Biology “the study of life”

WHICH BRANCH OF BIOLOGY?

Characteristics of Life What does it mean to be alive? Cellular Organization Reproduction Metabolism Homeostasis Heredity Responsiveness Growth and Development

Cellular Organization All living things are made of one or more cells. Cells are highly organized structures, the smallest unit capable of all life functions. Cell structure (shape/design) is directly related to cell function (it’s job).

Reproduction Reproduction is the process by which organisms make more of their own kind to keep the population going generation after generation. Can be sexual (two parents) or asexual (one parent). .

Metabolism Metabolism is the sum of all the chemical reactions carried out in an organism in order to obtain and use energy. Almost all energy used by organisms is originally captured from sunlight. Which animal has the highest metabolism?

Homeostasis Homeostasis is the maintenance of stable internal conditions in spite of changes in the external environment. Goose Bumps Sunning Lizard Sweating

Heredity All living things are able to pass on traits to their offspring. Your DNA contains codes that determine your genes. You inherit your parent’s genes which in turn determine who you are.

Responsiveness An organism must be able to respond to physical or chemical changes in the environment.

Growth and Development All organisms grow and increase in size. Multi-cellular organisms develop and become more complex with more specialized cells.

Which Characteristic do the following pictures represent?