1. Introduction: Themes in the Study of Life
Chapter 1
Introduction: Themes in the Study of Life

2. The College Board Same people that produce the SAT
Provides students with the opportunity to take college level course work and exams while still in high school
This course is meant to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usually taken by freshman biology majors

3. Course Content: Big Ideas
The process of evolution drives the diversity & unity of life
Biological systems utilize free energy & molecular building blocks to grow, reproduce, and maintain dynamic homeostasis
Living systems store, retrieve, transmit, and respond to essential life processes
Biological systems interact, and these systems and their interactions possess complex properties

4. AP Biology Content Areas
Evolution
Ecology
Biomolecules
Cells
Membranes & Transport
Energy & Metabolism
Genetics
Reproduction
DNA Structure & Function
Signal Transduction & Gene Expression
Genes & Development
Homeostasis & Physiology
Behavior

5. Recommended Inquiry Labs
Artificial selection
Mathematical Modeling
Comparisons of DNA sequences using BLAST
Diffusion & Osmosis
Photosynthesis
Cellular Respiration
Transpiration
Animal Behavior
Cell Division: Mitosis & Meiosis
Biotechnology: Bacterial Transformation
Biotechnology: Restriction Enzyme Analysis of DNA
Energy Dynamics in Ecosystems
Enzyme Catalysis

6. The AP Biology Exam Exam: Monday May 12th 8am
“To provide the maximum information about differences in students’ achievements in biology, the exams are intended to have average scores of about 50 percent of the maximum possible score for the multiple choice section and for the free response section. Thus students should be aware that they may find these exams”
Exam: Monday May 12th 8am
3 Hours long
more difficult than classroom exams.”
2 Parts:
Multiple Choice = 50% final grade
Free Response = 50%final grade

7. AP Biology Exam MPC Free Response
Part A: 63 MPC questions on content knowledge & process skills
Part B: 6 “Grid in” mathematics application questions
No penalty for guessing
10 min reading time followed by 80min writing period
2 Long essay questions
6 short essay questions

8. Scores AP Grade Qualification 5 Extremely Well Qualified 43
Qualified 2
Possibly Qualified 1
No Recommendation

9. AP Biology Curriculum & Framework
We are faced with the challenge of balancing breadth of content coverage with depth of understanding
AP Biology has shifted from a traditional “content coverage” model to one that focuses on enduring, conceptual understandings and the content that supports them
Given the speed with which scientific discoveries and research continuously expand scientific knowledge, we are faced with the challenge of balancing breadth of content coverage with depth of understanding

10. Overview of the Concept Outline
Big Ideas encompass
core scientific principles
theories
and processes governing living organisms and biological systems
For each Big Idea I will identify enduring understandings which incorporate the core concepts that you should retain from the learning experience
The key concepts and related content that define the revised AP Biology course and exam are organized around a few underlying principles called Big Ideas which encompass core scientific principles theories and processes governing living organisms and biological systems

11. How we have to organize content
Underlying Content: stuff you have to memorize
Illustrative Examples: the context in which you have to understand the content
You DON’T have to memorize this
You do have to be able to understand these
Exclusion Statements: stuff you definitely don’t have to know
Concept & Content Connections: where 2 seemingly different topics intersect
Learning Objectives: what you should know and be able to do with the knowledge

12. Biology is the scientific study of life
Biologists ask questions such as
How does a single cell develop into an organism?
How does the human mind work?
How do living things interact in communities?
Life defies a simple, one-sentence definition
Life is recognized by what living things do
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13. Evolutionary adaptation
Figure 1.3a
Figure 1.3 Some properties of life.
Evolutionary adaptation

14. Response to the environment
Figure 1.3b
Figure 1.3 Some properties of life.
Response to the environment

15. Figure 1.3c
Figure 1.3 Some properties of life.
Reproduction

16. Growth and development
Figure 1.3d
Figure 1.3 Some properties of life.
Growth and development

17. Figure 1.3e
Figure 1.3 Some properties of life.
Energy processing

18. Figure 1.3f
Figure 1.3 Some properties of life.
Regulation

19. Figure 1.3g
Figure 1.3 Some properties of life.
Order

20. Figure 1.3 Some properties of life.
Order
Response to
the environment
Evolutionary adaptation
Reproduction
Figure 1.3 Some properties of life.
Regulation
Energy processing
Growth and
development

