1. Introduction to Biology
The Study of Life
Introduction to Biology

2. Objectives: Define Biology
Summarize the Characteristics of Living Things

3. Biology Bio- “Life” -logy “Study of” Very simply put biology is the…
Study of Life

4. How do you know if something is alive?
There are 8 characteristics that scientists use to determine if something is living.

5. 1. Made up of Cells
Cells are the basic units of structure and function within a living organism.
Some organisms are unicellular
Some are multicellular

6. 2. Displays Organization
From simple to complex:
Cells
Tissues
Organs
Organ Systems
Organism

7. 3. Grows and Develops Growth is an increase in size
Development is how an organism matures as it gets older

8. 4. Reproduces Pass traits onto the next generation May be asexual
May be sexual
Biological Species Concept

9. 5. Respond to Stimuli Stimuli cause a response in an organism
Can be “normal” stimuli
Can be “emergency” types of stimuli

10. 6. Obtains and Uses Energy
Must get energy from somewhere
Autotrophic
Heterotrophic

11. 7. Maintains Homeostasis
Homeostasis is a mechanism organisms have in place to keep their internal system “normal”
Homeostatic Mechanisms work to keep this control
Negative Feedback—everyday, every second
Positive Feedback—emergency, something must stop (only 2)

13. 8. Evolve and Adapt to Changes Over Time
Respond to changes in the environment for survival
Long term changes Peppered Moths, roots above ground in dry climates

14. Concept Check In order to be considered living, the organism must be:
Made up of cells
Have organization
Grow and Develop
Able to reproduce
Respond to stimuli
Obtain and use energy
Maintain homeostasis
Respond to change over time

15. DEB (Dry Erase Board) Think on this:
A researcher experimented with adhesives and glues to find new and stronger adhesives. In 1968, he discovered an adhesive that was very weak rather than very strong. The adhesive would stick to paper but could be easily be removed without leaving a trace. Because he was trying to find stronger adhesives, the results of his experiment were considered a failure. Years later, he had the idea of coating paper with the weak adhesive. This meant that notes could be stuck to paper and easily removed at a later time.

16. Discuss and then answer on your Dry Erase Board
What popular product did the researcher eventually help to create?
Though the original experiment was considered to be a failure, what could be the importance of evaluating the results of an experiment with an open mind?

17. Objectives Compare science with pseudoscience
Differentiate between “theory” and “law”
Organize and define the steps of the Scientific Method

18. Science is Scientific inquiry Developing explanations
A creative process
An unbiased process

19. What is Bias? Can a scientist’s bias impact science?
What is something you should do if you are placed in a situation where bias could become an issue?
What do scientists do to avoid bias when reporting results?
Global Warming