What is Biology?

• Biology- natural science concerned with the study of life and living organisms– Fundamental concepts of

modern biology1. Cells are basic unit of life

2. New species and inherited traits are the product of evolutionary change

3. Genes are the basic unit of heredity

4. Organisms regulate internal environments to maintain a stable and constant conditionHomeostasis

• 5. Living organisms consume and transform energy

Characteristics of Life1. Homeostasis: regulation of

the internal environment to maintain a constant state

2. Organization: being structurally composed of one or more cells

3. Metabolism: transformation of energy by converting chemicals and energy into cellular components (anabolism) and decomposing organic matter (Catabolism)

4. Growth and development: growing organism increases in size in all of its parts, rather than simply accumulating matter

5. Adaptation: Ability to change over time in response to the environment

6. Response to Stimuli

7. Reproduction: The ability to produce new individual organisms