21. Concept 1.1: The themes of this book make connections across different areas of biology
Biology consists of more than memorizing factual details
Themes help to organize biological information
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22. Theme: New Properties Emerge at Each Level in the Biological Hierarchy
Life can be studied at different levels, from molecules to the entire living planet
The study of life can be divided into different levels of biological organization
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23. Emergent Properties
Emergent properties result from the arrangement and interaction of parts within a system
Emergent properties are properties of a group that are not possible when any of the individual elements of that group act alone.
Cities, the brain, ant colonies and complex chemical systems, for instance, all exhibit emergent properties that serve to illustrate the concept.
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24. The Power and Limitations of Reductionism
Reductionism is the reduction of complex systems to simpler components that are more manageable to study
For example, studying the molecular structure of DNA helps us to understand the chemical basis of inheritance
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25. An understanding of biology balances reductionism with the study of emergent properties
For example, new understanding comes from studying the interactions of DNA with other molecules
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26. Theme: Organisms Interact with Other Organisms and the Physical Environment
Every organism interacts with its environment, including nonliving factors and other organisms
Both organisms and their environments are affected by the interactions between them
For example, a tree takes up water and minerals from the soil and carbon dioxide from the air; the tree releases oxygen to the air and roots help form soil
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27. The biosphere Tissues Ecosystems Organs and organ systems Communities
Figure 1.4
The biosphere
Tissues
Ecosystems
Organs and
organ systems
Communities
Figure 1.4 Exploring: Levels of Biological Organization
Cells
Organelles
Organisms
Atoms
Molecules
Populations

28. Figure 1.4a
Figure 1.4 Exploring: Levels of Biological Organization
The biosphere

29. Figure 1.4b
Figure 1.4 Exploring: Levels of Biological Organization
Ecosystems

30. Figure 1.4c
Figure 1.4 Exploring: Levels of Biological Organization
Communities

31. Figure 1.4d
Figure 1.4 Exploring: Levels of Biological Organization
Populations

32. Figure 1.4e
Figure 1.4 Exploring: Levels of Biological Organization
Organisms

33. Organs and organ systems Figure 1.4f
Figure 1.4 Exploring: Levels of Biological Organization
Organs and
organ systems

34. Figure 1.4g
50 m
Figure 1.4 Exploring: Levels of Biological Organization
Tissues

35. Figure 1.4h
10 m
Cell
Figure 1.4 Exploring: Levels of Biological Organization
Cells

36. Organelles Chloroplast 1 m Figure 1.4i
Figure 1.4 Exploring: Levels of Biological Organization

37. Molecules Chlorophyll molecule Atoms Figure 1.4j
Figure 1.4 Exploring: Levels of Biological Organization
Molecules

38. Theme: Life Requires Energy Transfer and Transformation
A fundamental characteristic of living organisms is their use of energy to carry out life’s activities
Work, including moving, growing, and reproducing, requires a source of energy
Living organisms transform energy from one form to another
For example, light energy is converted to chemical energy, then kinetic energy
Energy flows through an ecosystem, usually entering as light and exiting as heat
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39. Figure 1.6 Energy flow in an ecosystem.
Sunlight
Heat
When energy is used to do work, some energy is converted to thermal energy, which is lost as heat.
Producers absorb light energy and transform it into chemical energy.
An animal’s muscle cells convert chemical energy from food to kinetic energy, the energy of motion.
Chemical
energy
A plant’s cells use chemical energy to do work such as growing new leaves.
Chemical energy in food is transferred from plants to consumers.
Figure 1.6 Energy flow in an ecosystem.
(a) Energy flow from sunlight to producers to consumers
(b) Using energy to do work

