Studying Life

What is Biology? bios means… -logy means… Biology is the “Life” -logy means… “study of” Biology is the study of living things.

1. Made of cells A living thing made of only ONE cell Unicellular organisms: A living thing made of only ONE cell uni- means “one” Some are composed of many cells Multicellular organisms multi- means “many”

2. Reproduce Two types of reproduction Sexual Reproduction Asexual Reproduction No egg and sperm involved A piece of an organism becomes a new organism Sexual Reproduction Egg and sperm unite

3. Genetic code Living things contain genetic codes DNA or RNA Codes are passed from parent to offspring Can be used to solve crimes.

4. Growth and Development All living things grow during at least part of their lives Unicellular increase in size Multicellular grow in size and change or develop

5. Need Materials and Energy METABOLISM all of the chemical reactions within the body Materials are broken down or built up Energy is a requirement (used) and must be obtained (available)

6. Respond to the Environment

7. Homeostasis organisms keep internal conditions, constant. Example: Temperature

8. Evolution Organisms show relationship to other organisms A group of organisms change over time due to survival of the fittest http://www.demilked.com/animal-camouflage/

A. Evolution D. genetic code G. Respond to stimulus QUICK PRACTICE The following are all examples of the characteristics of life.  Identify each one by matching a word from the top to a word phrase from the bottom.  A. Evolution                D. genetic code             G. Respond to stimulus B. Made of cells       E. Grow and develop    H. Homeostasis C. Reproduce          F. Use/need energy   1. A person looks like their mother. 2. You eat a hamburger for lunch. 3. A baby gains 3 pounds in one week and begins to recognize voices. 4. A polar bear has white fur to blend in with the snow. 5. Your start to cry whenever you get a shot at the doctor’s office. 6. You begin to shiver because it is cold outside. 7. Red and white particles make up part of your blood. 8. A chick breaks out of an egg.