- Past Related Projects: Wikipedia:WikiProject AP Biology Bapst 2012, Wikipedia:WikiProject AP Biology Bapst 2013, Wikipedia:WikiProject AP Biology Bapst 2014, Wikipedia:WikiProject AP Biology Bapst 2015, Wikipedia:WikiProject AP Biology 2016, & Wikipedia:WikiProject AP Biology 2017, Wikipedia:WikiProject AP Biology 2018
A high school class in Maine - will contribute images to Wikipedia article and the commons until June 14, 2019. The collective goal is to contribute excellent biology diagrams to the Commons and to corresponding Wikipedia articles. This is done as part of an Advanced Placement Biology course. The lead editor is Chris Packard. This project is inspired by the 2009 Wikipedia AP Biology Project. There are many basic and important diagrams missing from biological articles and we're doing our part to fix this.
- Students will work alone, there are 72 students so we should have 72 new images with captions and labels.
- The time frame will be three weeks.
- Students will be required to write a summary of why they select a topic; hopefully, eliminating obscure, random topic selections. They also must create labels and captions for their images
- They may add it to encyclopedia articles.
- The best of the bunch will be submitted as Wikipedia featured pictures, see other candidates here. Featured images must be in .svg (vector) format.
Feel free to discuss this project. Please notify me of any concerns; especially if they involve the behavior of my students on Wikipedia. With a little patience, this should be an inspirational experience for all.
Goals / Motivation
edit- To improve the images in Wikipedia's coverage of Biology articles.
- To encourage promising students to write, create, learn, and contribute volunteer efforts through a service learning project.
- The dreaded “Research Project” is a standard hurdle for most AP Programs. Rightfully so, being that many college courses require such publications to validate your existence. This new approach to constructing a scientific document, is far more authentic and interesting. Rather than researching for a paper that is destined for the teacher's eyes and then a one way trip to the circular bin, let us contribute to the world-wide data base for others to benefit. I hope this will be an interesting and memorable project and assessment. It's funny, I can remember a number of projects and papers I wrote during my own high school experience, but I can remember no tests whatsoever.
Contributions
editAs you upload your projects and add them to Wikipedia please add them to the gallery below. By adding a new line which begins with the word "File" and them follows the format of my sample image from last year. Make sure to include your caption.
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There are two types of root systems in plants that provide their stems and leaves with water and mineral. The fibrous root system is characterized by many roots with similar sizes. In contrast, plants that use the taproot system grow a main root with smaller roots branching off of the taproot. Where the letters start mark the beginning of the roots.
A. Fibrous Root System
B. Taproot System -
The photos show pea seeds at two different stages in the process of germination. The top two photos show two different seeds at the beginning of the germination process, while the bottom two photos show the same two seeds at the end of the germination process, when their primary shoots have emerged.
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Some heavy metals such as cobber and zinc are removed from the soil by moving up into the plant roots.
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The roots secrete enzymes that degrade (breakdown) organic pollutants in the soil.
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Contaminates are then broken down and the fragments are then subsequently transformed and volatilized into the atmosphere.
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Selective breeding enlarged desired traits of the wild mustard plant (Brassica oleracea) over hundreds of years, resulting in dozens of today's agricultural crops. Cabbage, kale, broccoli, and cauliflower were all products of this selective breeding, making them all the same plant.
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Skeletal anatomy of a harbor seal. 1. Skull. 2. Spine. 3. Tail. 4. Hindlimb. 5. Forelimb. 6. Shoulder. 7. Pelvis. 8. Rib cage.
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R-naught is the average number of people infected from one other person, for example, ebola has an r-naught of two, so on average for every one person who has ebola they will pass it on the two other people.
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1. This is the Rh-positive blood cell. 2. This is the Rh-negative blood cell. 3. These are the antigens on the Rh-positive blood cell that make it positive. The antigens allow the positive blood cell to attach to specific antibodies.
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Possible advantage of being heterozygous for sickle cell anemia disease (A) vs. normal blood cell response (B) when infected with malaria.
