Describing Life

What characteristics seem to be the most useful in determining whether something is alive?

Unifying Principles in Biology Collection of characteristics that are common to all life. Evolution Homeostasis Energy, Matter and Organization Continuity: Reproduction and Inheritance Development Ecology

#1 Evolution: Patterns and Products of Change in Living Systems Populations of Organisms Change over time. Natural Selection - Mechanism of Change Leads to a diversity of Life Classification systems Gene mutation produces variation in populations

Natural Selection

Darwin’s Finches Scientists trace the path of evolution. Time

Classification Systems 6 Kingdoms Eubacteria Archaea Protista Fungi Plantae Animalia

Classification within Kingdoms Hierarchical levels of classification.

#2 Homeostasis: Maintaining Dynamic Equilibrium in Living Systems All organisms maintain an internal balance. Example Endocrine system Reproductive cycles Insulin and glucagon Osmosis and Diffusion Blood oxygen

Homeostasis (Continued) Circulatory and Excretory System Heart Rates Removal of wastes

#3 Energy, Matter and Organization: Relationships in Living Systems Organisms are composed of…. Carbohydrates Lipids Proteins Nucleic Acids Organisms require energy to maintain their structure Digestion, Cellular respiration, photosynthesis

#4 Continuity: Reproduction and Inheritance in Living Systems Organization and Function depends on genetic material. DNA Genotype Protein Phenotype Organisms pass on genetic material through reproduction Sexually or Asexually Genetics, heredity

#5 Development: Growth and Differentiation in Living Systems Organisms are composed of many different cell types that formed from a single cell. Differentiation

Development (Continued) Cell Cycle and Mitosis- process of growth of a single cell or tissue type

#6 Ecology: Interaction and Interdependence in Living Systems All living things are part of the world ecosystem Organisms in a community depend on each other Feeding Relationships Energy

Ecology (Continued) Water cycle Nitrogen carbon Biotic - Abiotic interactions - cycle of matter Pollution and Climate Change Water cycle Nitrogen carbon

Ecology (Continued) Population interactions Limiting factors Pyramids