Chapter 1: Themes in the Study of Life

Unifying themes 1) Hierarchy of organization - atoms molecules organelles cells tissues organs organ systems organism population communities ecosystem

Emergent properties of each level – each has different properties than the previous level

Life resists a simple, one-sentence definition, yet we can recognize life by what living things do. Fig. 1.3 Copyright © 2002 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Benjamin Cummings

c. growth and development directed by genetic code Characteristics of living things: a. reproduce b. ordered c. growth and development directed by genetic code d. energy utilization e. response to environment f. homeostasis g. evolutionary adaptation

3) Cellular basis – 2 types of cells: Prokaryotic (bacteria) Eukaryotic (all others)

Correlation of structure and function – form follows function

This structure-function relationship is clear in the aerodynamic efficiency in the shape of bird wing. A honeycombed internal structure produces light but strong bones. The flight muscles are controlled by neurons that transmit signals between the wings and brain. Ample mitochondria provide the energy to power flight. Fig. 1.6 Copyright © 2002 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Benjamin Cummings

Interactions of organisms with their environment – biotic abiotic

Unity in diversity – Taxonomy helps manage great diversity share universal genetic code and cell structure similarities

Evolution – Life on Earth has common ancestry (3 bya bacteria) Darwin’s idea of descent by natural selection

Science as a way of knowing– Questioning with expectations, hypothesizing, deductive reasoning, scientific method

Steps of the scientific method: Observe/State Problem 2. Form Hypothesis 3. Test Hypothesis 4. Record and Analyze Data 5. Draw Conclusion 6. Repeat Experiment