1. What is Biology
Chapter 1.1

2. I. The Science of Biology
Biology: the study of life
“bio” = life
“ology” = the study of
A. Biologists study the interactions of life
Living things do not exist in isolation
All living things depend on one another, and the non living things around them

3. II. Biologists Study the Diversity of Life
A. Biologists study interactions of the environment
The study of 1 animal/plant will always involve the study of another
B. Biologists study problems and propose solutions
can lead to advances in medical treatment

4. III. Characteristics of Living Things
Anything that is considered “living” will have the following characteristics
Have an orderly structure
Produce offspring
Grow and develop
Adjust to changes in the environment
A. Living Things are organized
Organization
Cells  tissues  organs  organ systems

5. III. Characteristics of Living Things
B. Living things make more living things
Reproduction: the production of offspring
is essential for the survival of a group of organisms
Species: a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring
C. Living things change during their lives
Growth: an increase in the amount of living material, and formation of new structures
Development: all of the changes that occur during an organisms lifetime

6. III. Characteristics of Living Things
D. Living things adjust to their surroundings
Environment: the place that organisms interact with (includes air, water, weather, temp.)
Stimulus: anything in an organsims external/internal environment that causes a response
Response: reaction to a stimulus
*homeostasis*: an organism’s ability to “maintain” its internal environment
Sweating to reduce body temperature
Releasing insulin to lower blood glucose levels (diabetics)

7. Control Group (“standard for comparison, unchanged”)
Experimental Group (group being tested)
Independent vs. dependent variable