The study of life

Biology

What do biologist do?

Study the diversity of life

Scientists have named and cataloged around 1.3 million species

It is estimated that there are about 8.7 million species on the planet

133 new animal species discovered last year

Himantura tutul species of Leopard-skin Whiprays - found in the Indio-Pacific region

Lavasoa dwarf lemur – found in the forests of southern Madagascar

Ctenotus ora or coastal plains skink – found in Western Australia

Malaria Parasite that destroys red blood cells in the

liver Each day malaria claims the lives of 3,000

children in Africa – one every 30 seconds Labs with 3,000 tray each with over 7,000

mosquito larvae which are sorted by gender so males can be sterilized

Extract from the bark of an Enantia chlorantha tree growing in a Cameroonian rain forest is used as a traditional remedy for the raging fevers

Research Disease

Influenced by bio-designs

CamouflageArtificial limbsAircraft wings

Develop technologiesApplication of scientific knowledge to solve human needs and to extend human capabilities

Solve problem of increase in human population

Need crops to produce greater yields, with stand disease and parasites and create the ability to grow crops in areas where they could not

Research and genetic engineering

Improve Agriculture

Problem: mass increase in human population and over use of resources

Many animals and plants endanger of extinctionEcosystems being destroyed and contaminatedAlso has negative affect on human population

Preserve the Environment

Rainforest Destruction

Compost Bin

Ozone

Reduction

Recycl

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Characteristics of Life

Made up of one or more cellsDisplays organizationGrows and DevelopsReproductionResponds to stimulusRequires energyMaintains homeostasisAdapts over time

Characteristics of Life

Cells –basic unit of structure and function

The “Building Blocks” of life

Some organisms are

composed of a single

cell

Other organisms are

composed of many

cells

Displays Organization

Begins with atoms and molecules and increases in complexity

Growth – Increase in mass

Development – Results in different abilities

Grows and Develops

Reproduce and pass along traits from one generation to the next

Reproduces

Reactions to internal and external stimuli

Response to Stimuli

Energy is required for all life processesOrganisms must take in food or make their

own food

Requires Energy

All organisms keep internal conditions stable through the process of homeostasis

Examples: temperature, pH, salinity

Maintains Homeostasis

Favorable characteristics are selected and passed on to offspring

Adaptations are inherited changes that occur over time that help the species survive

Adaptation Over Time