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Most local anesthetics are weak bases (B) B + H+ ⇌ BH+ (protonated form) The relative proportion of the two forms is given by: log (BH/B)+B = pKA - pH (e.g. 8.4 - 7.4 = 1) Thus the ionized molecules predominate
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Tree cankers (right) are caused by injuries to the bark that allow pathogens or insects in to infect the tree. Compared above is a healthy tree and segment (left) to a tree infected and containing a canker.
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In a Y-linked disorder, only males can be affected. If the father is affected all sons will be affected. It also does not skip a generation.
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In mitochondrial disorders if is only passed on if the mother is affected. If the mother is affected, all offspring will be affected. If the father is affected, he does not pass it on to his offspring.
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Both parents can not express the trait, however, if both are carriers, their offspring can express the trait. Autosomal recessive disorders typically skip a generation, so affected offspring typically have unaffected parents. With an autosomal recessive disorder, both males and females are equally likely to be affected.
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Autosomal Dominant disorders don’t skip a generation, so affected offspring have affected affected parents. One parent must have the disorder for its offspring to be affected. Both males and females are equally likely to be affected, so it is an autosomal disorder.
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Males are more likely to be affected than females. Affected sons typically have unaffected mothers. The father also must be affected for daughter to be affected and the mother must be affected or a carrier for the daughter to be affected. The disorder is also never passed from father to son. Only females can be carriers for the disorders. X-linked recessive disorders also typically skip a generation.
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If the father is affected all daughter will be affected and no sons will be affected. It doesn’t skip a generation and if the mother is affected she has a 50% chance of passing it onto her offspring.
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Comparison of moth and butterfly anatomy.
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1. Is when the Bacteria uses Glucose as food source. 2. Is when the Glucose is used up. Transcription of the lac operon is started. 3. The Reintroduction of Glucose.
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Phylogenetic tree of Okapi johnstoni, Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Chordata, Class Mammalia, closest descendant relative, Giraffe
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Shells of pteropods dissolve in increasingly acidic conditions caused by increased amounts of atmospheric CO2
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Stormwater carrying street bound pollutants to a storm drain for coastal discharge.
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Pistol shrimp claw action. 1. closed pistol shrimp claw with hidden plunger (P). 2. open claw with exposed (P) and chamber (C). 3. open claw with water (W) entering (C). 4. claw with (P) pushed into chamber (C), forcing jet stream (J) out of (C).
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This graph of "Acceptable Testosterone Levels in Females and Males Compared to a Hypothetical Athlete" shows a situation in which the hypothetical athlete above may be a female with hyperandrogenism, higher than normal levels of testosterone, and would be subjected to sex verification tests and possibly forced to undergo aggressive treatments.
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As muscles contract, Calcium ions release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum by release channels. These channels close and calcium pumps open to relax muscles. After extended exercise the release channels can begin to leak and cause for muscle fatigue.
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In Alopecia areata, a hair follicle is attacked by the immune system. T-cells swarm the roots, killing the follicle. This causes the hair to fall out and parts of the head to bald.
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Generalized life cycle of corals via sexual reproduction.
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1: Mouth 2: Trachea 3: Esophagus 4: Lungs 5: Heart 6: Liver 7: Stomach 8: Bladder 9: Colon 10: Small Intestine 11: Kidney 12: Spleen 13: Brain
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This image depicts a set of ovaries, one of which is normally functioning (left), and healthy, whilst the other one is suffering apoplexy, or the hemorrhaging of an organ. The ovary on the right's surface has been breached, and is bleeding. It has been cut off from the body's supply of nutrients and necrosis has set in. Apoplexy can also happen in the brain and the stomach.
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This is an image of a regular brain and a brain with a colloid cyst.
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Fetal Alcohol Syndrome 1. Alcohol consumed (EtOH) 2. Alcohol crosses into the placenta. 3. Alcohol Metabolizes. 4. FAEE detected in meconium.
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Macrophages consume antigens, and present their shape on the surface. T cells attach to these antigens to create T Helper cells, so antibodies can be created by B cells, Effector B cells, Memory B cells, and Killer T cells can rid all infected cells
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When eyes receive light from the sun, the pineal gland's production of melatonin is inhibited and the hormones produced keep the human awake. When the eyes do not receive light, melatonin is produced in the pineal gland and the human becomes tired.
