based on some common features. A good example to consider is when you sort your laundry by items of clothes. Your socks aren’t all the same, you most likely group them together and put them in the same dresser drawer.

Consider the animal kingdom, there is a phylum group called “chordates,” and it refers to all animals with a spinal column. As humans, we are also part of the chordate phylum. Like the Plantae Kingdom, phyla is broken down into divisions:

Porifera: sponges
Coelenterata: jellyfish, hydras, and corals
Platyhelminthes: flatworms
Nematoda: roundworms
Annelida: segmented worms
Arthropoda: arthropods like insects
Mollusca: mollusks like clams
Echinodermata: sea urchins
Chordata: chordates

Class

The class level is another way to group together organisms that are alike, but it becomes even more specific than phylum. There are more than 100 classes, but some of the more common ones that you’ll likely use on a regular basis in Biology class includes the vertebrates, invertebrates, dicots, or monocots.

Order

As you might guess, the order is just another way to break down the class of plants and animals. Think of it as “refining your search.” Some orders include carnivores, primates, rodents, fagales, and pinales.

Family

The next level in the classification of living organisms is categorized much like the group of people that we call family. We are all different, but we share enough similarities that we belong in the same family; the same applies to all living things.

Genus

The genus is the first part of a living thing’s scientific name, also known as binomial nomenclature. Let’s look at lions and tigers, for example, the scientific name for a lion is Panthera leo, and the tiger is Panthera tigris; Panthera is the genus.

Species

The species is the final and most specific level of the classification system. The best way to describe a species is a group of organisms that are best suited for breeding healthy offspring, which can also continue to reproduce.

Some Examples of Classification

Classifying living things takes a lot of practice, and while it may take you a long time to familiarize yourself with the scientific names in a domain or phylum, it’s best to learn and memorize the levels of classification as soon as you can. Forgetting about the phylum or order can make the classification process even more difficult.

Many people use a mnemonic device to remember the order of the levels of taxonomy. Some people use “Dear King Phillip Came Over For Good Soup,” but you can come up with whatever and works best for you.

Let’s take a look at a few in-depth examples. We’ll start out by classifying humans.

Classification of Humans

The Domain is Eukarya because we have a nucleus and organelles. The Kingdom is Animalia because we ingest food, are multicellular, and have no cell walls. The Phylum is Chordata because we have spinal cords (our subphylum is vertebrata because we have a segmented backbone).

The Class is Mammalia because we nurse our offspring and the Order is Primates due to our higher level of intelligence. The Family is Hominidae because we are bipedal (walk upright). The Genus is Homo for Human, and the Species is H. sapiens, which means modern human.

The result is Homo Sapiens, which as we all know translates to today’s human beings.

Classification of a Fruit Fly

Everyone will agree that fruit flies can be a nuisance, but they can be a fascinating organism to study. Here’s how we can classify a fruit fly.

The Domain is Eukarya because it has a nucleus and organelles. The Kingdom is Animalia because it ingests food, is multicellular, and has no cell wall. The Phylum is Arthropoda due to the hard exoskeleton, paired legs, and a segmented body. The Class is Insecta because it is terrestrial, has six legs, and antennae. The Order is Diptera due to having two-wings.

The Family is Drosophilidae, the Genus is Drosophila, Species is D. melanogaster; also known as the common fruit fly. As you looked at the different levels of classification, can you see where we’re related to the annoying and small insect?

Classification of a Maple Tree

We can get syrup from a maple tree, and it has stunning foliage in the fall, but you probably haven’t thought much beyond that. Here’s the classification of a red maple tree.

The Domain is Eukarya because it has a nucleus and organelles and the Kingdom is Plantae since it makes its own food and has a multicellular cell wall. Immediately, we can see that a maple is nothing like a human.

The Phylum is Tracheophyta due to the tissue-level organization, and the Class is Angiospermae because it flowers. The Order is Sapindales because it produces sap and the Family is Aceraceae. The Genus is Acer, the Species is A. rubrum, and we end up with a red maple.

