Chapter 1 Objectives
Introduction: Ten Themes in the Study of Life
General Comment: Obviously in an introductory chapter there is not a lot of test
material here and concepts are dealt with superficially. Campbell lists the following as
objectives:
Note: Bold objectives are listed by Campbell as the College Board Performance
Objectives.
1. Be able to briefly describe / recognize the “Ten Unifying Themes in
Biology.” (Pgs 22 – 23).
Exploring Life on Its Many Levels
2. Diagram the hierarchy of structural levels in biology: emergent properties,
cells, DNA, structure and function of organisms, and regulatory mechanisms.
(Fig. 1.2)
3. Explain how the properties of life emerge from complex organization.
4. Describe the seven properties of life or what makes life, life (pg 5).
5. Define reductionism and what is the problem with this concept.
6. What is the cell theory and how did technology help us to obtain our current
knowledge of the cell.
7. Distinguish between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. This will also be
reinforced / introduced in a lab. The complete answer to this question is spread
throughout several chapters in the book.
8. Describe the structure and function of DNA. Also covered in greater detail in
later chapters.
9. Explain what is mean by “form fits function” or “its structure determines its
function.”
10. Describe the two major dynamic processes of any ecosystem.
11. Explain how regulatory mechanisms control reactions in organisms. Begin to get
an understanding of negative and positive feedback.
Evolution, Unity, and Diversity
12. Be able to state the three Domains of life. These domains will also be emphasized
in a lab.
13. Briefly describe how Charles Darwin’s ideas contributed to the conceptual
framework of biology. That is, what is natural selection and how does it
contribute to biodiversity (diversity of life)?
14. Explain how evolution is related to the unity and diversity of life.
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Chapter 1: Campbell 6th ed.
The Process of Science
15. Although real science, I am told, does not occur by the scientific method (Fig.
1.19) we like for you to know this idealized version. Real science, I am told, is
done by coming up with a question and then pursuing an answer. Scientists don’t
really sit around and write down a hypothesis. They come up with a question and
set up an experiment and inherent in this process is a hypothesis but they are
really just looking for an answer to a curious question.
16. Define, compare and contrast a scientific hypothesis and scientific theory.
17. Explain the scientific method and how it is used to discover new biology
concepts.
College Board Lab Objectives:
18. Design a controlled lab experiment.
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Chapter 1: Campbell 6th ed.