1. Introduction to Biology

2. What is Biology? It is the study of life, living things, what they are, how they work, and how they interact with one another and their environment. What are the Characteristics of living things? 1. Complex, organized structure, consisting of mostly organic (carbon based) molecules. 2. Maintain complex structure and internal environment - homeostasis. 3. Acquire and use material and energy from the environment to maintain homeostasis. 4. Grow 5. Reproduce, using molecular blueprint called DNA 6. Respond to stimuli from environment 7. Have capacity to Evolve

3. Introduction to Biology As part of this course, we will consider biology at different levels:

4. Introduction to Biology

5. To study living things, we also categorize and classify organisms:

6. Introduction to Biology Evolution as the unifying theory of biology Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection: 1. Genetic variation 2. Inheritance of variation by offspring 3. Natural selection – Selects for adaptations that enhance a) survival b) reproduction Sources of Variation? 1. Mutations – most destructive, but… 2. Sexual reproduction -

7. Introduction to Biology The scientific method- How do things work? Steps: 1. Observation 2. Hypothesis 3. Experiment 4. Conclusion Tested hypothesis >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Theory!! For experiments to be valid and useful, consider a. controls, and b. adequate sample sizes

8. Atoms, Molecules, and Chemistry!!! Next lecture……