Origin Statement – August 8, 2012 From your experience so far, what do you know about science? Write down as much of the scientific method, in order, as you remember!

Chapter 1 Introduction: Themes in the Study of Life

Science is: A process A way of “knowing” A way of answering the questions of science (and the world!) Based on: ◦Observations (both qualitative and quantitative) ◦Experiments ◦Deductive reasoning

Observations: Are the “keystone” to science If it can’t be “observed”, it can’t be studied by the Scientific Method Can be made through your senses or through the use of tools

Scientific Method: Outlines a series of steps for answering questions. Obtains “evidence” through the use of experiments. Use the scientific method when answering your AP Bio Exam lab questions!!!!

Scientific Method Steps 1. Identify the problem. 2. Identify what is already known 3. Formulate a hypothesis. *Use “If…then…” format 4. Conduct an experiment.

Scientific Method Steps 5. Collect data. 6.Compare data to hypothesis. 7. Conclusions and new hypothesis.

Comment… Nothing is ever proven in science ◦Can only be disproven Experiments either support or fail to support a particular hypothesis Disproving a hypothesis is as important as supporting it – why?

Theories vs. Hypotheses Theories are broader in scope than hypotheses Not determined by single experiment, but have been supported by many experiments by many scientists Comprehensive explanation supported by abundance of evidence Theories allow predictions

Examples of Theories Atomic Theory Gravitational Theory Theory of Relativity Cell Theory Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection

4 AP Biology “Big Ideas” 1. The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life. 2. Biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow, to reproduce, and to maintain dynamic homeostasis. 3. Living systems store, retrieve, transmit, and respond to information essential to life processes. 4. Biological systems interact, and these systems and their interactions possess complex properties.

Side Note about Big Idea #1 “Nothing in Biology makes sense except in the light of Evolution.” ◦Theodosius Dobzhansky  American Biology Teacher 35: , Success is measured by an organism’s ability to: ◦Survive ◦Reproduce Note – organisms survive because of their adaptations, they do not adapt to survive. Note – individual organisms do not evolve, populations do.

Properties of Life 1. Order 2. Reproduction 3. Growth and Development 4. Use of Energy 5. Respond to environment 6. Homeostasis 7. Evolution 8. Cellular make-up 9. Death

1. Order Living things are highly organized in structure and function. Analyzing a biological structure gives us clues about what it does and how it works Structure and function are related at all organizational levels (organelle, cell, tissue etc.)

2. Reproduction Organisms reproduce their own kind. Life on Earth uses the nucleic acid and the genetic code for heritable information.

3. Growth & Development Organisms increase in size and complexity. Growth - increase in size. Development - increase in complexity. Life - grows by internal changes (often at the cellular level).

4. Energy Utilization Organisms take in energy and transform it to do work. Organisms are “open” systems; they must continually take in energy.

5. Response To Environment Organisms respond to changes or stimuli in their environment. The speed of the response may be “fast” or “slow”.

6. Homeostasis Organisms maintain their internal environment within tolerable limits. “homeo” = same “stasis” = state

7. Evolutionary Adaptation Organisms change over time as they adapt to their environment. Organisms must adapt, move, or die!

Others 8. The cell is the “basic unit” of life. 9. ALL organisms die.

Summary Recognize the use of “Big Ideas” in the study of Biology. Identify the general and specific properties of life. Recognize that the study of life does not make sense without evolution. Appreciate that science is a process. Recognize and use the steps of the scientific method. Differentiate between a hypothesis and a theory.