1.1 The Study of Life
KEY CONCEPT
Biology is the scientific study of all forms of life.
1.1 The Study of Life
All organisms share certain characteristics.
1.1 The Study of Life
Characteristics of Life
1. Organization -Living things are organized-cells, tissues,
organs, organ systems, organisms.
1.1 The Study of Life
2. Living things Reproduce- essential for the continuation
of life
• A species is one particular type of living thing.
– Members of a species can interbreed to reproduce.
– There are about 2 million different living species
have been identified.
1.1 The Study of Life
3. Living Things Grow
• Cells enlarge and divide
1.1 The Study of Life
4. Living things Develop through stages of Life
1.1 The Study of Life
5. Living things adjust and respond to their
environment- Homeostasis
• Homeostasis is the maintenance of constant internal
conditions.
1.1 The Study of Life
6. Living things adapt and evolve
1.1 The Study of Life
Living things need energy for metabolism-must produce
or consume energy
• Must consume 20% of body weight per day.
1.1 The Study of Life
Living species are diverse
• The biosphere includes all living things and all the places
they are found.
biosphere = everywhere life exists
1.1 The Study of Life
• Every part of the biosphere is connected with every other
part.
1.1 The Study of Life
– saltwater and freshwater environments
Tidepool
Estuary
– portions of the atmosphere
1.1 The Study of Life
• Biodiversity is the variety of life.
– Biodiversity generally increases from the poles to the
equator.
– Biodiversity is greater in areas with consistently warm
temperatures.
Biodiversity is
greater closer to
the equator.
1.1 The Study of Life
– All organisms are made of one or more cells.
1.1 The Study of Life
Living things have DNA that they pass on to offspring.
1.1 The Study of Life