Most modern biologist place all living organisms into five Kingdoms
1. Protista
2. Monera
3. Fungi
4. Plantae
5. Animalia
Protista:
simple single-celled organisms (ex. Amobea) or simple multicellular organisms (ex. Algae)
Monera:
Bacteria, Archae Bacteria, Blue-green Algae
Fungi:
Fungus
Plantae:
Plants
Animalia:
Animals
Biologist:
A person who studies Biology.
Biology:
is the study of life. A Biologist may study any one or more of the above Kingdoms.
Characteristics of Life:
A. Living things are organized
B. Living things metabolize
C. Living things respond
D. Living things reproduce
E. Livings things evolve
Cell:
the smallest, most basic unit of life
- size - small to large
- arrangement - single cells to multi-cellular
Levels of Organization (from the simplest level to the most complex)
1. Atoms - simplest level - can not be broken down further
2. Molecules or Compounds
3. Cells and Cell Organelles
4. Tissues
5. Organs
6. Organ systems
7. Organism
8. Population
9. Community
10. Ecosystem
11. Biosphere
1. Atoms
Inside each cell, atoms make up molecules
(1) The smallest unit of matter indivisible by chemical means.
(2) The fundamental building block of a chemical element.
(3) The smallest possible unit of an element that still has all the chemical properties of t
2. Molecules or Compounds
make up cell organelles and structures.
An extremely small particle or substance, especially at cellular or structural level, as a biomolecule.
A material made up of two or more parts or elements.
3. Cells and Cell Organelles
All living organisms are made up of one or more cells, which are considered the fundamental units of life.
4. Tissues
similar cells form tissues
An aggregate of cells in an organism that have similar structure and function
5. Organs
Tissues, in turn, collaborate to create organs (body structures with a distinct function)
A group of tissues that perform a specific function or group of functions
6. Organs systems
Organs work together to form organ systems.
7. Organisms
An organism refers to any individual living thing that can react to stimuli, reproduce, grow, and maintain homeostasis.
8. Population
A group of organisms of one species that interbreed and live in the same place at the same time (
9. Community
an interacting group of various species in a common location.
10. Ecosystems
A system that includes all living organisms (biotic factors) in an area as well as its physical environment (abiotic factors) functioning together as a unit
11. Biosphere
(1) The part of the earth where living things exist.
(2) The part of the earth (or planet) that is capable of supporting life.
(3) The living things and their environment.
(4) All of the ecosystems of the earth.
Metabolism
sum of all the chemical and energy transformations that occur in cells.
Ultimate energy source for all living things on earth is the:
sun/sunlight/solar radiation
Photosynthesis
plant and plant-like organisms use sunlight to convert simple chemicals into food.
Homeostasis
maintenance of a stable internal environment.
C. Living things respond
Living things interact with their surroundings.
D. Living things reproduce
Make a copy of themselves
Genes
contain the instructions for organization and metabolism. Numerous genes are put together to make up the DNA molecule. Genes are the codes for making specific proteins. The proteins we produce give us our traits (characteristics).
mutation:
a mistake when copying DNA. Might be good or bad, most of the time they are bad even lethal.
Evolution:
process by which the characteristics of organisms change over time.
Species:
results of evolutionary changes occurs in groups of interbreeding individuals.
Adaptation:
change in form, function, or behavior that promotes the likelihood of a species continued existance.
Are Humans a species?
Yes
What is their scientific Name?
Homo sapiens
What effect do Humans have on the Ecosystem? Or Why be required to take a Biology course in College?
Humans rely on natural ecosystems to provide many 'ecosystem services'- such as pollination of crops, and cleaning air and water. Humans also rely on ecosystems to provide them with fertile soil, mineral nutrients, fish and game.
The Scientific Method/PROCESS
The scientific method is a series of steps which scientists follow to gather information in order to answer questions and propose theories.
The factual information that scientist collect is called
data
Steps in the Scientific Method:
1). Observations
2). Questions
3). Hypothesis
4). Experiment
5). Evaluate data
6). Reevaluation (Revision)
7). Repeat experiments
8). Reporting the Experiment
9). Formulate theories
1). Observations
scientists use all of their senses to observe. They extend their powers of observation by using instruments. They may also consult with other scientist. Sometimes observations are made simply by chance or luck. An example would be the discovery of penicil
2). Questions
Scientists then ask questions about their observations.
3). Hypothesis
a possible explanation for a natural event ("the question"). Scientist present the hypothesis as a statement. The hypothesis is an "educated guess" because it is based on the scientists inductive reasoning and their past experiences along with previous da
4). Experiment
experiments are used to test the hypothesis. In some cases additional observations may be used instead of an experiment. In the experiment you have two groups: the experimental group and the control group.
Warning: only change a maximum of one variable at
a. Experimental Group:
here you change one variable, the experimental variable (independent variable), to determine its effects on the dependent variable.
b. Control group:
In this group you do not change anything. Simply keep all the variables the same and compare to the experimental group to see if the dependent variable changed. If it does then the effect is not caused by the experimental variable.
5). Evaluate data
use statistical test, graphs or tables to evaluate data collected from the experiment.
6). Reevaluation (Revision)
go back and check ALL of the previous steps. Make sure the experiment tested your hypothesis, your hypothesis was based on your question and observation. Make sure the experimented worked correctly. Check everything, and check more than once. Make sure ev
7). Repeat experiments
redo the experiment many times to make sure you get the same results each time!
8). Reporting the Experiment
Scientist report results in Scientific journals. Sometimes they are reported at scientific meetings, but it is always best to publish your conclusions. Remember that the experiment must be repeatable!
9). Formulate theories
9). Final step is to formulate theories, model and/or Principles.
Theory
is a concept that provides a logical explanation for a certain body of facts based on many experiments and observations.
Model
a suggested explanation that can help direct future research
Principle
the appropriate term for theories that are generally accepted as valid by an overwhelming number of scientists.
Examples of Theories:
Cell Theory
Biogenesis Theory
Homeostasis Theory
Evolution Theory
Gene Theory
Cell Theory
All organisms are composed of cells.
Biogenesis Theory
Life comes only from life.
Homeostasis Theory:
The internal environment remains within a normal range.
Evolution Theory:
All living things have a common ancestor and are adapted to a particular way of life.
Gene Theory:
Organisms contain coded information that dictates their form, function, and behavior.