40. Figure 1.6d
PARKOUR!!!
Figure 1.6 Energy flow in an ecosystem.

41. Theme: Structure and Function Are Correlated at All Levels of Biological Organization
Structure and function of living organisms are closely related
For example, a leaf is thin and flat, maximizing the capture of light by chloroplasts
For example, the structure of a bird’s wing is adapted to flight
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42. (a) Wings (b) Wing bones Figure 1.7
Figure 1.7 Form fits function in a gull’s wing.
(b) Wing bones

43. Theme: The Cell Is an Organism’s Basic Unit of Structure and Function
The cell is the lowest level of organization that can perform all activities required for life
All cells
Are enclosed by a membrane
Use DNA as their genetic information
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44. A eukaryotic cell has membrane-enclosed organelles, the largest of which is usually the nucleus
By comparison, a prokaryotic cell is simpler and usually smaller, and does not contain a nucleus or other membrane-enclosed organelles
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45. Nucleus (membrane- enclosed)
Figure 1.8
Prokaryotic cell
Eukaryotic cell
DNA
(no nucleus)
Membrane
Membrane
Cytoplasm
Figure 1.8 Contrasting eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells in size and complexity.
Nucleus (membrane- enclosed)
Membrane- enclosed organelles
DNA (throughout nucleus)
1 m

46. Prokaryotic cell DNA (no nucleus) Membrane 1 m Figure 1.8b
Figure 1.8 Contrasting eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells in size and complexity.
1 m

47. Theme: The Continuity of Life Is Based on Heritable Information in the Form of DNA
Chromosomes contain most of a cell’s genetic material in the form of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)
DNA is the substance of genes
Genes are the units of inheritance that transmit information from parents to offspring
The ability of cells to divide is the basis of all reproduction, growth, and repair of multicellular organisms
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48. Figure 1.9
25 m
Figure 1.9 A lung cell from a newt divides into two smaller cells that will grow and divide again.

49. DNA Structure and Function
Each chromosome has one long DNA molecule with hundreds or thousands of genes
Genes encode information for building proteins
DNA is inherited by offspring from their parents
DNA controls the development and maintenance of organisms
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50. Fertilized egg with DNA from both parents
Figure 1.10
Sperm cell
Nuclei containing
DNA
Fertilized egg with DNA from both parents
Embryo’s cells with copies of inherited DNA
Egg cell
Figure 1.10 Inherited DNA directs development of an organism.
Offspring with traits inherited from both parents

51. Genes control protein production indirectly
DNA is transcribed into RNA then translated into a protein
Gene expression is the process of converting information from gene to cellular product
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52. Genomics: Large-Scale Analysis of DNA Sequences
An organism’s genome is its entire set of genetic instructions
The human genome and those of many other organisms have been sequenced using DNA-sequencing machines
Genomics is the study of sets of genes within and between species
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53. Theme: Feedback Mechanisms Regulate Biological Systems
Feedback mechanisms allow biological processes to self-regulate
Negative feedback means that as more of a product accumulates, the process that creates it slows and less of the product is produced
Positive feedback means that as more of a product accumulates, the process that creates it speeds up and more of the product is produced
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54. A Negative feedback B D Excess D blocks a step. D D C D
Figure 1.13a A
Negative feedback
Enzyme 1 B D
Enzyme 2
Excess D blocks a step. D D C
Figure 1.13 Regulation by feedback mechanisms.
Enzyme 3 D
(a) Negative feedback

55. Positive & Negative Feedback Animation
Figure 1.13b W
Positive & Negative Feedback Animation
Enzyme 4 X
Positive feedback 
Enzyme 5
Excess Z stimulates a step. Z Y Z
Figure 1.13 Regulation by feedback mechanisms. Z
Enzyme 6 Z
(b) Positive feedback

