Ms. Politano - HS Zoology Unit 1- Classifying and Exploring Life Unit 2- Cell Structure and Function Unit 3- From a Cell to an Organism Unit 4- Reproduction of Life Unit 5- Genetics Unit 6- Invertebrates Unit 7- Vertebrates Unit 8- Zoological Careers Unit 9- Cryptozoology

Before we begin, decide if you agree or disagree with these statements. 1. All living things move 2. The sun provides energy for almost all living things on Earth 3. A dichotomous key can be used to identify an unknown organism 4. Physical similarities are the only traits used to classify organisms 5. Most cells are too small to be seen with an unaided eye 6. A zoologist only studies animals living in a zoo

Characteristics of Life All living things: Are organized (cells, organs, etc) Grow and develop Reproduce Respond to stimuli Maintain homeostasis Use Energy

Organization A cell is the smallest unit of life. Living things that are made of only one cell are known as unicellular organisms. Multicellular Organisms are made of many cells that have specialized functions.

Growth and Development All living things will grow and develop from birth. Some go through extreme physical changes ( example a frog or butterfly) This is known as metamorphosis. Unicellular organisms have their one cell increase in size. Multicellular organisms grow in their total number of cells.

Reproduction All living things have the ability to reproduce and create offspring. Extinction often occurs when organism are being killed off faster then they can reproduce. Asexual reproduction produces offspring that is genetically identical to its one parent. Sexual reproduction produces offspring that have 50% genetic information from each parent

Response to Stimuli Internal Stimuli An organisms reaction to changes happening inside its body. Example: hunger and thirst occur internally. External Stimuli Changes in an organisms environment that affect an organism. Example: a reptiles response to temperature change. The outside temperature of the environment cause the reptile to have more or less blood flow to their skin

Homeostasis An organism's ability to maintain internal conditions when outside conditions change is called homeostasis. Homeostasis is important because it ensures cells continue to function. If cells do not function properly an organism can become ill or even die.

Energy The only living things that can produce their own food are plants. All animals must consume food in order to survive. Almost all the energy provided to living things begins with the sun. The energy relationship between living things is known as a food chain. Multiple food chains make up an ecosystem’s food web.