Assignment 1 – Pre-University Biology Part 1 (Value 8 points) To prepare for this question, please read the following pages in our course manual: Pages XXXXXXXXXX A biologist studied the environmental...

Assignment 1 – Pre-University Biology
Part 1 (Value 8 points)
To prepare for this question, please read the following pages in our course manual: Pages 16 - 38
A biologist studied the environmental impact of an herbicide on squirrel reproduction. First, the biologist selected two small islands with similar vegetation and similar-sized squirrel populations (about 200 squirrels) with equal reproductive rates. Then, at random, one island was sprayed with herbicide, and the other was used as a control. Squirrel reproduction rates were measured on both islands before and after the treatment. Based on your knowledge of the scientific process, what is the most significant flaw in this investigation, and how would you suggest the scientist proceeds? 
For full value:
Discuss the scientific process in detail (5 points)
Indicate which of the process mentioned above are flawed and why (2 points)
Offer suggestions on how to improve this scientist's process (1 point)
Suggested length: 3 paragraphs
Herbicides are chemical substances, that are mostly used by farmers to control the growth of undesired plants on farms (Chang et al., 2001). Chemicals such as amides, acetamides, dinitro compounds, imidazolines, etc., are some of the commonly utilized herbicides. As most of the herbicides are non-biodegradable, they remain persistent in the environment (Rose et al., 2016). They cause severe damages to the vegetation (Fletcher et al., 1996) as well as animals residing in the location (Williams et al., 2012).
In the given experiment, two small islands of similar size, vegetation, and similar-sized squirrel population with equal reproductive rates were chosen. One of the islands was studied as control and the other was sprayed with herbicide to record the impact of herbicide on squirrel reproduction rate. It is well-planned experimentation to study the harmful effects of herbicides as herbicides are largely toxic to invertebrates and animals. Even though the above process is a carefully planned investigation, the significant flaw of this study is that it lacks randomization. As the study is equipped with the controlled and selected bias of the island, size, vegetation, and squirrel population, the outcome will be variable only according to these factors.
Therefore, to increase the significance of the investigational study, the factors or variables can be increased in the study to eliminate the selection bias and mimic the study similar to the natural environment of rabbits (Manly, 2018). For instance, the segregation of the rabbit population was randomized with their number, the reproduction rates can differ, the island with different vegetation can be chosen and the size of the translocation of the rabbit population can differ. These varying factors, help the study to achieve an environment close to the natural habitat that might reflect the true impact of the herbicide on the reproduction rate of rabbits (Peres-Neto and Olden, 2001).
Part 2 (Value 4 points)
2a) Why is mitosis an essential topic for health professionals? (2 points)
2b) Provide an example to support your answer. (2 points)
For full value:
Explain your understanding of mitosis briefly, why health care professionals are interested and provide an example...