Seven Themes Unify the Science
of Biology
Biology
Ms. Haut
Biology


Study of life
Biologists recognize that all living things
share certain characteristics
Characteristics of Life
1.
Cellular structure and
function


All living things
made of one or more
cells
Cells are the smallest
unit capable of all
life functions
Characteristics of Life
2.
Reproduction


Process of making
more of one’s own
kind
No organism lives
forever; necessary
part of living
Characteristics of Life
3.
Metabolism




Sum of all chemical
reactions carried out
in an organism
All energy originates
from the sun
Plants convert solar
energy into sugar
Animal use/store
energy in own
tissues
Characteristics of Life
4.
Homeostasis

Maintenance of
stable internal
conditions despite
changes in external
conditions
Characteristics of Life
5.
Heredity


Passing of traits
from parent(s) to
offspring
Genes are inherited
from parent(s)
Characteristics of Life
6.
Evolution



Change over time
New species (group
of genetically similar
organisms that can
produce fertile
offspring) can
develop over time if
enough changes
occur
Natural selection—
survival of the fittest
Characteristics of Life
7.
Interdependence


Organisms have
evolved to live and
interact with other
organisms
Ecology is the study
of interactions of
living organisms
with one another and
their environment

Food webs