chapter 1: science of biology - stjoes.org 1 section 1_3... · 8/13/15 1 chapter 1: science of...

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Chapter 1: Science of BiologySection 1.3 Studying Life

Mr. Varco, SJHS

Characteristics of Life •  Biology is the study of life.

•  Scientists study life at many levels, from the molecular level to the entire planet (the Biosphere).

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Characteristics of Life

Characteristics of Life

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Characteristics of Life •  Most living things share basic common characteristics:

- Composed of cells - Based on a Universal Genetic Code - Obtain and use material and energy - Grow, respond, and reproduce - Respond to their environment - Maintain a stable internal environment - Change over time

Big Ideas in Biology •  All living things are made of cells (unicellular or multicellular)

•  Living things maintain a stable internal body temperature in a process called homeostasis.

•  Every organism has unique structures and functions that evolve over

time.

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Performing Experiments •  Biologists always rely on a common system of measurement and safety

when conducting investigations.

•  Most scientists use the metric system when collecting data.

•  Why do scientists use a common system for measuring? - Many experiments involve gathering quantitative data. - Researchers must be able to easily replicate each other’s work.