1. 1.4 What is Biology? I. The Study of Life A. Many Branches
1. Biochemistry – the chemistry of life

2. 2. Ecology – how organisms interact with each
2. Ecology – how organisms interact with each other & their environment

3. 3. Cell Theory – life on the cellular level

4. 4. Genetics – how organisms pass traits to their offspring

5. 5. Evolutionary Theory - Changes in types of organisms over time

6. 6. Microbiology – study of microscopic organisms

7. 7. Botany – Study of plants

8. 8. Zoology – Study of animals

9. 9. Physiology – Study of the human body

10. II. Properties of Life
A. Cellular Organization
1. cell- smallest unit capable of life
2. cell membrane – thin covering
3. Basic structure same for all organisms
B. Homeostasis
1. stable internal conditions
a. ex.- body temp. oF

11. C. Metabolism
1. the sum of all the chemical reaction in an organism
D. Responsiveness
1. Living things need to respond to environment
a. ex. – plants bend toward sunlight
E. Reproduction
1. essential part of life b/c nothing lives forever
F. Heredity
1. the reason offspring look similar to parents
G. Growth
1. Development – organisms grow & change
2. Refers to single individual