Copy into Note Packet and Return to Teacher
Chapter 1: Biology and You
Section 1: Themes of Biology
Objectives:
 Relate the seven properties of life to a living organism.
 Describe seven themes that can help you organize what you learn about biology.
 Identify the tiny structures that make up all living organisms.
 Differentiate between reproduction and heredity and between metabolism and
homeostasis.

Characteristics of Living Organisms

Biology is the study of life.
o
All living organisms share certain general properties that separate them from
nonliving things.
o
Properties of Life

Cellular organization

Reproduction

Metabolism

Homeostasis

Heredity

Responsiveness

Growth and development

Cellular organization - every living thing is composed of one or more cells

Reproduction - all living things are able to reproduce

Metabolism - all obtain and use energy to run the processes of life

Homeostasis - living organisms maintain a consistent internal environment

Heredity - living things pass traits to offspring

Responsiveness - all living things respond and adjust to the environment

Growth and development - all living things grow and develop
Unifying Themes of Biology
Seven themes.
Properties of Life
Seven Properties.
1.Cellular Structure and Function
1. Cellular organization
2.Reproduction
2. Reproduction
3.Metabolism
3. Metabolism
4.Homeostasis
4. Homeostasis
5.Heredity
5. Heredity
6.Evolution
6. Responsiveness
7.Interdependence
7. Growth and development
Unifying Themes of Biology
1. Cellular Structure and Function
o
Cells are highly organized, tiny structures with thin coverings called membranes. All
living things are made of one or more cells. A cell is the smallest unit capable of all life
functions.
2. Reproduction
o
Reproduction is the process by which organisms make more of their own kind from one
generation to the next.
3. Metabolism
o
Metabolism is the sum of all the chemical reactions carried out in an organism. Almost all
energy used by living organisms is originally captured from sunlight.
4. Homeostasis
o
Homeostasis is the maintenance of stable internal conditions in spite of changes in the
external environment. An organism unable to balance its internal conditions with its
environmental conditions could become ill and die.
5. Heredity
o
Heredity is the passing of traits from parent to offspring. The basic unit of heredity is
called a gene. Genes are coded in a molecule called deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
Genes determine an organism’s traits. A change in the DNA of a gene is called a
mutation. Most mutations are harmful, but some mutations can help an organism survive.
6. Evolution
o
Evolution is defined as change in the inherited characteristics of species over
generations. A species is a group of genetically similar organisms that can produce fertile
offspring. Natural selection is the process in which organisms with favorable traits are
more likely to survive and reproduce.
7. Interdependence
o
The organisms in a biological community live and interact with other organisms. Ecology
is the branch of biology that studies the interactions of organisms with one another and
with the nonliving part of their environment. Organisms are dependent on each other and
on their environment.
Section 3: Scientific Processes
Objectives:
 Describe the stages common to scientific investigations.
 Distinguish between forming a hypothesis and making a prediction.
 Differentiate a control group from an experimental group and an independent variable
from a dependent variable.
 Define the word theory as used by a scientist.
Observation: The Basis of Scientific Research

Observation is the act of noting or perceiving objects or events using the senses.
o
All scientists have a certain way of investigating the world.
o
Scientific investigations begin with observations.
o
Observations cause scientists to ask questions about their observations.
Stages of Scientific Investigations

Scientific investigations tend to have common stages.
o
These stages are called the Scientific Method.
o
There is more than one way to conduct an investigation.
o
Scientific Methods or Scientific Processes are more accurate terms for the
stages of scientific investigation.


Scientific Processes include the following stages.
o
Collecting observations
o
Asking questions
o
Forming hypotheses and making predictions
o
Confirming predictions (with experiments when needed)
o
Drawing conclusions
Hypothesis—an explanation that might be true, a statement that can be tested by
additional observations or experimentation

Prediction—the expected outcome of a test, assuming the hypothesis is correct.

Experiment—a planned procedure to test a hypothesis.

Control group—a group in an experiment that receives no experimental treatment. The
control group is necessary for comparing the results of the experiment.

Independent variable—the factor that is changed in an experiment.

Dependent variable—the variable that is measured in an experiment, the outcome of the
dependent variable depends on what is done to the independent variable.

Drawing Conclusions - Once data are collected and analyzed, a conclusion is made as
to whether the data support the hypothesis.

Viewing Conclusions in Context
o
There is often more than one possible reason for a result.
o
All of the factors that may affect an outcome must be considered.
Scientific Explanations

Constructing a Theory
o
Theory a set of related hypotheses that have been tested and confirmed many
times by many scientists.

A theory unites and explains a broad range of observations.

The word theory is used by the general public to mean a guess, or lack of
certainty.

In science, a theory is a well-supported scientific explanation that makes
useful predictions.
o
Scientists report their results.

Scientific reports are reviewed by other scientists.

Scientific reports allow other scientists to use the information obtained in
an experiment.

Scientific reports also allow other scientists to repeat and test
experiments.