Biology Day 1

Solving Problems Using a Scientific Approach Scientific Method Problem Hypothesis Experiment Analysis Conclusion Parts of an Experiment Variables Independent – changed by you Dependent – changed by to independent Constant – stay the same Control – for comparison

Properties of Life – Seven themes unify the science of biology Organisms – Living organisms are diverse but share certain characteristics Properties of Life – Seven themes unify the science of biology Cellular Structure and Function Reproduction Metabolism Homeostasis Heredity Evolution Interdependence

Unifying Themes of Biology Cellular Structure and Function All living organisms are composed of cells Reproduction Living organisms reproduce, producing offspring similar to themselves Metabolism Living organisms obtain and use energy to stay alive, grow, and develop

Homeostasis Heredity Evolution Interdependence All living organisms respond to their environment and are able to maintain homeostasis Heredity All living things are able to pass on traits to their offspring through genes that are passed from parent to offspring each generation Evolution Evolution has shaped all of life’s diversity Interdependence All living organisms depend on one another and their environment

Solving Real World Problems Preserving our Environment Pollution of the atmosphere, extinction of plants and animals, and a growing demand for food are current environmental problems caused by the growing human population

Improving the Food Supply Genetic engineering is used to develop crops that require fewer fertilizers and pesticides

Understanding the Human Genome Scientists are sequencing every human gene, which will be an invaluable tool in medical research

Fighting Disease AIDS and Cancer Biological research and new technologies will help scientists battle diseases such as AIDS and cancer

Emerging Diseases The past few years have seen the emergence of new diseases from other parts of the world such as West Nile virus

Gene Therapy Gene therapy will help scientists fight genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, and hemophilia

Observation: The Basis of Scientific Research Solving Scientific Puzzles All scientists have a certain way of investigating the world Observation Observation is the act of noting or perceiving objects or events using the senses

Stages of Scientific Investigation Collecting Observations and Asking Questions Scientists add to scientific knowledge by sharing observations and posing questions about observations Forming Hypotheses and Making Predictions Forming and testing hypotheses, as well as making predictions, is important in scientific investigations

Confirming Predictions In a controlled experiment, the independent variable is varied between the experimental and control groups. The measured variable is the dependent variable Drawing Conclusions Hypotheses can be supported or rejected, but never proven

Viewing Conclusions in Context Many important scientific questions have more than one answer, such as determining the causes of the global decline in amphibians

Scientific Explanations Constructing a Theory A collection of hypotheses that have been repeatedly tested and are supported by a great deal of evidence forms a theory