1-3 Studying Life

Biology Bio- means life in Latin -ology is the study of Biology literally means the study of life Biology can study anything that deals with a living thing (organism) Many biologist specialize in just one area of biology Example: Zoologists study animals; Botanists study plants; and ecologists study the environment

Characteristics of living things Are made up of cells Reproduce Are based on a universal genetic code (DNA) Grow and develop

Characteristics of living things (continued) Obtain and use materials and energy (metabolism) Respond to their environment Maintain an internal balance (homeostasis) Change over time (groups of organisms)

Branches and Levels of Study Molecules Cells Tissues Organs Organ systems Organism Population Community Ecosystem Biosphere