Exam review

Protists: Diversity and Impact

This episode unpacks the fascinating world of protists, from the bioluminescent dinoflagellates in marine ecosystems to disease-causing excavates like Giardia. You'll discover their ecological impact, including carbon fixation by phytoplankton and limestone-creating foraminiferans, alongside their evolutionary importance across 1.4 billion years of Earth's history.

Viruses, Endosymbiosis, and Evolution

This episode unravels the mysteries of viruses, focusing on their classification, evolution, and their role in the human genome, including endogenous retroviruses that make up 8% of our DNA. You'll also learn about endosymbiosis theory and its link to the origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts, offering context into cellular evolution. Join us to explore how these insights shape our understanding of biology.