Introduction to Biology

Introduction to Biology

What is Biology?

It is the study of life, living things, what they are, how they work, and how they interact with one another and theirenvironment.

What are the Characteristics of living things?

1. Complex, organized structure, consisting of mostly organic (carbon based) molecules.

2. Maintain complex structure and internal environment - homeostasis.

3. Acquire and use material and energy from the environment to maintain homeostasis.

4. Grow

5. Reproduce, using molecular blueprint called DNA

6. Respond to stimuli from environment

7. Have capacity to Evolve

Introduction to Biology

As part of this course, we will consider biology at different levels:

Introduction to Biology

Introduction to Biology

To study living things, we also categorize and classify organisms:

Introduction to Biology

Evolution as the unifying theory of biology

Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection:

1. Genetic variation

2. Inheritance of variation by offspring

3. Natural selection – Selects for adaptations that enhance a) survival b) reproduction

Sources of Variation?

1. Mutations – most destructive, but…

2. Sexual reproduction -

Introduction to BiologyThe scientific method- How do things work?

Steps:

1. Observation

2. Hypothesis

3. Experiment

4. Conclusion

Tested hypothesis >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Theory!!

For experiments to be valid and useful, consider a. controls, and b. adequate sample sizes

Atoms, Molecules, and Chemistry!!!

Next lecture……