1. Unit 1 Nature of Science YOU MUST KNOW
Fundamental Principle of Biology
Properties of Life
Steps of Scientific Problem Solving
How to use appropriate SI units and describe the relationship among the prefixes
Use graphs to express patterns and relationships from sets of scientific data.

2. Nature of Science Evolution is the fundamental principle of biology.
Evolution is the process of change over time that has resulted in the astounding array of organisms
on Earth.
What can this beach mouse
teach us about biology?

3. Biology is the study of life.
Nature of Science cont.
Biology is the study of life.
PROPERTY OF LIFE
EXPLANATION
EXAMPLE
1. Order
Organization – orderly structure
Cell – the smallest unit that can perform all of life’s structure.
Living things are organized and made of at least one cell.

4. Nature of Science cont. Order
Life can be studied at different levels, from molecules to the entire living planet
This enormous range can be divided into different levels of biological organization .

5. Nature of Science cont. Order7
Tissues
1 The
Biosphere
6 Organs 2
Ecosystems 3
Communities 10
Mole-
cules 8
Cells 5
Organ-
isms 4
Populations
9 Organelles

6. Nature of Science, cont.
Biosphere

7. Nature of Science, cont. Ecosystems All the living organisms
and nonliving
components of
an environment

8. Nature of Science, cont. Communities – All the living organisms in an
ecosystem.

9. Nature of Science, cont.

10. Nature of Science, cont.

11. Nature of Science, cont. Organ – A body part made up of
multiple tissues and has a specific
function.
Tissues – A group of cells that
work together performing a
specialized function.

12. Nature of Science, cont. Cell – Basic unit of structure
and function for an organism.
Organelle – functional
components within a
cell.

13. Nature of Science, cont.
Molecules – A chemical structure consisting of
two or more units, called atoms.

14. Which correctly orders the levels of biological organization from smallest to largest?
cells, organelles, organ system, community, ecosystems
molecules, organism, population, communities, biosphere
molecules, cells, tissues, ecosystems, communities
organelles, cells, population, biosphere, ecosystems
cells, organs, population, ecosystems, communities
Answer is B

15. All of the gray squirrels that inhabit an oak forest is an example of a(n) _____.
Answer: D

16. 2. Reproduction – the production of offspring
Nature of Science cont.
PROPERTY OF LIFE
EXPLANATION
EXAMPLE
2. Reproduction – the production of offspring
Organisms (living things) produce their own kind.

17. Nature of Science cont. PROPERTY OF LIFE EXPLANATION EXAMPLE
3. Homeostasis
The ability of organisms to maintain conditions suitable for life.
Keeping internal conditions the same, even when external conditions change.
Regulation of temperature, water content and uptake of nutrients.
Long Eared Jackrabbit
The jackrabbit’s ears helps maintain a constant body temperature.

18. 4. Growth and Development
Nature of Science cont.
PROPERTY OF LIFE
EXPLANATION
EXAMPLE
4. Growth and Development
Growth – An increase in the amount of living material and the formation of new structures.
Development – the physical changes that take place during the life of an organism.

19. Nature of Science cont. PROPERTY OF LIFE EXPLANATION EXAMPLE
5. Metabolism/Energy
Metabolism - Sum of all chemical reactions that take in and transform energy and materials from the environment.
Energy - The ability to do work or cause changes.
Energy powers live processes
Organisms obtain energy from food.

20. Nature of Science cont. PROPERTY OF LIFE EXPLANATION EXAMPLE
6. Evolution
Evolution is the gradual change in characteristics of species overtime.

21. Nature of Science cont. PROPERTY OF LIFE EXPLANATION EXAMPLE
7. Response to Stimuli
Environment-Surroundings or external conditions
Stimulus – any condition in the environment that requires an organism to adjust
Response – Reaction to a stimulus

22. Themes in Biology 1. Diversity and Unity of Life
Life is extremely diverse,
yet living things all have
similar characteristics.
Three domains of Life

23. Themes of Biology, cont. Interdependence of Organisms
Organisms interact
with each other and need each other to
survive.

24. Themes of Biology, cont. Evolution of Life
Evolution – The gradual change in characteristics of
species over time.
Adaptation – Any characteristic that allows an
Organism to better survive in an environment.