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Phagocytosis and exocytosis can play an important role in nonspecific immune response. In phagocytosis, involving the destruction of pathogens, the pathogens are surrounded and then engulfed through endocytosis. The vacuole then forms and closes around the pathogens. In exocytosis, the lysosome and vacuole fuse together which allows enzymes to destroy pathogens. Debris from the pathogens is then released from the cell.
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Fish breath underwater by using a special pump-like organ called gills which are filled with blood. These gills force water out of the fish and allow for dissolved oxygen in the water to pass through to the bloodstream.
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Difference between natural cannabinoids and THC A) THC B) CB-1 receptor C) Neurotransmitters D) Postsynaptic Receptors E) Cannabinoid
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A rostral hook is characterized by the first premolar developing a growth that precedes the adjacent tooth. This diagram depicts a rostral hook of the upper first premolar, however a rostral hook can also affect the lower first premolar as well.
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Normal horse teeth.
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A caudal hook is characterized by the posterior molar developing a growth which overhangs and “hooks” around the adjacent tooth. This diagram depicts a caudal hook on the lower last molar, however the upper last molar can also develop a caudal hook.
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This picture shows the structure of a microtubule filament which creates shape in an eukaryotic cell.
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This image shows the structure of a microfilament, which creates the structure in the cytoskeleton of an eukaryotic cell.
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The cycle of synthesis and degradation of ATP; 1 and 2 represent output and input of energy, respectively.
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This picture shows the structure of an Intermediate Filament, which creates the structure of the cytoskeleton in an eukaryotic cell.
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Stem cell differentiation into various tissue types
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The stages of germination of a pea plant. A.Seed Coat B. Radicle C. Primary Root D. Secondary Root E. Cotyledon F. Plumule G. Leaf H. Tap Root
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What triggers the release of melatonin in the brain?
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In the 2011 study by neuroscientist Ryota Kanai (n=90 students), the subjects who expressed conservative views (right) tended to have a larger amygdalae (1) than the students who expressed liberal views (left).
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A cat tongue holds 4 different types of papillae. Arrows B & D point to the papillae used for taste. While arrow C Is pointing to the filiform papillae which assist in grooming & removing flesh from prey. (A) points to the circumvallate papillae which assist with taste.
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Pelvic Fins(1)-Balances the fish. Caudal Tubercles (2). Sensory mechanism. Stinger (3). Defense mechanism. Dorsal Fin (4) Stabilize Fish. Claspers (5) Deliver Sperm to cloaca. Tail (6) Helps with protection and movement
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1) Epidermis 2) Arrector Pili muscle 3) Hair follicle 4) Dermis The diagram shows that the arrector pili muscle is connected to the hair follicle and the epidermis resulting in the erection of the hair during muscle contraction causing goosebumps.
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A scan of a brain on the Mediterranean diet showing the effects of a vegetable based diet on the ventricles, white matter, and mass of the brain.
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A scan of a brain on the Western Diet showing the effects of intaking large amounts of high-fat products on the ventricles, white matter, and mass of the brain.
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The Parathyroid Gland releases PTH which keeps Calcium in homeostasis.
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1. Bare rock 2. Weathering allows hardy pioneer species to grow on the rocks 3. Decomposition of pioneer species provides organic material to make soil 4. Small annual plants are able to grow on the soil 5. As the soil layer grows plants such as trees are able to colonize the area
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1: Mouth 2: Trachea 3: Esophagus 4: Lungs 5: Heart 6: Liver 7: Stomach 8: Bladder 9: Colon 10: Small Intestine 11: Kidney 12: Spleen 13: Brain
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ACh [1] is released into the synapse [2] but cannot bind to ACh receptors on the muscle fiber due to antibodies [3] on the receptors blocking entry of ACh. Without triggering of the muscle fiber [4], resulting in muscle weakness and ACh deficiencies.
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First trimester (I): by the end of the first trimester, the baby is fully formed; arms, hands (2), fingers, feet (1), toes, and can move hands. Second trimester (II): by the end of the second trimester, the baby’s fingers (2) and toes (1) are well defined. Third trimester (III): the baby is almost fully developed. By the end of the third trimester, the baby can blink, see, feel, respond, and grasp.
