What is Biology Chapter 1.1

I. The Science of Biology Biology: the study of life “bio” = life “ology” = the study of A. Biologists study the interactions of life Living things do not exist in isolation All living things depend on one another, and the non living things around them

II. Biologists Study the Diversity of Life A. Biologists study interactions of the environment The study of 1 animal/plant will always involve the study of another B. Biologists study problems and propose solutions can lead to advances in medical treatment

III. Characteristics of Living Things Anything that is considered “living” will have the following characteristics Have an orderly structure Produce offspring Grow and develop Adjust to changes in the environment A. Living Things are organized Organization Cells  tissues  organs  organ systems

III. Characteristics of Living Things B. Living things make more living things Reproduction: the production of offspring is essential for the survival of a group of organisms Species: a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring C. Living things change during their lives Growth: an increase in the amount of living material, and formation of new structures Development: all of the changes that occur during an organisms lifetime

III. Characteristics of Living Things D. Living things adjust to their surroundings Environment: the place that organisms interact with (includes air, water, weather, temp.) Stimulus: anything in an organsims external/internal environment that causes a response Response: reaction to a stimulus *homeostasis*: an organism’s ability to “maintain” its internal environment Sweating to reduce body temperature Releasing insulin to lower blood glucose levels (diabetics)

Control Group (“standard for comparison, unchanged”) Experimental Group (group being tested) Independent vs. dependent variable