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Study of Life

Themes

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Themes Science as a process of

inquiry questioning & investigation

Evolution Energy transfer Continuity & Change Relationship of structure to function Regulation Interdependence in nature Science, technology & society

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Science as a process of inquiry

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Science as a process of inquiry Built on repeatable observations &

testable, falsifiable hypotheses

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Evolution Core theme of biology

Charles Darwin

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Natural selection Evolutionary change is a

product of the process of natural selection

Organisms don’t adapt;

Organisms have adaptations.

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"Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution."

-- Theodosius DobzhanskyMarch 1973

Geneticist, Columbia University

(1900-1975)

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Evolution explains unity & diversity Unity

what do organisms have in common & why do similarities exist? common biochemistry & physiology

evolutionary relationships connected through common ancestor

Diversity but why are there

differences? natural selection adaptations allow different

individuals to survive in different environments

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Organizing systems Making sense out of the diversity Hierarchical

scheme

Eastern gray squirrelSciurus carolinensis

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3 Domains of LifeBacteria, Archaea, Eukarya

EukaryaBacteria Archaea

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Energy transfer Life is an open system

need input of energy energy flows through energy comes in,

energy goes out need a constant input

need input of materials nutrients are recycled

around & around

ENTROPY RULES!DECOMPOSERS

RULE, too!

nutrients

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Energy utilization

You think they’re eating…

They’re harvestingenergy!

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Continuity & change Continuity of life is based on heritable

information in the form of DNA DNA – the genetic

material – carries biological information from one generation to the next

You can make more,a lot like you!

TRAIT

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Form follows function The alignment of structure & function is

seen at all levels of biology

organism

cell organelle

organ

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Regulation Organisms need to maintain a “steady state”

in the face of changing conditions maintain homeostasis achieve this through feedback

monitor the body like a thermostat turn on when it’s needed, off when its not

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Interdependence No organism is an island standing alone

communities, ecosystems

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Science, technology & society Science & technology must function within

the rules of society ethics

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Themes Science as a process of

inquiry questioning & investigation

Evolution Energy transfer Continuity & Change Relationship of structure to function Regulation Interdependence in nature Science, technology & society

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Why study themes of Biology? Biology is an ever expanding body of

knowledge too much to memorize it all need to generalize create a framework upon which to

organize new knowledge themes are the key to understanding

the nature of living organisms

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Scientific Methods and Processes

There is no “THE”!!

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Process of Science Observation

Any phenomenon can be more fully understood by observation.

Hypothesis Use of inductive reasoning to form an

explanation for the observed phenomenon.

An “If….then…..” statement that is testable and based on prior knowledge.

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Process of Science Experiments

Use of inductive reasoning to form an appropriate experimental design. Control Group “What would have happened anyway” Model Repeatable Several formats used by different scientists in different

fields.

Data Observable, objective results of an

experiment. Can be summarized in graphs, charts or

diagrams.

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Conclusion Data must be analyzed in order to reach a

conclusion as to whether or not the hypothesis is supported. Findings must be reported in scientific journals

so methodology and data are open for inspection and repetition. “Real World”

Error Analysis

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Scientific Theory Scientific Theory - Joins together two

or more related hypotheses. Supported by a broad range of

observations, experiments, and data. Answers the “Why?”

Scientific Principle / Law - Theory, or set of theories, generally accepted by an overwhelming number of scientists. States the “What.”

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Controlled Study Independent Variable

Factor of the experiment being tested. Also called “manipulated” or “experimental”.

Dependent Variable Result that occurs due to the experimental

variable. Also called “responding”.

In a valid experiment there is only 1 variable.

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Classic Experiment Hypothesis Prediction Experimental Design

Control Group Test Groups

Results Conclusion

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ANY QUESTIONS?