Chapter 1 Biology
The Study of Life
Introduction to Biology
• The science of Life—Name 3 possible topics
biologists study. (p. 4)
• What do biologists do? (pp. 4-6)
– Study diversity of life
– Research disease
– Develop technologies
– Improve agriculture
– Preserve the environment
Characteristics of Life (pp. 6-10)
• List characteristics of life and an example
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Made of one or more cells
Displays organization
Growth
Development
Reproduces
Responds to stimuli
Requires energy
Maintains homeostasis
Adaptations evolve over time
Nature of science (pp.11-15)
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What is science?
What is pseudo-science?
Theory
Law
What is the difference between theory and
laws of science?
What do scientists do? (p. 12-14)
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Make observations
Question
Test hypotheses
Collect data
Analyze data
Make conclusions
Collaborate and review others’ work
• Why do scientists publish their work? (p. 14)
• What is the importance of science literacy? (p.
15)
• Why are ethics important? (p. 15)
Methods of Science (pp. 16-21)
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Ask a question.
Make observations.
Make inferences.
Use the scientific method.
Form a hypothesis (What makes a good
hypothesis?
• Collect data
– Types of data
Controlled Experiments
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Control group—comparison
Experimental group—receives the variable
Independent variable—being tested
Dependent variable—what’s being measured
Constants—what’s the same
You can only test one variable at a time!!
Use the metric system (SI)—based on powers
of ten (meters, liters, grams)
• Analyze data (Scientists must repeat
experiments!!)
• Report conclusions
• Don’t forget lab safety!