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A graphical representation of lograthmic population growth with carrying capacity K.
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A graphical representation of population growth over total population. K is the carrying capacity, and MVP is minimum viable population.
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1: Microfilaments 2: Phospholipid Bilayer 3: Integrin 4: Proteoglycan 5: Fibronectin 6: Collagen 7: Elastin
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A model showing three examples of techniques used for culturing cells in a 3D environment.
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1) Positive Pressure 2) Negative Pressure - Positive pressure indicates more intake into the case than exhaust. This configuration results in a pressure built up inside of the case, greater than that of its environment, as there will be a surplus of internal air. Negative pressure indicates more exhaust from the case than intake. This results in an internal air pressure lower than the environment, as more air is pulled from the case than can be drawn in. Both configurations have benefits and drawbacks...
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This diagram shows the process from fungi or bacterial attachment to the plant cell all the way to the specific type of response. PTI stands for Pattern-Triggered Immunity and ETI stands for Effector-triggered immunity.
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A scan of a brain on the Mediterranean diet (left) showing the effects of a vegetable based diet on the ventricles, white matter, and mass of the brain versus a scan of a normal brain (right).]]
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The processes leading to the transcription of the lac operon in the presence of glucose and lactose, as well as in the presence of lactose with glucose being absent.
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The cells shown either reproduce and grow into other healthy cells, or develop a tumor through the quick replication of damaged cells. A chemotherapy drug is applied to inhibit the growth and replication only of the damaged cells.
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Precipitation washing contaminates into local streams
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Oogenesis in Eukaryotic Cells.(A) oogonium where the mitotic division occurs (B) differentiation and meiosis I begins (C) primary oocyte (D) meiosis I is completed and meiosis II begins (E) secondary oocyte (F) first polar body (G) ovulation must occur and the presence of the sperm penetration (fertilization) induces meiosis II to completion (H) ovum (I) second polar body
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Barrier Reef.
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Fringing Reef.
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Platform Reef.
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Physical Differences Between African and Asian Elephants
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Apoptosis begins when the nucleus of the cell begins to shrink. After the shrinking, the plasma membrane blebs and folds around different organelles. The blebs continue to form and the organelles fragment and move away from one another.
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The hypothetical athlete above may be a female with hyperandrogenism, higher than normal levels of testosterone, and would be subjected to humiliating sex verification tests and possibly forced to undergo aggressive treatments.
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Penguin wing's have the same general bone structure as flighted birds, but the bones are shorter and stouter to allow than the serve as fins. 1). Humerus 2). Sesamoid Bone 3). Radius 4). Ulna 5). Radial Carpal bone 6). Carpometacarpus 7). Phalanges
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1. Apex 2. Midvein (Primary vein) 3. Secondary vein. 4. Lamina. 5. Leaf margin 6. Petiole 7. Bud 8. Stem
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Chicken Gizzard Cross-Section. (1) Proventriculus (2) Esophagus (3) Stones (4) Muscular Wall of Gizzard (5) Duodenum
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(Left) Gibbon arm compared to average human male arm (Right). Red = scapula, orange = humerus, yellow = ulna, blue = radius.
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This model of the biological life cycle of a human shows the basic processes involved and the order that they are in.
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The water diffuses across the osmotic membrane to where the water potential is lower.
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1: Testis 2: Penis 3: Ovary 4: Shell Gland 5: Vagina
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According to independent assortment, 3 homologous pairs create 8 possible combinations, all equally likely to be fertilized. The equation to determine the number of possible combinations given # of homologous pairs = 2x ( x = # of homologous pairs)
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Far-sighted vision on left, normal vision on right
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Beaver Lodge
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Labeled Diagram of a Orb Weaver Spider 1a. Abdomen 1b. Spinnerets 1c. Carapace 1d. Pedipalp 1e. Eyes 1f. Lung Slit 1g. Chelicera 2a. Coxa 2b. Trochanter 2c. Femur 2d. Patella 2e. Tibia 2f.Metatarsus 2g. Tarsus
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In this mutualism, fungal hyphae (E) increase the surface area of the root and uptake of key nutrients while the plant supplies the fungi with fixed carbon (A=root cortex, B=root epidermis, C=arbuscle, D=vesicle, F=root hair, G=nuclei).
