The Science of Biology

Chapter 1
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Definition of Life
Living organisms:
are composed of cells
are complex and ordered
respond to their environment stimuli - sensitivity
can grow and reproduce
are able to obtain and use energy
maintain internal balance - homeostasis
allow for evolutionary adaptation
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Living things show hierarchical
organization
Cellular level: Atoms Molecule Macromolecule Organelle Cell
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Tissue groups of similar cells that acts as functional unit.
Organ several different tissues that act as a structural and functional unit
Organ system a group of related organs, such as nerve system
Organismal Level: Cell Tissue Organ Organ System Organism
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Population a group of organisms of the same species living in the same place.
Species all population of particular kind of organism
Community all populations of different species living together in one place
Ecosystem a biological community and its physical habitat
Populational Level: Organism Population Species Community
Ecosystem Biosphere
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The Nature of Science
Much of science is descriptive through
observation
The study of biodiversity
Science uses both deductive and inductive
reasoning.
Deductive reasoning uses general principles to make
specific predictions.
Inductive reasoning uses specific observations to
develop general conclusions.

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How Science Is Done
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An Example of Scientific Inquiry:
Darwin and Evolution
Were species created and unchangeable
overtime?
Darwin studied a wide variety of plants and
animals around coastal South America and
observed differences in related organisms
Used many observations to develop his ideas.
Proposed that evolution occurred by natural
selection.
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Voyage of the Beagle
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Natural Selection- Individuals with superior
physical or behavioral characteristics are more
likely to survive and reproduce than those
without such characteristics
Artificial selection according to humans will
Evolution- modification of a species over
generations
-descent with modification

Natural Selection and Evolution
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Darwins Evidence for Natural Selection
Why finches have different beaks?
- food availability
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The predictions of natural selection have
been tested
Fossil record shows intermediated links between
the groups of organisms. For example, between
fishes and the amphibian, reptiles and birds
The age of earth using evidence obtained by
studying the rate of radioactive decay, we now
know that earth was formed about 4.5 BYA.
The mechanism of heredity help understand
Darwins theory
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Comparative anatomy have provide evidence for
Darwins theory
- Homologous structures have same evolutionary origin,
but different structure and function.
- Analogous structures have similar structure and
function, but different evolutionary origin. (example:
wings of butter flies and birds)
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Molecular Evidence
- Study of DNA and protein structures has led to the
development of more accurate phylogenetic trees.
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Unifying Themes in Biology
Cell theory describes the organization of living
system
All living organisms are made of cells, and all living cells
come from preexisting cells.
Two types of cells: prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cells
Molecular basis of inheritance explains the
continuity of life
DNA encodes genes which control living organisms and
are passed from one generation to the next.
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Function of molecules and cells is depends
on structure.
Cells surface receptor for insulin in human and
other animals has the similar molecular structure
The diversity of life arises by evolutionary
changes.
Organisms can be classified into three domains:
Eukarya include four kingdoms: Plantea, Fungi,
Animalia, and protista, which have complex cellular
structure
Archaea prokaryotes living in extreme environment
Bacteria - prokaryotes

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Evolutionary conservation explains the unity
of living system
The storage of hereditary information in DNA is
common to all organisms
Cells are information-processing systems
DNA used for to direct synthesis of cellular
components
Living systems exist in a nonequilibrium
state
Constant supply and uses of energy