Classification of a Dandelion

People either love or hate dandelions but like other organisms, they are a living thing, and they have a complex level of classification. Let’s see if you can guess the Domain, Kingdom, and Phylum. Did you guess Eukarya, Plantae, and Angiosperms? Then, you’re right.

The Class is Magnoliopsida, the Order is Asterales, Family is Asteraceae, the Genus is Taraxacum, and the Species is T. officinale; your result is the dandelion.

The more time you spend classifying living things, the easier it becomes, and even in these quick examples, you probably started to see some similarities.

Works Cited Page Example for MLA, APA, Chicago, and More

Whether you’re writing a research paper for Biology class or putting together a presentation, it’s important to do your research and cite your sources. Never know which works cited style to use? Learn more about MLA, APA, Chicago, and other helpful hints.

Works Cited Page Example for MLA, APA, Chicago, and More

Research projects are a lot of work, but it’s worth all the hard work when your instructor gives you rave reviews, and you’ve earned top marks. You’re able to be successful on your research paper or presentation because you spent time reading dozens of articles and journals written by scholars and scientist.

Since they spent years of research to provide you with essential information, it only seems fair to give them credit, right? Citing your sources properly might be a little confusing, but we’ll discuss some of the different citation styles, share a works cited page example for each style, and give you all the information you need to give proper credit where it’s due.

Why Citing Is Important

Few people will argue with the fact that citing your sources is important, but you might be curious if it’s truly necessary. The answer is yes, and there are a few reasons why it’s so crucial. Not only does it give researchers, scholars, and other writers appropriate credit, but citing is a “must” for the following reasons:

Avoiding confusion or “alternative facts”
You won’t be accused of plagiarism
It shows your professors, classmates, and readers that you know how to conduct research
You learn more as a researcher
You become a better writer
It shows that you’re respectful and responsible

What To Cite and What Not To Cite

Depending on the citation style you use, there may be come different rules but if you’re wondering what should be cited in your work and what’s not necessary, here are some general rules.

DO Cite

Books and journal articles
Newspaper, magazines, brochures, and pamphlets
Film, television, ads
Websites and other electronic resources
Letter, email, forums
Personal interviews
Diagrams, charts, photos, and other graphics

You Shouldn’t Need To Cite (But Double-Check)

Your own collected data in a field study
Your notes
Your own journaling
Your opinions
When you use “common knowledge”
Well-known facts

An In-Depth Look At Citation Styles

Now that we’ve briefly discussed the importance of citing sources and the do’s and don’t, let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most common citation styles you may use throughout your academic career.

While you already know what a citation is, you may not understand what a citation style is or how one works. Citation style is the rules for formatting, how the information you cite in an article or project is ordered, and how to punctuate; each style has specific rules for citing information.

If you’re unsure of what type of citation style you should use, always ask your professor. It’s best to double-check rather than assuming. Citing information incorrectly can take up a lot of your valuable time, and it can also negatively affect your grade.

APA

APA is also known as the American Psychological Association, and this style is frequently used in the social sciences. Some general highlights of this style include an essay with a title page, abstract, main body, and references.

It should also be typed and double-spaced on standard 8.5 x 11” paper (with 1” margins on all sides). The recommended font is 12 pt. Times New Roman and page headers are a must.

When you create your works cited page, you should have References centered at the top, double-space the list, and the first line of your citation should be indented one half-inch from the left margin. The list should also be alphabetized. For more information on APA style and a works cited page example, click here.

MLA

MLA, also known as Modern Language Association, is a citation style commonly used by the Humanities. There are many similarities between APA and MLA, but rather than References and the end of your essay; you should have the words “Works Cited.”

A works cited page example will show you that you should have an alphabetized list and the second line of the citation should be indented.

Chicago

The Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) is a citation style that is used in the social sciences and the humanities. Rather than a works cited page, a note and bibliography or author-date is needed at the end of the paper. Notes and bibliography are often requested for arts, literature, and history while author-date style is better suited for science and social sciences..

