Unit 1 – Science Inquiry Biology

BIOLOGY – what is it? Biology is the study of anything that is living or once was living

Characteristics of Life 1. Uses Energy: Ex: Respiration – obtaining O2, using O2, and removing CO2: Metabolism-obtaining nutrients from sun or other sources 2. Reproduction – making of a new individual: Ex, asexual vs sexual 3. Movement – refers to the self-initiated change in position or internal body parts 4. Responsiveness – sense change inside and outside of the body 5. Growth – increase in body size

levels of organization Atoms Molecules Macromolecules Organelles Cells Tissues (groups of cells working together) Organ (groups of tissues working together to perform a particular task

levels of organization Organ System (group of organs working together to perform a particular task) Organism (groups of organ systems working together to make a whole Population (interbreeding species) Community (all species in a given area)

levels of organization 12. Ecosystem (biotic and abiotic) 13. Biosphere (all areas on earth that sustain life)

Jobs in a Community PRODUCERS: Organisms that make food in a community. Examples: Anything that uses photosynthesis to make food; trees, bushes, algae…

Jobs in a Community Primary Consumer: Animals that eat only plants (herbivore). Examples; Rabbit, Deer, Bird… Secondary Consumer: Animals that eat other animals (Carnivore or Omnivore) Examples: Owl, Human, Bear…

Jobs in the Community Decomposers: Living things that get their food from breaking down dead matter. Examples: Bacteria, Fungi… Importance: Without decomposers, the world would be covered in dead material, they are the RECYCLERS!

Domains Archaebacteria ancient bacteria Eubacteria use O2 for energy Eukaryotes have nucleus Archaebacteria stain in a geyser E. Coli Eukaryote Cell

Kingdoms Archaebacteria do not require oxygen Eubacteria Protists Fungus Plants Animals

Kingdoms Rankings – Organisms are grouped first by very broad characteristics; followed by more and more specific characteristics. Kingdom – Largest category of classification Phylum – Group of similar classes Class – Group of similar orders Order – Group of similar families Family – Group of similar Genera (plural of genus) Genus – Group of similar species Species – smallest taxa (group); ONLY the same species can breed and produce fertile offspring! * Kingdom is the largest and Species is the smallest taxa

Example for Humans KINGDOM Animalia PHYLUM Chordata CLASS Mammalia ORDER Primates FAMILY Hominidae GENUS Homo SPECIES sapiens

Scientific Method (on page 12 of packet please take notes) -Identify a Problem: A question with a possible answer -Collect Information about the problem Create Hypothesis this is an educated guess that must be testable and an If / Then statement -Test Hypothesis (This is the experiment/procedure) -Make Observations (Collecting Data for proof) -Come to a Conclusion-was hypothesis supported? Revise Hypothesis and Retest

Experimental Design Must set up variables / controls to test the hypothesis Constant Variables – available to compare results to (does not change) Independent Variable – Variable that is purposely changed by the experimenter (Changes at a constant rate Ex: Time) Dependent Variable – A variable that results from the independent variable (changes happen based on the independent variable) Experimental Error – Mistakes that may skew results Sample Size – Larger the better

Scientific Inquiry What is a Hypothesis? What is a Law Educated guess that is testable What is a Theory? In science…it is a logical / testable model Tries to explain the event Set of Hypothesis that are put together What is a Law Well documented history of proven tests Describes the event

Biology Terms Evolution Change in a population over time Mutation Change in the genetic makeup of an individual Survival of the Fittest: Organisms best suited to their environment will survive and reproduce Natural Selection Nature Chooses most suitable adaptations for the environment

Natural Selection Natural Selection   Individuals vary in form, function and behavior Adaptive, Environmentally affected traits Out come of differences are in survival and “reproduction” Leads to a better fit with prevailing environmental conditions