Introduction To Life

What makes a living thing living? Essential Question What makes a living thing living?

Biology is the study of life. This study of life ranges from the very simple one-celled organisms….. …..to the very complex multicellular organisms.

The Characteristics of Life All living things…. …no matter how different from each other they may be…. ….share a set of common characteristics.

Living things… ….are made up of units called cells.

Living things… ….reproduce.

Living things… ….are based on a universal genetic code called DNA.

Living things… ….grow and develop.

Living things… ….obtain and use materials and energy.

Living things… ….respond to their environment.

Living things… ….maintain a stable internal environment in a process called homeostasis. Homeostasis is the balance between cells and their environment.

Living things… ….evolve, or change, over time.

What is Life? (11 min)

Characteristics of a Living thing 1. Are comprised of one or more units called cells 2. Reproduce (sexually or asexually) 3. Grow and develop 4. Obtain and use energy 5. Respond to their environment

The Martian and the Car Marty Martian was sent to Earth by the Martian government to find life. While on Earth, Marty captured a car and brought it back to Mars. He thought he'd found a good example of life on Earth. The Martian government does not believe that the car Marty brought back is alive. Marty must stand trial for failing to perform his Martian duties.

At the trial, Marty spoke in his defense At the trial, Marty spoke in his defense. "I first saw these life forms rolling along roads in great numbers. They were giving off thick clouds of poisonous waste as they moved. They seemed to exhibit herding behavior, as many of the cars moved in the same direction. They appeared to have a great deal of energy, some of them moved faster than 60 kilometers per hour. When one of these life forms stopped or slowed down, the others behind it responded. They slowed down and gave off a reddish light from the back, and sometimes they would make honking noises. I observed that they would stop to feed on a liquid substance."

The Martian and the Car Take the part of Marty's defense attorney and make a good case for the car's being alive. Then be the prosecutor and show that the car is a nonliving thing. List as many reasons as you can. Defense Attorney 1. ___________________________________ 2. ___________________________________ 3. ___________________________________ 4. ___________________________________ 5. ___________________________________ Prosecutor

Chapter 1 What is Life? Systems of Life

Population Ecosystem Organism Cells Tissue Organ Organ System Species Organism Cells Use SmartBoard pen to show hierarchy. Tissue Organ Organ System

Chapter 1 What is Life? Life is Diverse