As you explore CMS, you may also come across the Turabian Style, which is a variation of CMS and may be used in social or natural sciences and in the humanities.

Now that we’ve given you some of the most commonly used citation styles, let’s take a look at some other styles that you might be asked to use at some point in your academic or professional career.

If you continue to study the sciences, you may be asked to use the following citation styles:

American Chemical Society (ACS) for Chemistry
American Institute of Physics (AIP) for Physics
American Medical Association (AMA) for Medical Sciences
American Mathematical Society (AMS) for Mathematics
Council of Science Editors (CSE) for Biology
National Library of Medicine (NLM) for Medicine

If you study the social sciences or law, you may be asked to use the following styles:

Association of Legal Writing Directors (ALWD) for Legal Studies
American Political Science Association (APSA) for Political Science and International Studies
American Sociological Association (ASA) for Sociology
Bluebook for Legal Studies
Maroonbook for Legal Studies

Other citation styles include Harvard Business School, Associated Press (AP), and Linguistic Society of America (LSA).

Finding Citation Style Resources

It would take a long time to explain each citation style in detail; thankfully, there are several resources available (and a majority of them are online). Depending on your coursework, you may have instructors that require you to purchase a citation style manual.

Even if it’s not a course requirement, it’s great to have on hand, and you may be surprised how often you use the manual. Although many people shy away from hard copy resources and would instead use the convenience of the internet, owning an official citation style guide may be more accurate and easier to use than finding all the information you need online.

While there are plenty of online resources that are legitimate, convenient, and helpful, don’t be afraid to utilize a writing or academic center if one is available; the people who work in these centers are knowledgeable in all citation styles and can help you make sure that you know which style to use.

If you don’t have a center nearby, head to your public library; a librarian should be able to assist you.

A writing or academic center can also be a great resource if you need someone to proofread an essay before you submit it to your professor. If you have any doubts about how your project or paper is formatted, you should get the feedback you need.

What About Citation Software?

Making sure you cite your sources correctly is definitely important and some people will go so far as to use citation software. Citation management software is also known as bibliographic software, and it helps you organize, store, and retrieve information from the sources you use (like books, articles, journals, online resources, and websites).

Depending on the software you use, you might be able to import records or PDFs from databases and add abstracts and keywords to your paper or project. Once you’re ready to cite your sources, the software helps you create a bibliography.

While citation software can be a helpful tool, it should not be your “go to” solution for the proper citing of sources. The software is not flawless, and you still need to know the basic guidelines of the citation style that you’re using (such as MLA or APA).

Another option to try, when you need a little extra help with citing your sources, is an online citation builder. These are often free and can help you do citations quickly. Builders do not work the same as software.

Some Final Words On Citation Styles

As you can see, there are many different citation styles to choose from, and while some are specific, you might have a few style options (depending on your paper or project). If you’re unsure of what style to use, always ask.

If you use a couple of different citation styles on a regular basis, it’s a wise investment to purchase a hard-copy of the style guide; these are relatively inexpensive and easy to find. If you’re buying a used copy of a style guide, make sure that it has all the up-to-date information and if not, be sure to gather the right info to make it a current guide.

Citations are important, and while it may feel like an overwhelming part of writing a paper, it can be easy as long as you know the basics of the citation style and how to create the appropriate works cited page.

Using a Heart Model to Study for AP Biology – Explore On a Deeper Level

Students in AP Biology have more opportunities for in-depth and hands-on experiences in the classroom. Learn how using a heart model to study can be beneficial when taking AP Biology.

Using A Heart Model To Study For AP Biology

Since Biology is the study of living organisms, it’s essential to learn about and understand how the heart works. Although the basic functions of the heart are often taught at an early age and in elementary school, AP Biology provides the perfect opportunity to explore the unique organ at a deeper level.

While there are typically many lab sessions where students have the chance to examine and dissect a real heart, it’s not always the ideal model when studying the heart. We’ll discuss some of the ways that using a heart model can enhance and improve the overall learning experience in AP Biology.

