Diversity of Life Living things are called organisms 30 million types Living factors and non-living factors Non-living factors make up the biosphere

Loss of Diversity Organisms must cope with environmental pressures in order to survive Oxygen poisoned early organisms Dinosaurs could not adapt to lack of sunlight and plant life after the meteor.

What causes Extinction? Human interference – clearing of forests and wetlands, growing human population, pollution, use of non-renewable resources. Hunting for endangered species Species – a group of organisms so similar to one another that they interbreed and produce fertile offspring. Many uses for endangered species.

Biological Products FoodClothingShelterMedicine Fuel – Wood, Coal Biotechnology – using biological products to solve practical problems

Characteristics of Life All living things are organized All organisms respond to the environment All living things use energy – sun is ultimate source of energy All living things reproduce All living things grow and develop All living things adapt to their surroundings

Levels of living things Molecular – DNA, atoms, compounds Cellular – smallest unit of life that can carry out all of the functions of living things Tissue level – groups of cells Organ Level – group of tissue Organ system – Ex. Circulatory system Organism – Ex. Human Population level – group of the same species living together Community Level – different species interacting Ecosystem – Communities and the non-living factors interacting.