Unit 1: Introduction WHAT IS BIOLOGY, NATURE OF SCIENCE, BIOCHEMISTRY
BIO 9A
BIO 9B
Biology The science of life Includes Studies of: Evolution: Origins and history of life and once-living things Structures and functions of living things How living things interact with one another Homeostasis: maintaining stable internal environment
What do biologists do? Study the diversity of life Research diseases Develop technologies Improve agriculture Preserve the environment WHAT ELSE?
Nature of Science Science is a body of knowledge based on the study of the natural world. Theory- explanation of natural phenomenon supported by MANY observations and experiments over time Theory of evolution explains the variety of life on earth and is supported by massive amounts of data Explains how something works Law- describes relationships under certain conditions in nature Law of conservation of matter: before and after a change, the same amount of matter exists Just describes a relationship. Theories do not become laws
What do scientists do? Make observations and draw conclusions Expand knowledge Challenge accepted theories: new data and ideas Question results: use new technology to reassess current knowledge Test claims Peer review: other specialists evaluate scientific procedures and claims
Science in Everyday Life A person who is scientifically literate combines a basic understanding of science and its processes with reasoning and thinking skills. Ethical issues must be addressed by society based on the values it holds important.
Methods of Science Making observations: a direct method of gathering information in an orderly way Making inferences: coming to a logical conclusion What s the difference? Ex: I saw a bird. Identifying the species
Visualizing Scientific Methods
Experimental Design and Manipulating Variables Control Group: normal state, used for comparison Experimental Group: exposed to the factor being tested Independent Variable: manipulated variable, what the scientist changes Dependent Variable: responding variable, what scientists measure, this results from the independent variable Constants: factors that remain the same during the experiment
Experiments are A-MAZE-ing Open a book to page 19 You will do the MiniLab with your lab partner See me to get your maze once you have completed the data table Remember, KEEP IT SIMPLE
8 Characteristics of Life 1. Organisms are cellular All living things are made up of cells The cell is the basic unit of life Some organisms are unicellular
8 Characteristics of Life 2. Displays organization Levels of organization increase in complexity from the atom to the biosphere Each organized structure has a function
8 Characteristics of Life 3. Grows and Develops Growth results in an increase in mass Development results in different abilities Think tadpole to bullfrog
8 Characteristics of Life 4. Reproduces Produces offspring Species- group of organisms that can breed with one another and produce fertile offspring Without reproduction extinction!
8 Characteristics of Life 5. Responds to Stimuli Stimulus is anything that is part of either the internal or external environment of the organism Reaction is the response of the organism to the stimulus
8 Characteristics of Life 6. Requires Energy Need energy to fuel life functions Some organisms produce their own energy (plants) Others have to get it from other sources
8 Characteristics of Life 7. Maintains Homeostasis Regulation of an organism's internal environment The environment may change, but the organism s systems can return it to normal No homeostasis = illness or death Examples: fever to kill off invading bacteria; athletes have more blood cells to deliver oxygen
8 Characteristics of Life 8. Adaptations Evolve Over Time characteristics that help organisms to survive and reproduce inherited from parents change over time as the environment changes Ex: Leaves with drip tips
1. 11. 2. 3. 10. 9. Levels of Organization Among Living Things 4. 5. 8. 6. 7.
Review Page 25: 1-6, 9-12 Page 26: 15-19 Ch. 6 Vocab TIP