Contributors
editAdd your user name here in the appropriate sections following my example. Just add this template with your username instead of the line: {{user|username}} and then, if your username is not identifiable, your real first name.
Teacher
editMods 4-6
edit- UncleDoden (talk · contribs) - Dryden L. - Ovarian Apoplexy
- Butrboy (talk · contribs) - Conor O. - Adenosine Triphosphate
- Cnoddz (talk · contribs) - Connor N. - Positive and Negative Pressure in Cooling
- Haileyfournier (talk · contribs) - Hailey - Cellular differentiation
- Elizajans (talk · contribs) - Eliza - Ocean Acidification
- Aslyntodd (talk · contribs) - Allisyn - Germination steps diagram
- Sophiedionne14 (talk · contribs) - Sophie - Rh blood group system
- Mkaram19 (talk · contribs) - Michelle - Parathyroid Hormone
- lydiawc1020 (talk · contribs) - Lydia - Cytoskeleton
- Biostudent19 (talk · contribs) - Becca - Phagocytosis
- Srruhh (talk · contribs) - Sarah - Circadian rhythm
- Dsheffer02 (talk · contribs) - Damian - Sickle Cell Anemia/Malaria Prevention
- That_Lancer_Dude01 (talk · contribs) - Tyson - Fish Gills/Respiration
- Sstern19 (talk · contribs) - Sabrina - Immune Response
- emma_guernsey (talk · contribs) - Emma - Effects of Cannabis
- JayciParke (talk · contribs) - Jayci - Equine Malocclusions
- Madibc68 (talk · contribs) - Madi C. - Pedigree chart
- ohoovler (talk · contribs) - Olivia - Effects of certain diets on mental health and the brain
- Hannahzd3 (talk · contribs) - Hannah - Tree Cankers
- GraceMartinAPBio2019 (talk · contribs) - Grace - Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
- Jammer2201 (talk · contribs) - Jacob M. - Propofol
Mods 11-13
edit- Xbunnyraptorx (talk · contribs) - Nhan - Pioneer species
- Rowan.andrews (talk · contribs) - Stormwater Runoff
- Mhuerth01 (talk · contribs) - Maddie - prenatal development
- Clairepellegrino (talk · contribs) - Claire P African Elephant vs Asian Elephant
- JCONNORS20 (talk · contribs) - John - Gizzard
- IdkItsKatieB (talk · contribs) - Kaitlynn - Chemotherapy
- Mrice20 (talk · contribs) - Madison R. - comparison of butterflies and moths
- Liwnoc (talk · contribs) - William L. - Plant breeding
- Carvermyers (talk · contribs) - Carver - Alpheidae
- Zgrant02 (talk · contribs) - Zach - Lactic Acid Fermentation
- Jodiglidden (talk · contribs) - Jodi - ATP Synthase channels
- Libbyspek (talk · contribs) - Libby - Myasthenia gravis
- KathyG123 (talk · contribs) - Kathleen- Melatonin and Sleep
- Mguerrette19 (talk · contribs) - MacKenzie - cat tongue
- Erinemccarthy (talk · contribs) - Erin - Coral Reef
- CamCoyle (talk · contribs) - Cameron - Gibbon
- 1cfernald (talk · contribs) - Caroline - Dogs Internal Anatomy
- Ethan2101 (talk · contribs) - Ethan - cyclic Amp
- andcealno (talk · contribs) - Andres - Coral
- Mmoult24 (talk · contribs) - Morgan-Carter - Biology and political orientation
- Leiladavids (talk · contribs) - Leila-Davids - Oogenesis
- hunterneale12 (talk · contribs) - Hunter- Stingray tail anatomy/ function
Mods 14-16
edit- Jesseekar0524 (talk · contribs) - Jesse K. - Leaf
- Jordynmmill (talk · contribs) - Jordyn M. - Apoptosis
- AnthonyCaccese (talk · contribs) - Anthony - piloerection
- aiden_cormier (talk · contribs) - Aiden C. - Alternation of generations / Meiosis / Biological life cycle
- joshyoungmozart (talk · contribs) - Joshua A. - Extracellular Matrix
- seanhyatt02 (talk · contribs) - Sean H. - Penguin Wing
- Mathboy321 (talk · contribs) - Isaac S. - Minimum viable population
- Declan.Riordan (talk · contribs) - Declan R. - 3D cell culture
- clee__08 (talk · contribs) - Connor L. - Natural Disease Resistance in Plants
- bellyp (talk · contribs) - Isabel P. - Duck Reproduction
- Bvarisco18 (talk · contribs) - Bella V. - Sex Verification in Sports
- KieraCampbell (talk · contribs) - Kiera C. - R Naught
