Life: Biological Principles and the Science of Zoology Chapter 1
Zoology Zoology is the study of animals. Zoology can be broken down further into smaller branches: Entomology – study of insects Ornithology – study of birds Herpetology – study of slimy things (reptiles and amphibians Mammology – study of mammals Ichthyology – study of fish
Characteristics of Living Things 1. Chemical Uniqueness –We recognize 4 major macromolecules: -Nucleic Acids -Lipids -Carbohydrates -Proteins
Characteristics Continued 2. Complexity and hierarchical organization: -Atoms -Macromolecules -Cells -Tissues -Organs -Organ Systems -Organisms -Populations -Species
Characteristics Continued 3. Reproduction -Living things reproduce at all levels, from DNA replication to organisms reproducing themselves. -Organisms can reproduce sexually or asexually. -Genetics has an important role in reproduction, especially in sexual reproduction.
Characteristics Continued 4. Possession of a Genetic Code -Chromosomes allow for the transfer of traits from parents to offspring. -The genetic code, which is comprised of nucleic acids in DNA, codes for amino acids sequences that make proteins.
Characteristics Continued 5. Metabolism:Obtaining nutrients from the environment. -It includes: -digestion -respiration -the synthesis of molecules and structures -The study of metabolic functions is known as physiology.
Characteristics Continued 6. Development All organisms go through a characteristic life cycle which usually start from fertilization and goes until death. Humans – fertilized egg – baby – toddler – child – adolescent – young adult – adult – senior – worm food. Butterfly (metamorphosis) egg – larva – pupa – and adult stages.
Characteristics (Last One) 7. Environmental Interactions -All organisms must interact with their environment. -The study of this interaction is called Ecology.
Zoology as Part of Biology 1. Animals are eukaryotes. 2. They cannot do photosynthesis. 3. They lack cell walls, hyphae – tubular structures found in fungi.