1. E.Q: What does an apple, bacteria, and a bear all have in common?
THE SCIENCE OF BIOLOGY
E.Q: What does an apple, bacteria, and a bear all have in common?

2. Biology Biology: The study of life; also known as life science
*Key aspect of Biology: The study of one
living thing always involves studying
other living things.

3. Characteristics of a Living Thing
Organism: Things that have all the characteristics of life; made of one or more cells.
Characteristics of a Living Thing
Organization (cells)
Obtain/ use energy
Reproduce
Respond to stimuli
Growth
Homeostasis
Development
Adapt

4. Life can be studied at the following levels:
Human existence depends on the existence of all living things on Earth — wood, cotton, food, etc.
LEVEL
DESCRIPTION
Biosphere
part of earth that contains all ecosystems
Ecosystem
community and its nonliving environment
Community
populations that live in defined areas
Population
group of organisms of one type that live in same area
Organism
individual living thing
Groups of Cells
tissues, organs, and organ systems
Cells
smallest functional unit of life
Molecules
groups of atoms; smallest unit of compounds