Getting to Know You!

Answer the following questions on a sheet of paper:

• Your official name

• Name you want me to call you

• Favorite TV show

• Favorite animal

• Future occupation

• Favorite subject

What’s Next!

Get into groups of four!

Introduction to Biology:

The Characteristics of Life

A wide awake bear happy togo to biology class!

An asleep bear – not likeRHS biology students!

What is Biology?

Biology is the study of life.

The prefix “bio” means “life”

The suffix “logy” means “study of”

What are Organisms?

An organism is any living thing.

All organisms share seven characteristics:

1. Cellular Organization

• All organisms are made up of units called cells.

• A cell is the smallest unit capable of all life functions.

Human blood cellsSome random animal cell Spi

rogy

ra (

it’s

an a

lgae

)

2. Reproduction

Reproduction is the process by which organisms make more of their own species.

Don’t say what you’re thinking!

But, what is a species?

A species is a group of similar organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

Species names are written in 2 words (the genus and species) such as:

Homo sapiens (humans) or

Felis domestica (house cats)

Mule: Offspring of a male donkey & female horse

Hinny: Offspring of a male horse and female donkey

Generally smaller and less commonthan mules.

Liger: male lion & female tiger

Tigon: male tiger & female lion

3. Metabolism

Metabolism is the sum of all of the chemical processes carried out in an organism. These processes make and use energy.

Metabolism refers to the energy of an organism. All organisms are able to obtain and use energy.

Metabolism of food to form energy (cell respiration)

4. Homeostasis

Homeostasis is the maintenance of a stable, internal environment.

Homeostasis must be maintained in spite of changes in the external environment of an organism.

Using the term “homeostasis”, explain what is happening:

Using the term “homeostasis”, explain what is happening:

“Bear Dance”

5. Heredity

Heredity is the passing of traits from parents to offspring. This is an important part of the process of reproduction (#2). A trait is an inherited characteristic.

Examples of traits are:

Eye color and skin color are traits.

6. Responsiveness

Organisms can respond to changes in their environment. This responsiveness allows organisms to maintain their homeostasis.

7. Growth and Development

All organisms change during their life.