56. Evolution, the Overarching Theme of Biology
Evolution makes sense of everything we know about biology
Organisms are modified descendants of common ancestors
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57. Classifying the Diversity of Life
Approximately 1.8 million species have been identified and named to date, and thousands more are identified each year
Estimates of the total number of species that actually exist range from 10 million to over 100 million
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58. Grouping Species: The Basic Idea
Taxonomy is the branch of biology that names and classifies species into groups of increasing breadth
Domains, followed by kingdoms, are the broadest units of classification
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59. Ursus americanus (American black bear)
Figure 1.14
Species
Genus
Family
Order
Class
Phylum
Kingdom
Domain
Ursus americanus (American black bear)
Ursus
Ursidae
Carnivora
Mammalia
Figure 1.14 Classifying life.
Chordata
Animalia
Eukarya

60. The Three Domains of Life
Organisms are divided into three domains
Domain Bacteria and domain Archaea compose the prokaryotes
Most prokaryotes are single-celled and microscopic
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61. Domain Eukarya includes all eukaryotic organisms
Domain Eukarya includes three multicellular kingdoms
Plants, which produce their own food by photosynthesis
Fungi, which absorb nutrients
Animals, which ingest their food
Other eukaryotic organisms were formerly grouped into the Protist kingdom, though these are now often grouped into many separate groups
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62. (c) Domain Eukarya Kingdom Animalia 100 m Kingdom Plantae Protists
Figure 1.15c
(c) Domain Eukarya
Kingdom Animalia
100 m
Kingdom Plantae
Protists
Figure 1.15 The three domains of life.
Kingdom Fungi

63. Unity in the Diversity of Life
A striking unity underlies the diversity of life; for example
DNA is the universal genetic language common to all organisms
Unity is evident in many features of cell structure
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64. 15 m 5 m 0.1 m Cilia of Paramecium Cilia of windpipe cells
Figure 1.16
15 m
5 m
Cilia of Paramecium
Cilia of windpipe cells
Figure 1.16 An example of unity underlying the diversity of life: the architecture of cilia in eukaryotes.
0.1 m
Cross section of a cilium, as viewed with an electron microscope

65. Darwin made two main points
Charles Darwin published On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection in 1859
Darwin made two main points
Species showed evidence of “descent with modification” from common ancestors
Natural selection is the mechanism behind “descent with modification”
Darwin’s theory explained the duality of unity and diversity
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66. Darwin observed that
Individuals in a population vary in their traits, many of which are heritable
More offspring are produced than survive, and competition is inevitable
Species generally suit their environment
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67. Evolution occurs as the unequal reproductive success of individuals
Darwin inferred that
Individuals that are best suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce
Over time, more individuals in a population will have the advantageous traits
Evolution occurs as the unequal reproductive success of individuals
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68. Darwin called this process natural selection
In other words, the environment “selects” for the propagation of beneficial traits
Darwin called this process natural selection
Video: Soaring Hawk
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69. Population with varied inherited traits 2
Figure 1.20 1
Population with varied inherited traits 2
Elimination of individuals with certain traits 3
Reproduction of survivors 4
Increasing frequency of traits that enhance survival and reproductive success
Figure 1.20 Natural selection.

70. Darwin proposed that natural selection could cause an ancestral species to give rise to two or more descendent species
For example, the finch species of the Galápagos Islands are descended from a common ancestor
Evolutionary relationships are often illustrated with treelike diagrams that show ancestors and their descendents
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71. Cactus-flower- eaters
Figure 1.22
Green warbler finch Certhidea olivacea
Warbler finches
Insect-eaters
COMMON ANCESTOR
Gray warbler finch Certhidea fusca
Sharp-beaked ground finch Geospiza difficilis
Seed-eater
Vegetarian finch Platyspiza crassirostris
Bud-eater
Mangrove finch Cactospiza heliobates
Woodpecker finch Cactospiza pallida
Tree finches
Insect-eaters
Medium tree finch Camarhynchus pauper
Large tree finch Camarhynchus psittacula
Small tree finch Camarhynchus parvulus
Large cactus ground finch Geospiza conirostris
Figure 1.22 Descent with modification: adaptive radiation of finches on the Galápagos Islands.
Cactus-flower- eaters
Cactus ground finch Geospiza scandens
Ground finches
Seed-eaters
Small ground finch Geospiza fuliginosa
Medium ground finch Geospiza fortis
Large ground finch Geospiza magnirostris

