Biology Introduction

What is biology?The study of life.It ranges from the smallest organisms like

bacteria to the largest like elephants and whales.

Biologists are studying new things everyday.For example, the foods that are good and bad

for you.

Biology and SocietyThink about the oil spill in the Gulf. Who

were the ones called to help find a way to clean all of that oil up?

Characteristics of lifeOrganization and presence of one or more

cells, response to stimuli, homeostasis, metabolism, growth and development, change through time.

Organization of cellsCell- smallest unit of life.One celled organisms are called- unicellularIf they have more than one cell they are

multicellullarOrgans- structures that carry out specialized

jobs within an organ system.Tissues- groups of cells that have similar

abilities and let the organ function.

Organelles- tiny structures that carry out functions necessary for the cell to stay alive.

Biological molecules- chemical compounds that provide physical structure and that bring about movement.

Response to stimuliWhat happens to your pupils when someone

shines a light in your eyes? This is responding to stimuli. This must

happen to be alive.

Cell- comes from the root word “cella” which means small room or hut.

HomeostasisBeing able to maintain a stable internal

environment. This is why you sweat when your hot and

have “goose bumps” when you cold.

MetabolismThe sum of all chemical reactions that

transforms energy from the environment.Example- plants use the sun to transfer sugar

molecules into food during photosynthesis.

Growth and developmentThe process in which an organism becomes a

mature adult.Cell division is the formation of 2 new cells

from an existing cell.

ReproductionThe production of a new organism that is like

the parent organism.

Change through timeThis is where the word “evolution” gets

tossed around like a hot potato. Everything evolves and grows but it does

NOT become a totally different organism. WE DID NOT COME FROM MONKIES!

Review QuestionsHow does biology affect a persons everyday

life?Why is reproduction and important factor of

life?Crystals of salt grow and are highly

organized. Why don’t biologists consider them to be alive?

3 Domains of lifeMajor divisions of organisms- domainsBacteria, Archaea, Eukarya.The largest and the most complex organisms

are in the Eukarya domain.This domain is also broken down into

kingdoms.

Ecology- Study of how organisms react to each other and their environment.

Ecosystems- Communities of living species and their physical environment.

Evolution of lifeOrganisms change during their lifetime,

however their basic genetic makeup does not. Evolution- process in which the inherited

characteristics within a population change over time.

Natural Selection“Survival of the fittest”- the best will surviveAdaptations- traits that improve for survival.

Review QuestionsDistinguish between EVOLUTION and

NATURAL SELECTION.

Scientific Method1. Observation2. Hypothesis3. Prediction4. Experiment5. Collect Data6. Conclusions

ToolsBunsen Burner

Tongs

beaker

Balance

Ring stand

Graduated Cylinder

Funnel

Erlenmeyer Flask

Test tube

Test Tube Clamp

Micrscopes