Taking A Look At Heart Models

Walk into any AP Biology lab or even a doctor’s office, and there’s a good chance that you’ll see a model of a human heart on display. As an AP Biology student, exploring a human heart model may be the closest, you’ll get to human heart unless you decide to advance in the sciences or attend medical school.

Have a big exam coming up or just want to gain a better understanding of how all of the parts of the heart works? A model of a heart is an excellent resource for studying. If your AP Biology teacher has a heart model, you are probably encouraged to take a look at it in the classroom, but what can you use when you’re studying outside of the classroom?

what can you use when you’re studying outside of the classroom?

Quick Study Illustrations

Your Biology book may have some stunning and highly-detailed graphics of a human heart, but it may not showcase every part in detail. You can find a variety of “quick study” pamphlets online that give you multiple views of the human heart, and in great detail.

This type of resource is nice for studying while “on the go,” or when you want something lightweight and compact, but it is still very similar to looking at a model of the heart in your textbook. If you are a visual learner, this method may be enough to help you study, but if you’re a “hands-on” learner, you may have a harder time learning about the heart.

3D Model Apps

If you spend a lot of time at your computer or on your device while you study, it may be worthwhile to check out a 3D model of the heart. Depending on the 3D model you choose, you might be able to do virtual dissection, manipulate the heart rate, or see what happens to the heart during a heart attack.

While a 3D model that you can touch and manipulate with your own hands, may help you understand the heart better than an app, the app may be beneficial due to some of its features (such as a beating heart or blood flow).

3D “Hand On” Models

As we mentioned earlier, there might be a 3D model of the human heart in your AP Biology classroom, and you have access to it while you’re in class. 3D heart models typically have pieces that come apart and allow you to see all the parts of the heart, which is essential when learning about the complex organ.

When you want a more “hands-on” approach to studying the human heart, it can be difficult to have access to a 3D model, particularly if you’re in a large classroom with other students who are also wanting to see the model of the heart.

Purchasing a heart model for yourself might make studying more convenient and help information “sink in” a little better. If you’ve already started to search around online for 3D heart models, you might be a little disheartened by the price.

Many life-sized 3D heart models cost hundreds of dollars, and it might not be in your budget as an AP student. The good news is that there are many smaller 3D models available online for under $50.

If you decide to purchase a 3D model, it’s important to read the reviews before buying and keep in mind that the model will not be life-sized. Ideally, the 3D model should have parts that can be removed or at least moved out of the way, so that you can see all the parts of the heart.

Purchasing a 3D model of a heart can be a wise financial investment, particularly if you’re planning on pursuing Biology or other Life Sciences further. Your 3D model can also be a great asset to a study group or when using a variety of resources like the quick study pamphlet or 3D app.

Do You Have To Use A Heart Model When Studying?

You might be wondering if you need to use a model of a heart when studying for AP Biology. Your teacher may strongly recommend using heart models as a study guide, but as we mentioned earlier, you might understand how the heart works without looking at a model.

Even though we mention quick study pamphlets and 3D model apps as good alternatives to studying the heart, research suggests that students are more likely to understand and retain information better when they are presented with 3D models rather than 2D.

In one study, a group of nursing students was tested after learning and studying with 2D models, and the other group was tested (with the same test) after learning and studying with 3D models. Overall, the group that had access to a 3D model performed better on the test.

The methods, which were compared included a dissection of a sheep heart and a PowerPoint presentation versus a 3D heart model; the 3D model resulted in higher test scores.

Isn’t Dissection The Best Option For Studying The Heart?

Many may argue that dissecting a heart is the best way to study the heart and gain a better understanding of how it works. In AP Biology, you may have the opportunity to dissect a sheep heart or another mammal heart, but you won’t be able to have an up close and personal interaction with a human heart.

While dissection is a fascinating and “must have” experience in every Biology course, it can also be challenging to understand and often it’s a hurried process with limited explanations. It can also be more challenging when more than one student is working on dissecting a heart at once (such as a group of two or three people).

