Intro to Biology What is Biology?

The scientific study of all life forms

Characteristics of all Living Things

• ALL LIVING THINGS• Have cells• Need energy• Respond to the environment• Reproduce and develop

Unifying Themes of Biology

• All organisms share certain characteristics• All levels of life have systems of related parts• Structure and function are related in biology• Organisms must maintain homeostasis to survive in

diverse environments• Evolution explains the unity and diversity of life

Levels of organization

• Cells- the basic unit of life• Tissues• Organs• Organ Systems• Organism • Population• Community • Ecosystem• Biome• Biosphere