What is Biology? Lesson Objectives: - Identify the goal of science - Describe how scientists study the natural world - Explain how and why scientists do experiments - Describe types of scientific investigations - Explain what a scientific theory is

Introduction Think about comparison-shopping and what is involved in the process. How is comparison-shopping similar to science? Both involve posing questions, making observations, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions

True or False 1. There is a single scientific method that all scientists follow. 2. Science is based only on data and involves no creativity. 3. Without an experiment, a study is not scientific. 4. Scientific ideas are always changing so they can’t be trusted. 5. Scientific data can prove that hypotheses are true or false. All of the above statements are common misconceptions of science.

What is Science? Science is a systematic way of investigating the natural world Science begins by making observations and asking questions Questioning the natural world Explain nature and analyze life’s questions

Purpose of Science Make important breakthroughs and discoveries Understand and improve our lives Show our impact on the world around us

Impacts of Science MedicineTechnologyAgricultureForensicsGenomics

Can Science Change? Scientific knowledge is NOT absolute truth Reliant on REVIEW and can be subject to CHANGE Example: Periodic Table (addition of new elements)

1.State the Problem 2.Form a Hypothesis 3.Experimentation 4.Collecting and Measuring Data 5.Interpreting Data (Constructing Graphs) 6.Draw Conclusions 7.Publish findings Steps to the Scientific Method

1. State the Problem Based on OBSERVATIONS

INFERENCES: logical assumptions based on observations by using prior knowledge

- Educated guess - Possible answer to your question - TESTABLE - Written as an “If…then…” statement 2. Form a Hypothesis Why is this event happening?

3. Experimentation Way to test the hypothesis Independent Variable: scientist changes (manipulated) Dependent Variable: scientist observes and measures (responding) Control: used for comparison; remains the same; no change So, independent variable influences change in the dependent variable Repeated trials to ensure accurate data

a.Qualitative Data: characteristics, physical traits, words b.Quantitative Data: numbers, quantities, how many? 4. Collecting and Measuring Data

a.Types of Graphs: 1. Line Graph – shows a relationship between IV and DV 5. Interpret Data

a. Types of Graphs: 2. Bar Graph – shows a comparison between IV and DV

a.Types of Graphs: 3. Pie Graph – shows percentages; must add up to 100%

b.Graphs must have: TitleKey Labeled Axes X Axis  IV Y Axis  DV

a.Use data to make summaries b.Discussion of problems with experiment c.Discussions of options for future experiments 6. Draw Conclusions

7. Publish Findings Publish in scientific journals so other scientists can evaluate your findings.

Remember … 1.Start with a question 2.Determine a possible solution 3.Test your question 4.Draw conclusions based on your findings 5.Let others know your findings

Theory and Law Scientific Theory A hypothesis that has been supported by multiple scientists’ experiments in multiple locations NOT PROVEN Example: Theory of Evolution, Big Bang Theory A Scientific Law a description of what we find happening in nature over and over again in a certain way Example: Law of gravity, Newton’s laws of motions

Scientific Method In Introduction to Biology LearnEd booklet read the passages and answer the questions on pages in your booklet.

What is Biology? Biology is the study of living and once living organisms “Bio”-life “-ology”-study of

What do Biologists study? The interactions of life The interactions with the environment They study problems and propose solutions (examples: medical treatment, disease prevention, etc.)

What makes a living thing alive? What do you think are the most important characteristics of ALL living organisms?

What are the living things in the picture below?

There are 8 characteristics of Life: Cellular Organization Cellular Organization Reproduction Reproduction Metabolism (Obtain and Use Energy) Metabolism (Obtain and Use Energy) Homeostasis Homeostasis Heredity Heredity Responsiveness Responsiveness Growth and Development Growth and Development Adapt Through Evolution Adapt Through Evolution

Unicellular-composed of one cell Ex: Bacteria, amoeba, paramecium, euglena Multicellular- composed of many cells Ex: Humans Cellular Organization: Cell------Smallest unit capable of all life functions

Reproduction is the process of producing new organisms of the same type Asexual Reproduction A single parent organism reproducing by itself A single parent organism reproducing by itself

Sexual Reproduction Two different parent organisms contribute genetic information Two different parent organisms contribute genetic information Involves the combination of male and female sex cells Involves the combination of male and female sex cells

Living organisms need energy to grow, develop, repair damage, and reproduce

Metabolism The total of all chemical reactions in an organism

Keeping the internal environment of the cell or organism within the ranges required for life Body temperature Body temperature Blood volume Blood volume pH balance pH balance Water balance Water balance

Genes carry hereditary information Genes are composed of DNA Heredity is the reason children resemble their parents Mutations change DNA code and can be passed from generation to generation

Organisms react to stimuli: Light Light Temperature Temperature Odor Odor Sound Sound Gravity Gravity Heat Heat Water Water Pressure Pressure An example is a plant’s leaves and stems growing toward light

Growth means to get bigger in size

Development involves a change in the physical form or physiological make-up of an organism

Adaptation A process that enables organisms to become better suited to their environment A process that enables organisms to become better suited to their environment Species obtain adaptations through evolution over great periods of time Species obtain adaptations through evolution over great periods of time

An Example of Adaptation Desert plants have succulent waxy leaves and stems to store water and reduce water loss

Characteristics of Life Cellular Organization Cellular Organization Reproduction Reproduction Metabolism (Obtain and Use Energy) Metabolism (Obtain and Use Energy) Homeostasis Homeostasis Heredity Heredity Responsiveness Responsiveness Growth and Development Growth and Development Adapt Through Evolution Adapt Through Evolution