Dissection takes practice and time, and even though many students would benefit from one-on-one help from their instructor, it’s not always feasible. Dissecting a heart can also be very difficult for some students and may make them feel nervous or uneasy, which can also affect the overall learning experience.

Another reason why dissection may not be the best option for studying is that you can’t carry the heart around with you. Depending on how many students are in the class or how many class sessions touch and examine a heart, it can become harder to work with or easily damaged.

Ideally, every student would have the opportunity to dissect a heart and learn enough from the experience to understand how the heart works and ace an exam on how the heart functions. Since a heart is such a unique and complex organ, it’s beneficial to explore a variety of resources to help better understand the heart.

Dissection is a great option, but it’s not the only option (nor should it be) when providing an in-depth look at the heart. Unless you have a photographic memory, most students benefit from seeing the parts of a heart multiple times, not just during the various steps of a dissection.

Using a 3D model allows you to take the heart apart and put it back together as many times as you want. If the model is made of high-quality materials and is handled carefully, it can withstand many study sessions and years of science courses.

Using Various Heart Models For Studying

The type of heart models you choose will most likely depend on your learning style and preferences. Since learning about the heart is not something that is easily done overnight, it’s best to utilize as many resources as you can when you study.

If a model of the human heart is not available to you on a regular basis or at home, consider the 3D model app and even some of the quick study guides.

Biological Magnification: Definition, Examples, and Practice

Biological magnification is a rising concern amongst researchers who examine the ways that chemicals and pollutants may have long-term effects on ecosystems. In this article, we’ll dive deep into what it is and the impacts it’s already had on our environment.

Biology researchers and students are likely familiar with the field of ecotoxicology, or the study of how chemicals and toxins affect ecosystems and their organisms. In this field, the term biological magnification is frequently used to describe the amplified concentrations of these substances as you move up through the food chain.

Also fittingly called bioamplification or biomagnification, this process explains why harmful substances like have metals, or chemicals found in fertilizers or pesticides, present in even the largest, carnivorous predators.

In this article, we will discuss the process of biomagnification and how it works. We will define the terminology, and then give real-life examples and case studies documenting how chemicals travel through soil, water, and smaller organisms to eventually make their way to the top of the food chain in large concentrations.

What is Biological Magnification?

Put simply; the term biological magnification is used to describe the process by which substances used in farming or produced in industrial waste make their way into and up the food chain.

We see increased levels of these toxins and chemicals accumulating through the trophic levels of the food chain thanks to this phenomena.

Pesticides, fertilizers, and heavy metals from industrial waste are some of the most common culprits who contribute to the problem.

Typically, the materials are carried through water sources like rivers, lakes, and streams as a result of surface runoff where they are then ingested by aquatic animals like frogs or fish. These small organisms are then preyed upon by predators higher up in the food chain, like birds, larger fish, or animals, which is how these same substances make their way into their body.

Many of these toxins and chemicals are fat soluble and get stored in their internal organs or fat tissue. This results in an accumulation of the substance over time and in greater concentrations the higher up the food chain you go. This phenomenon is called food chain energetics.

Although biomagnification doesn’t always have a direct effect on living organisms, long-term exposure to harmful chemicals may result in unpleasant and irreversible side effects that could threaten a species.

Biological Magnification vs. Bioaccumulation

It’s important to note that there is a significant difference between biomagnification and bioaccumulation. Although some may use the words interchangeably, they actually describe different scenarios in an organism.

Biological magnification specifically refers to increasing concentration of materials in each higher link in the food chain. However, bioaccumulation examines the increased presence of a particular substance inside a single organism.

While the two processes may be interconnected, for the purpose of this article it’s important to differentiate the terminology to understand the real-life examples and practice.

Examples of Biological Magnification

There are numerous, well-documented examples of biomagnification where researchers find high concentrations of chemicals in apex predators. Many of these studies also demonstrate the potential negative consequences of this build up over time. Here are a few examples.

Bald Eagles

During World War II troops faced a plethora of health issues, including outbreaks of malaria, body lice, typhus and bubonic plague spreading through mosquito bites at encampments throughout the world.

