Themes of Biology and Characteristics of Life

What is Biology? Biology is the

study of life

Bio= Life

Ology- Study of

Themes in Biology Seven recurring themes that you will

encounter in this course: Stability and homeostasis Evolution Reproduction and Inheritance Structure and Function Development Energy Relationships Ecology

Stability and Homeostasis Homeostasis

The maintaining of very stable internal conditions

Can you give me examples of homeostasis?

Evolution Evolution is species

changing over time Happens over a

very long period of time

Evolution is the unifying theme of biology

Reproduction and Inheritance All living organisms come from other

living organisms Through the transmission of genetic

material Types of reproduction

Asexual- No exchange of genetic material (produces clones)

Sexual- Combining of genetic material from two different organisms

Structure and Function Structures of organisms are almost

always related to specific functions that allow the organism to survive in their environment

Can you give me some examples of where this is true?

Development All organisms are

composed of and develop from cells

Two types of organisms: Unicellular-

Composed of only one cell

Multicellular- Composed of more than one cells

Energy Relationships All organisms use energy Organisms can make their own energy

(autotrophs) Organisms must “eat” other organisms

in order to gain energy (heterotrophs)

Ecology Ecology is the

study of interactions of organisms with each other and their environment

Characteristics of Life

Characteristics of Life ALL organisms on

the planet share the EXACT same eight characteristics of life

If one or more characteristics is missing, then is not considered living

Characteristics of Life1. All organisms are made up of at least

one cell

2. Highly organized1. Individual Cells- Specific cell structures

called organelles carry out specific functions

2. Multicellular organisms- Organized into:TissuesOrgansOrgan SystemsOrganisms

Characteristics of Life3. Uses energy through metabolism

4. Responds to the environment (from a stimulus)

5. Grows and develops

Characteristics of Life6. Maintains homeostasis

7. Reproduces

8. Adapts to its surroundings