What is Biology & Characteristics of Life

What is Biology??? Bio- = life -logy = study of BIOLOGY = study of life (living things) ORGANISM = a living thing

What do biologists study? Organisms Interactions of organisms with their environments How to conserve resources and preserve species Solutions to human problems

What is a living thing?? LET’S BRAINSTORM!!

Is FIRE living? Why might someone consider fire to be living?

Characteristics of Life 1.CONTAIN CELLS - one cell = unicellular (ex. Protists, bacteria) - more than one cell = multicellular

Characteristics of Life 2.CONTAIN DNA - coded instructions for life - passed on from parent to offspring

Characteristics of Life 3.REPRODUCTION = production of offspring - essential for survival of SPECIES!

Characteristics of Life 4.GROWTH (adding biomass) AND DEVELOPMENT (structural/chemical changes)

Characteristics of Life 5.OBTAIN AND USE ENERGY (metabolism)

Characteristics of Life 6.RESPOND TO STIMULI (reacts to environment)

Characteristics of Life 7. MAINTAIN AN INTERNAL BALANCE (homeostasis)

Characteristics of Life 8.EVOLVE AS POPULATIONS - individuals DO NOT evolve!

Levels of Organization in an Organism Atoms Molecules Cell Part (Organelle) Cell → unicellular organism ↓ Tissue (ex. muscle) Organ (ex. stomach) Organ System (ex. digestive) Multicellular Organism

Levels of Organization in an Ecosystem Population Community Ecosystem Biome Biosphere