Mathematics and Society - OS X Lion Server

to MATHEMATICS AND BIOLOGYBiology--a life science--included in a mathematics resource book? Biology--thestudy of plants and animals--included in a mathematics resource book? Biology--thestudy of organisms and the systems which allow the organisms to function--includedin a mathematics resource book? Yes, biologists and mathematicians are in agreementthat mathematics can be used as a powerful tool to explain many of the concepts ofbiology. Why do the inherited characteristics of plants and animals follow such apredictable pattern? Why isn't there a giant amoeba or earthworm? Why does a personget tired after many repetitions of the same task? Why are the surfaces of asponge, the lungs, the lining of the intestine, and thesurface of the brain so irregular instead of smooth?Mathematics can help to explain the answers to thesequestions.In this section, MATHEMATICS AND BIOLOGY, it isnot necessary for teachers or students to have a largeknowledge of biological concepts to be able to do theactivities. Most are simple ideas that allow studentsto investigate properties that relate to themselves andto their surroundings.The first part includes,...--------------------------------, activities which allow studentsto investigate theirreaction time, lung capacity,muscle fatigue, pulse rate,body temperature and the effectof exercise, peripheralvision, etc. Also includedis an interesting theory ofbiorhythms which attempts toexplain the ups and downs ofeveryday life in terms ofone's birth date.127