The Living World
Chapter 1: The Science of Biology
Specific Learning Outcomes:
1.1 List the major properties of life.
1.2 Explain how science is distinguished from other
ways of seeking understanding of life.
1.3 Explain the significance of major unifying themes of
modern biology.
1.4 Explain the limitations of science.
1.5 Identify how the steps in the scientific process were
used to determine the effects of CFCs on the earth’s
ozone layer.
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1.1 The Diversity of Life
Biology is the study of living things
Living things can be divided into six kingdoms
Fig. 1.1
Archaea
Fungi
Protista
Bacteria
Plantae
Animalia
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1.2 Properties of Life
Biology is the study of life
But what does it mean to be alive?
Living organisms and many non-living things
share three properties
Complexity
Movement
Response to stimulation
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1.2 Properties of Life
All living organisms share five basic properties
1. Cellular Organization
All living organisms are composed of at least one cell
2. Metabolism
All living organisms use energy
3. Homeostasis
All living organisms maintain stable internal conditions
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1.2 Properties of Life
All living organisms share five basic properties
4. Growth and reproduction
All living organisms grow and reproduce
5. Heredity
All living organisms possess a genetic system that is
based on DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid
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1.4 Biological Themes
The living world is
organized by major
themes
Indeed, five general
themes unify and explain
biology as a science
Refer to Table 1.1
Evolution, cooperation, flow of energy
structure determines function, and
homeostasis
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1.4 Biological Themes
1. Evolution
The genetic change in a species over time
It is a result of a process termed natural selection
Variation may also be caused by artificial selection
2. The Flow of Energy
All living organisms require energy
The sun is the source of energy for ecosystems
Plants capture energy via photosynthesis
They then act as an energy source for other organisms
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1.4 Biological Themes
3. Cooperation
Cooperation between organisms is critical for
evolution
Symbiosis occurs when two organisms of different
species live in direct contact
4. Structure Determines Function
Biological structures are well suited to their
function
This is true at every level of organization
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1.4 Biological Themes
5. Homeostasis
All living organisms act to maintain a relatively
stable internal environment
Maintaining homeostasis requires a lot of
signaling back-and-forth between cells
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1.5 How Scientists Think
Deductive Reasoning
Using accepted general principles as a “guide” to
explain specific observations
It is the reasoning of
Mathematics
Philosophy
Politics
Ethics
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1.5 How Scientists Think
Inductive Reasoning
Discovering general principles through
examination of specific cases
It is used by scientists to develop hypotheses
about how the world works
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Fig. 1.5
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1.6 Science in Action: A Case Study
In 1985, a scientist discovered low levels of
ozone in the upper Antarctic atmosphere
The culprit was later revealed to be
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Coolants in air conditions; propellants in aerosols
CFCs condense into tiny ice crystals
Warmed by the sun, they attack and
destroy ozone
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Fig. 1.6 How CFCs attack and destroy ozone
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1.6 Science in Action: A Case Study
The ozone layer protects us from the sun’s
ultraviolet (UV) rays
1% drop in ozone Æ 6% increase in skin cancers
Its depletion is a serious world problem
So governments have rushed to correct the
situation
There is now a worldwide reduction in CFC
production
The ozone layer will recover by mid-21st century
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1.7 Stages of a Scientific Investigation
The scientific process can be divided into six
stages
1. Observation
Careful observation of a process or phenomenon
Question asked
2. Hypothesis
A probable answer regarding the observation
If more than one answer, alternative hypotheses are
formed
3. Prediction
Expected consequences based on the correct
hypothesis
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1.7 Stages of a Scientific Investigation
The scientific process can be divided into six
stages
4. Testing
The hypothesis is tested through an experiment
5. Controls
A factor that influences a process is called a variable
In a control experiment, all variables are held constant
6. Conclusion
Based on the results of the experiment, a hypothesis
is either accepted or rejected
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Observation
Question
Hypothesis
Conclusion
Prediction
Experiment
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Fig. 1.7
Observation
The scientific “method”
Question
Hypothesis 1
Hypothesis 2
Hypothesis 3
Hypothesis 4
Hypothesis 5
Potential
hypotheses
Reject
hypotheses
1 and 4
Experiment
Hypothesis 5
Hypothesis 3
Hypothesis 2
Remaining
possible
hypotheses
Experiment
Hypothesis 5
Reject
hypotheses
2 and 3
Last remaining
possible hypothesis
Predictions
Experiment 1
Experiment 2
Experiment 3
Experiment 4
Predictions
confirmed
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1.8 Theory and Certainty
A theory is a set of hypotheses that have been
tested many times and not rejected
It indicates a higher degree of certainty
However, there is no absolute truth in science
So the acceptance of a theory is provisional
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1.8 Theory and Certainty
Note:
To scientists, a theory represents that of
which they are most certain
To the general public, a theory represents
lack of knowledge or a guess
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1.8 Theory and Certainty
The limitations of science
It is limited to organisms and processes that
can be observed and measured
Supernatural and religious phenomena are
beyond the scope of science
There are also practical limits
Science cannot be relied upon to solve all
problems
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The Living World
Chapter 1: The Science of Biology
Specific Learning Outcomes:
1.1 List the major properties of life.
1.2 Explain how science is distinguished from other
ways of seeking understanding of life.
1.3 Explain the significance of major unifying themes of
modern biology.
1.4 Explain the limitations of science.
1.5 Identify how the steps in the scientific process were
used to determine the effects of CFCs on the earth’s
ozone layer.
Copyright ©The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Permission required for reproduction or display