DDT is a pesticide that was developed to kill these biting bugs to help control the spread of these diseases, and following the war had agricultural applications. Farmers used the product on their crops to control pests, and it was both popular and widespread thanks to its low cost and easy application.

It was approved as being safe and effective by the EPA at the time because there did not appear to be any harmful side effects of ingesting the chemical in animals or humans. However, this did not take into account the possibility of biomagnification.

DDT doesn’t break down over short periods of time in the environment and is a substance that gets stored in the fatty tissues of animals who consume it. This became particularly problematic for bald eagles.

A predator near the top of the food chain, bald eagles were consuming large quantities of fish who had been affected by the chemical. Runoffs from farms hit the waterways, and DDT infiltrated aquatic plants and animal life, and the eagles ingested the chemical with each meal they ate.

Over time, the chemical disrupted their ability to lay eggs with strong shells, causing the bald eagle population to decrease to the point of near extinction. In 1940, Congress stepped in to pass an act to protect the species, but DDT wasn’t banned until 1972.

It wasn’t just species of eagles affected. Other predator birds like brown pelicans and peregrine falcons saw the same side effects. The thinning off the eggshells made incubation and hatching near impossible and also threatened these bird populations.

Fish and Pregnancy

Another notable example of biomagnification is in predator fish. Species like Shark, Swordfish, Orange Roughy, Tuna, King Mackerel, or Tilefish contain proportionally larger levels of toxic mercury than smaller fish and shellfish.

In fact, the levels are so high that the FDA advises that pregnant women avoid consuming these species for fear of exposing developing fetuses to levels that may cause nerve damage.

How does this toxicity occur? Mercury is introduced into the ecosystem in one of two ways. As a naturally occurring element, it can leach from rocks and volcanoes into our water supply over time, but those natural changes are not likely to significantly impact the environment.

However, when you take the natural occurrences and combine them with human contributions through coal-burning power plants which impact the air, rain, soil, and water around these facilities, the mercury levels rise drastically.

As we now know, once an element enters the water supply, it’s inevitable that it gets ingested by aquatic life at every level of the food chain. When plankton and small crustaceans that make up the majority of the diet of the larger, predatory fish have moderate levels, then the species who eat them will have a compounded effect.

For example, according to the FDA, the average amount of mercury found in a serving of scallops is 0.003 parts per million. Lobsters, one of the main predators of the scallop have a concentration of 0.107 parts per million.

Monkfish love dining on lobster, and have an average of 0.161 parts per million of mercury in their system, and shark and swordfish at 0.979 and 0.995 parts per million respectively regularly dine on monkfish.

In this example, it’s easy to see how quickly the effects compound and how concentrated they become with only four steps up the food chain ladder.

What Causes Biological Magnification?

Although biomagnification is a natural phenomenon that happens in all organisms, the instances where it is worrisome are largely due to anthropogenic factors. Materials that humans introduce into the environment can cause unexpected and hazardous side effects and typically fall into one of the following subcategories.

Organic Contaminants

We live in an age where the word organic is closely correlated with natural and healthy, but too much of anything could be bad. Organic elements like phosphorus, nitrogen, and carbon are necessary for survival, but if they appear in excessive quantities in ecosystems, they may cause eutrophication.

Eutrophication is a phenomenon when an organism that thrives in these conditions, like algae, for example, experience exponential growth and suddenly have an overwhelming population. This can then disrupt the ecosystem and kill off other organisms because there aren’t enough resources, like oxygen, to go around.

Waste

Waste produced from manufacturing plants, factories, and other industrial enterprises can release waste and toxins into the air and water that contribute to the problem.

Agricultural and Industrial

Chemicals introduced into the environment from inorganic pesticides, fungicides, fertilizers and herbicides that mix with our natural water sources due to runoff when it rains release toxic elements as well.

Plastic Pollution

Not only does plastic physically impact our environment, often ending up in our oceans and disrupting marine ecosystems, but it can also leach toxic chemicals into water too.