72. Concept 1.3: In studying nature, scientists make observations and then form and test hypotheses
The word science is derived from Latin and means “to know”
Inquiry is the search for information and explanation
Scientific process includes making observations, forming logical hypotheses, and testing them
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73. Types of Data
Data are recorded observations or items of information; these fall into two categories
Qualitative data, or descriptions rather than measurements
For example, Jane Goodall’s observations of chimpanzee behavior
Quantitative data, or recorded measurements, which are sometimes organized into tables and graphs
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74. Quantative Data is Measured in SI Base Units
Quantity Measured
Unit
Symbol
Length
Meter m
Mass
Gram g
Time
Second s
Electric Current
Ampere A
Temperature
Kelvin K
Intensity of Light
Candela cd
Amount of Substance
Mole
mol

75. SI Prefixes The SI system is based on multiples of 10
Prefixes are used with the names of the units to indicate what multiple of 10 should be used with the units
For Example:
Kilo = 1000
So if you have 1 kilogram, you have 1000g

76. Common SI Prefixes Prefix Symbol Multiplying Factor Kilo- K 1,000
Deci- d
0.1
Centi- c
0.01
Milli- m
0.001
Micro-
Nano- n

77. Forming and Testing Hypotheses
Observations and inductive reasoning can lead us to ask questions and propose hypothetical explanations called hypotheses
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78. The Role of Hypotheses in Inquiry
A hypothesis is a tentative answer to a well-framed question
A scientific hypothesis leads to predictions that can be tested by observation or experimentation
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79. Both these hypotheses are testable
For example,
Observation: Your flashlight doesn’t work
Question: Why doesn’t your flashlight work?
Hypothesis 1: The batteries are dead
Hypothesis 2: The bulb is burnt out
Both these hypotheses are testable
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80. Figure 1.24 A campground example of hypothesis-based inquiry.
Observations
Question
Hypothesis #1:
Dead batteries
Hypothesis #2:
Burnt-out bulb
Prediction:
Replacing batteries will fix problem
Prediction:
Replacing bulb will fix problem
Figure 1.24 A campground example of hypothesis-based inquiry.
Test of prediction
Test of prediction
Test falsifies hypothesis
Test does not falsify hypothesis

81. Failure to falsify a hypothesis does not prove that hypothesis
Hypothesis-based science often makes use of two or more alternative hypotheses
Failure to falsify a hypothesis does not prove that hypothesis
For example, you replace your flashlight bulb, and it now works; this supports the hypothesis that your bulb was burnt out, but does not prove it (perhaps the first bulb was inserted incorrectly)
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82. Questions That Can and Cannot Be Addressed by Science
A hypothesis must be testable and falsifiable
For example, a hypothesis that ghosts fooled with the flashlight cannot be tested
Supernatural and religious explanations are outside the bounds of science
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83. The Flexibility of the Scientific Method
The scientific method is an idealized process of inquiry
Hypothesis-based science is based on the “textbook” scientific method but rarely follows all the ordered steps
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84. Variables
In a controlled experiment, only one variable is changed at a time.
Dependant Variable: the condition that results from changes to the independent variable
Independent Variable: in an experiment, the only condition that is tested

85. Constants & Controls
To be certain that you are really testing weather butter or oil make a better cake, you must keep other possible factors the same for each test or trial
Constant: a factor that does not change when other variables do
Control: a standard by which the test results can be compared

86. Experimental Controls and Repeatability
A controlled experiment compares an experimental group with a control group
Ideally, only the variable of interest differs between the control and experimental groups
A controlled experiment means that control groups are used to cancel the effects of unwanted variables
A controlled experiment does not mean that all unwanted variables are kept constant
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87. Theories in Science In the context of science, a theory is
Broader in scope than a hypothesis
General, and can lead to new testable hypotheses
Supported by a large body of evidence in comparison to a hypothesis
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88. Summary Themes can provide a common framework for learning Biology
What are the characteristics of Life?
What is Science and how does it work?
Evolution’s role in the study of Biology