Miami Beach Senior High School Mrs Diaz WHAT IS BIOLOGY? Miami Beach Senior High School Mrs Diaz

Biology Biology is the study of life. “bio” = life “logy” = study It includes all living organisms such as: plants, animals, bacteria, protists, fungi

How do we know if something is living? Life How do we know if something is living? Scientists have determined that all living organisms share several characteristics (traits). If a “thing” has all of the characteristics of life then we can say it is living.

The 7 Characteristics of Life Cellular Organization Reproduction Metabolism Homeostasis Heredity Responsiveness Growth and Development

1. Cellular Organization All living things are made of one or more cells. A cell is the smallest unit capable of all life functions. Cells are highly organized.

2. Reproduction All living things produce offspring. Since nothing can live forever, reproduction is essential to life.

3. Metabolism All living things use energy to grow, to move, and to process information. Metabolism is the sum off all the chemical reactions in the above activities.

4. Homeostasis All living things must maintain a stable internal environment in order to function properly. Homeostasis is the term given to keeping a balanced internal environment.

5. Heredity All living things are able to pass on their characteristics (traits) to their offspring. Heredity is the passing of traits from parent to offspring.

6. Responsiveness All living things are responsive. That is the act of sensing a stimulus and responding to it. Responsiveness is concerned with detecting changes in the internal or external environments and reacting to that change.

7. Growth and Development All living things undergo a growth and development process. It may be a simple increase in size or a complex change of structures and their functions.

Biology Video: The World of Living Things