For example, Bisphenol A, or BPA, has made headlines recently as a substance that can produce a range of health conditions in humans that is used in making plastic water bottles. It is one of the leading chemical pollutants in the environment.

Heavy Meals

As we discussed in our earlier case study, heavy metals that enter our water sources can wreak havoc on the ecosystem. Mining activities are sometimes at fault for releasing deposits that can pollute aquatic plants and contaminate water sources with elements like zinc or cobalt.

Potential Negative Effects of Biological Magnification

DDT and mercury aren’t the only hazardous substances that have the potential to biomagnify. Substances like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB’s) that can impair reproductive systems, heavy metals, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons which are a known carcinogenic, cyanide, and selenium have been extensively studied and proven to have similar outcomes.

There are dozens of potential adverse effects to our environment, including but not limited to:

Reproductive implications for marine and other animal life
Killing coral reef ecosystems
Disrupting the natural food chain as species die off

There is also a significant risk of health impacts on humans who consume many of the organisms affected by this process. They include an increased risk of the following:

Cancer
Kidney failure
Liver disease
Birth defects
Brain damage
Respiratory disorders
Heart disease

Final Thoughts

Bioamplification isn’t a new phenomenon, but the humans have introduced pollutants to the environment that makes it a threat to the ecosystem and our food sources. Understanding how and why it occurs is the first step to combating the problem and preventing the destruction over time.

Conversations and advocacy for sustainability need to continue to ensure the long-term health of our environment.

Dimensional Analysis: Definition, Examples, And Practice

If you’ve heard the term “dimensional analysis,” you might find it a bit overwhelming. While there’s a lot to “unpack” when learning about dimensional analysis, it’s a lot easier than you might think. Learn more about the basics and a few examples of how to utilize the unique method of conversion.

Dimensional Analysis: Definition, Examples, and Practice

As a student of Biology or any of the sciences, you will have to use math of some kind, and there’s a good chance that you will find dimensional analysis (or unit analysis) to be helpful. Math equations and other conversions can be overwhelming for some, but dimensional analysis doesn’t have to be; once you learn it, it’s relatively easy to use and understand.

We’ll give you the basics and give you some easy-to-understand examples that you might find on a dimensional analysis worksheet so that you can have a general understanding about what it is and how to use the technique in all types of applications as you continue to take science courses.

What Is Dimensional Analysis?

As we mentioned, you may hear dimensional analysis referred to as unit analysis; it is often also known as factor-label method or the unit factor method. A formal definition of dimensional analysis refers to a method of analysis “in which physical quantities are expressed in terms of their fundamental dimensions that is often used.”

Most people might agree that this definition needs to be broken down a bit and simplified. It might be easier to understand this method of analysis if we look at it as a method of solving problems by looking converting one thing to another.

While dimensional analysis may seem like just another equation, one of the unique (and important) parts of the equation is that the unit of measurement always plays a role in the equation (not just the numbers).

We use conversions in everyday life (such as when following a recipe) and in math class or in a biology course. When we think about dimensional analysis, we’re looking at units of measurement, and this could be anything from miles per gallon or pieces of pie per person.

Many people may “freeze up” when they see a dimensional analysis worksheet or hear about it in class, but if you’re struggling with some of the concepts, just remember that it’s about units of measurements and conversion. Dimensional analysis is used in a variety of applications and is frequently used by chemists and other scientists.

The Conversion Factor in Dimensional Analysis

One important thing to consider when using dimensional analysis is the conversion factor. A conversion factor, which is always equal to 1, is a fraction or numerical ratio that can help you express the measurement from one unit to the next.

When using a conversion factor, the values must represent the same quantity. For example, one yard is the same as three feet or seven days is the same as one week. Let’s do a quick example of a conversion factor.

Imagine you have 20 ink pens and you multiply that by 1; you still have the same amount of pens. You might want to find out how many packages of pens that 20 pens equal and to figure this out, you need your conversion factor.

