Unit I Chapter One

What is BIOLOGY? Of course, it is the study of … LIFE.

All living things share 7 characteristics… If any of the characteristics do not apply, it cannot be considered living!

Seven Things Characterize Life! Organization and cells Response Homeostasis Metabolism Growth and Development Reproduction Evolution

Characteristic #1 Must be organized and made of cells. This means that the organism can be made of one cell, or more than one cell working together for the good of the whole.

Characteristic #2 Organisms must respond to a stimuli. For instance, when something burns, you pull away.

Characteristic #3 Homeostasis. All organisms keep their systems in a balance. Ex. Body temperature for humans is regulated by “goose bumps” and sweat.

Characteristic #4 Metabolism. All organisms must take in a food source and use that fuel for energy.

Characteristic #5 Growth and Development. All organisms start in an infant phase and then grow to an adult phase.

Characteristic #6 Reproduction. Organisms produce like organisms.

Characteristic #7 Evolution is inevitable. All organisms change and adapt to better suit their surroundings so they can survive…they evolve.

About organization… Life is organized from the simple to the complex… The Atom >The Organism (simple) (complex)

Biology has Themes! Theme One…(life is diverse, but all life shares the 7 characteristics.) Theme Two…(organisms are interdependent; they interact with each other.) Theme Three…(all living things evolve…change or adapt.)

To study any science you need a method… All labs in this class will require a formal lab report using the scientific method. Visit my.ccsd.net for a copy of the lab report format.