- jack5487 (talk · contribs) - Jack P. - lac operon
- PremaritalYolk (talk · contribs) - Aiden M. - Macrophages
- Dvd919 (talk · contribs) - David J. - Far-sightedness
- priscilla_king (talk · contribs) - Priscilla K. - hair loss
- Rona.fawzy4 (talk · contribs) - Marina - Mycorrhiza
- Rona.fawzy4 (talk · contribs) - Marina - Crystallization
- LandenYu (talk · contribs) - Landen Y. - Soil Mesofauna
- TyDelargy (talk · contribs) - Tyler D. - Stormwater
- mtian20 (talk · contribs) - Melissa T. - Independent Assortment
- KadeISScience (talk · contribs) - Kade K. - Water potential
- aifeji20 (talk · contribs) - Amara I. - Mycorrhiza
- ebudd12 (talk · contribs) - Elisabeth B. - Pea Germination
Uploading
editIn order to complete the assignment and reap all the benefits of your hard work (such as a good grade) you MUST complete all of the following steps. If you need help, just ask.
How to, step by step
editStep 1: Create a Wikipedia Global account by clicking "Login/create account" in the upper right hand corner of this page. Then sign up for a topic on here and in class by submitting a proposal.
Step 2: Click here to use the WikiCommons File Upload Wizard
Step 3: If you didn't do it in the Wizard, categorize your image by adding a one or more [[Category:_______]] tags at the bottom of the page (fill in the name of the category in the _______.) You might use Category:Biology diagrams (but that's not a very helpful category) or something more specific like Category:Molecular biology or something else appropriate.
Step 4: If you didn't do it in the Wizard you should also now add your labels and your caption information in the description to your upload page in the Commons.
Step 5: Your image is now available in all Wiki Projects, including Wikipedia. So let's add it to the article! Go to the article you want to add your donated image to. In the top of the section of the article or the subheading you want to add the image to add something like this:
[[File:MY IMAGE NAME.png|right|thumb|200px|The [[caption]] of '''my image'''.]]
That's not too hard is it? For your caption you'll need to follow Wikipedia style and use some mark up to do this - it's kind of like a micro-essay. The [[ ]] creates a link to the given page on Wikipedia and the ''' ''' make the word bold, in Wikipedia it's appropriate to bold the title of the article the first time it's used in the text or in a caption."
Step 6: Wow you've done it! Now you just have to turn in your work by adding it to gallery in the section above here called "Contributions". Just follow the model I provided in the first entry. Make sure that your entry is between the <gallery> and </gallery> tags or it won't show up. Your caption will likely have to be shorter than your description, see the style advice below.
Style guides
editTo get past the stumbling blocks of editing Wikipedia, articles will have to conform to the Wikipedia style guides. The largest barriers are:
- Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Images - The basic overview of images (the Wikipedia:Picture tutorial is also useful.
- Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Captions - Writing a good caption may be harder than you think.
- Wikipedia:Copyrights - Make sure to post a license on your image which releases all copyrights and makes it free use image AND don't use images from anywhere except the Commons if your image integrates other images.
- Wikipedia:File names - Pick the right name for your file.
- Wikipedia:Preparing images for upload - Pick the right file type (images created using entirely Google Draw should be saved as .SVG, whereas most other images you make will be saved as a .PNG in rare cases an a .JPG or .JPEG can be used)
- Wikipedia:Uploading images or WikiCommons Uploading Images - Do it right the first time (or just use the Wizard).