Now, imagine that you found the packaging for a set of ink pens and the label says that there are 10 pens to each package. Your conversion factor ends up being your conversion factor. The equation might look something like this:

20 ink pens x 1 package of pens/10 pens = 2 packages of ink pens. We’ve canceled out the pens (as a unit) and ended up with the package of pens.

While this is a basic scenario, and you probably wouldn’t need to use a conversion factor to figure out how many pens you have, it gives you an idea of what it does and how it works. As you can see, conversion factors work a lot like fractions (working with numerators and denominators)

Even though you’re more likely to work with more complex units of measurement while in chemistry, physics, or other science and math courses, you should have a better understanding of using the conversion factor in relation to the units of measurement.

Steps For Working Through A Problem Using Dimensional Analysis

Like many things, practice makes perfect and dimensional analysis is no exception. Before you tackle a dimensional analysis that your instructor hands to you, here are some tips to consider before you get started.

Read the problem carefully and take your time
Find out what unit should be your answer
Write down your problem in a way that you can understand
Consider a simple math equation and don’t forget the conversion factors
Remember, some of the units should cancel out, resulting in the unit you want
Double-check and retry if you have to
The answer you come up with should make sense to you

To help you understand the basic steps we are using an easy problem that you could probably figure out fairly quickly. The question is: How many seconds are in a day?

First, you need to read the question and determine the unit you want to end up with; in this case, you want to figure out “seconds in a day.” To turn this word problem into a math equation, you might decide to put seconds/day or sec/day.

The next step is to figure out what you already know. You know that there are 60 seconds to one minute and you also know that there are 24 hours in one day; all of these units work together, and you should be able to come up with your final unit of measurement. Again, it’s best to write down everything you know into an equation.

After you’ve done a little math, your starting factor might end up being 60 seconds/1 minute. Next, you will need to work your way into figuring out how many seconds per hour. This equation will be 60 seconds/1 minute x 60 minutes/1 hour. The minutes cancel themselves out, and you have seconds per hour.

Remember, you want to find out seconds per day so you’ll need to add another factor that will cancel out the hours. The equation should be 60 seconds/1 minute x 60 minutes/1 hour x 24 hours/1 day. All units but seconds per day should cancel out and if you’ve done your math correctly 86,400 seconds/1 day.

When doing a dimensional analysis problem, it’s more important to pay attention to the units and make sure you are canceling out the right ones to get the final product. Doing your math correctly important, but it’s easier to double-check than trying to backtrack and figure out how you ended up with the wrong unit.

Our example is relatively simple, and you probably had no problem getting the right answer or using the right units. As you work through your science courses, you will be faced with more difficult units to understand. While dimensional analysis will undoubtedly be more challenging, just keep your eye on the units, and you should be able to get through a problem just fine.

Why Use Dimensional Analysis?

As we’ve demonstrated, dimensional analysis can help you figure out problems that you may encounter in your everyday. While you’re likely to explore dimensional analysis a bit more as you take science courses, it can be particularly helpful for Biology students to learn more.

Some believe that dimensional analysis can help students in Biology have a “better feel for numbers” and help them transition more easily into courses like Organic Chemistry or even Physics (if you haven’t taken those courses yet).

Can you figure out a math equation or a word problem without dimensional analysis? Of course, and many people have their own ways of working through a problem. If you do it correctly, dimensional analysis can actually help you answer a problem more efficiently and accurately.

Ready To Test Your Dimensional Analysis Skills?

If you want to practice dimensional analysis, there are dozens of online dimensional analysis worksheets. While many of them are pretty basic or geared towards specific fields of study like Chemistry, we found a worksheet that has an interesting variety. Test out what we’ve talked about and check your answers when you’re done.

How many minutes are in 1 year?
Traveling at 65 miles/hour, how many minutes will it take to drive 125 miles to San Diego?
Convert 4.65 km to meters
Convert 9,474 mm to centimeters
Traveling at 65 miles/hour, how many feet can you travel in 22 minutes? (1 mile = 5280 feet)

Ready to check out your answers and see more questions? Click here.