NOTES 1-3

Studying Life

What is Biology? “Bios” = life “Ology” = the study of something

Biology = study the of life

Biologists = people who study biology

Study interactions in environment, study problems and propose solutions

Characteristics of Life No single characteristic is enough to

describe a living thing. Also, some nonliving things share one or

more traits with living things. Example = mechanical toys, cars, and clouds

move around. Despite these difficulties, it is possible to

describe what most living things have in common

Characteristics of Life Continued

Living things share these characteristics: Living things are made up of cells (unicellular

vs. multicellular) Reproduction Based on a universal genetic code Growth & Development Response to stimuli Homeostasis– regulation of internal

environment Use materials & energy Change over time or Adapt

Levels of Organization Living things may be studied on many

different levels. The levels are (from the smallest group to the

largest group): Molecules Cells Groups of cells (tissues, organs, & organ systems) Organism (individual living thing) Population (group of one type of organism) Community (Populations that live together in one

area) Ecosystem (Living & nonliving things in an area) Biosphere (Part of the Earth that contains all

ecosystems)