- Wikipedia:Ten things you may not know about images on Wikipedia - Kind of interesting.
You can always ask for help at:
Writing a good image caption
editThere are several criteria for a good caption. A good caption:
- clearly identifies the subject of the picture, without detailing the obvious.
- is succinct (that means short).
- establishes the picture's relevance to the article.
- provides context for the picture.
- draws the reader into the article.
Different people read articles different ways. Some people start at the top and read each word until the end. Others read the first paragraph and scan through for other interesting information, looking especially at pictures and captions. For those readers, even if the information is adjacent in the text, they will not find it unless it is in the caption—but do not tell the whole story in the caption—use the caption to make the reader curious about the subject.
Another way of approaching the job: imagine you're giving a lecture based on the encyclopedia article, and you are using the image to illustrate the lecture. What would you say while attention is on the image? What do you want your audience to notice in the image, and why? Corollary: if you have got nothing to say, then the image probably does not belong in the article.
Image guidelines
editThe most important thing about an image is that you created - you may not use an image you got from the internet or that someone else created, that is copyright violation, illegal and thus banned from Wikipedia. Additionally you may not use software to alter another person's image for use with, including "vectorizing" a photograph into an SVG.
Three types of image types are allowed for this project:
- Vector Diagrams - in SVG format - vector images are 2D line and shape based images rather than 1D pixel-based raster images. Vector images are best for diagrams because they have no resolution and can be scaled infinitely large or small without loosing quality. Most diagrams should be in this format. Google Drawings, Adobe Illustrator, or Inkscape are examples of vector based drawing programs. Most photo-editing, drawing, or painting programs should not be used because most are raster based images.
- Animations - GIF - these are like the animations we created only they self advance. They need to flow smoothly and look like an animation not a slide show.
- Photographs of actual biological objects - in some cases it would be appropriate to create and upload a photograph of biological material, organisms, or ecosystems. These should be high resolution and have good composition. If they are for a series or collage they need to be framed identically. Take extra photographs with different angles, it's better to have too many and not use some then to not have what you need. Certain videos might also be acceptable.
Images for the lead
editIt is very common to use an appropriate representative image for the lead of an article, often as part of an infobox. The image helps to provide a visual association for the topic, and allows readers to quickly assess if they have arrived at the right page. For most topics, the selection of a lead image is plainly obvious: a photograph or artistic work of a person, photographs of a city, or a cover of a book or album, to name a few.
Image selection for other topics may be more difficult and several possible choices could be made. While Wikipedia is not censored, as outlined in the above section on offensive images, the selection of the lead image should be made with some care with respect to this advice. Lead images are loaded and shown upon navigating to the page, and are one of the first things that readers will see. Editors should avoid using images that readers would not have expected to see when navigating to the page. Unlike other content on a page that falls below the lead, the lead image should be chosen with these considerations in mind.
Some advice on selecting a lead image include the following:
- Lead images should be images that are natural and appropriate visual representations of the topic; they not only should be illustrating the topic specifically, but should also be the type of image that is used for similar purposes in high-quality reference works, and therefore what our readers will expect to see. Lead images are not required, and not having a lead image may be the best solution if there is no easy representation of the topic.
- Lead images should be selected to be of least shock value; if an alternative image exists that still is an accurate representation of the topic but without shock value, it should always be preferred. For example, using an image of deportees being subjected to selection as the lead image at this version of Holocaust is far preferable to the appropriate images that appear later in the article that show the treatment of the prisoners or corpses from the camps.
- Sometimes it is impossible to avoid the use of a lead image with perceived shock value if the topic itself is of that nature, for example in articles on various parts of human genitalia. It should be anticipated, through Wikipedia:Content disclaimer, that readers will be aware they will be exposed to potentially shocking images when navigating to articles on such topics.
Planning and resources
editTalk pages
editThese are places where you can leave and receive messages and questions, every page has one. Whenever you edit these pages, make sure that you are signed in. Also, add four tildes ~~~~ to the end of all comments you make on talk pages. This will let people know who is talking.