Chapter 1.1 and 1.2 Nature of Science and Intro into Biology

What is Science? Science is a body of knowledge based on the study of nature.

Why Study Science? An understanding of science can help you take better care of your health, be a wiser consumer, and become a better-informed citizen. Science can also be used to improve the world around you.

Characteristics of Science 1.Uses scientific theory 2. Expands scientific knowledge 3.Challenges accepted theories 4.Questions results 5.Tests claims 6.Undergoes peer review 7.Uses metric system

Scientific Theory A theory is an explanation of a natural phenomenon supported by many observations and the same results over and over. Example – The Theory of Gravity

Science Expands Knowledge Science is a body of knowledge compounded over time.

Science Challenges Accepted Theories Scientists welcome debate about one another’s ideas. Sciences advance by accommodating new information as it is discovered

Science Questions Results Observations or data that are not consistent with current scientific understanding are of interest to scientists. These inconsistencies often lead to further investigations.

Scientific Claims Must be Unbiased Scientists must do experiments with an open mind and not be persuaded by their personal beliefs or bias.

Scientists Learn from Each Other Through Peer Review Experiments are evaluated by other scientists who are in the same field.

Science Uses the Metric System The metric system is also known as the International System of Units or SI. In biology, the most common SI units are: – meter (length) – liter (volume) – gram (mass) – second (time)

What Science is Not! Claims not supported by scientific explanations are not science. Examples: Astrology, horoscopes, psychic reading, tarot and palm reading, physiognomy, and phrenology are all non-science.

These practices are called pseudosciences. Pseudoscience tries to imitate real science, but is not supported by scientific explanation.

Society Must Consider the Ethics of Science Ethics are a set of moral principles or values. Examples: Genetic engineering, cloning, euthanasia, cryonics, global warming, deforestation, and pollution.

Science has many branches of discipline.

BIOLOGY  The study of living things  Bio = life  Ology = study of

The 8 Characteristics of Life How Do you know something is alive???

Anything that possesses all the characteristics of life is known as an organism. 1. Made up of one or more cells 2. Display Organization 3. Grows and develops 4. Reproduces 5. Respond to stimuli 6. Requires energy 7. Maintain homeostasis 8. Adapts and evolves over time

Characteristics of Life: 1.All living things are made of _______ Cells are the most basic units of life. a. ____________ - made of only one cell (bacteria) b. ___________ - composed of many cells (trees, humans) * This allows cells to become much more specialized cells Unicellular Multicellular

2. Living Things Display Organization Organization means organisms are arranged in an orderly way.

3. Growth and Development: a. Growth: the increase in mass occurs by cell division. b. Development: changes occur from larva stage to adulthood.

4) Living Things Reproduce: a.asexual reproduction: cloning of self b. sexual reproduction: exchange of gametes (egg and sperm) Asexual Sexual

5. Living Things Respond to Stimuli: a.) Anything that is part of the internal or external environment and causes some sort of reaction by the organism is called a stimulus. b.) The reaction to the stimulus is called a response. Plant growing toward sunlight Sun rises so the rooster crows

6. Living Things Obtain & Use Energy: a)Energy is required for growth, movement, and processing information. b)Almost all energy used by living organisms is captured from sunlight. a)Energy flows from sunlight to plants; from plants to plant-eating organisms; from plant-eaters to meat-eaters.

7. Living Things Maintain Homeostasis: a)All organisms must maintain a stable internal environment in order to function properly. b)Homeostasis is the process by which organisms respond to stimuli and keep their internal conditions constant.

8. Living Things Adapt and Evolve Slowly Over Time: a)Adaptation: Through slow change over generations, organisms become better suited for their environment. b)Change in the inherited traits of a species over time is called evolution.

1. Made up of one or more cells 2. Display Organization 3. Grow and develop 4. Reproduce 5. Respond to stimuli 6. Require energy 7. Maintain homeostasis 8. Adapt and evolve over time Can you name the 8 Characteristics of Living Things?