The Science of Biology

What are the goals of science?◦ To provide natural explanations for events in the

natural world◦ To use those explanations to understand patterns

in nature◦ To make useful predictions about natural events

The Goals of Science

1. Problem/Question: Develop a question or problem that can be solved through experimentation.

Scientific Method

2. Observation/Research: Make observations and research your topic of interest.

Scientific Method

3. Formulate a Hypothesis: Predict a possible answer to the problem or

question.Example: If soil temperatures rise, then

plant growth will increase.

Scientific Method

4. Experiment: Develop and follow a procedure.

Include a detailed materials list.The outcome must be measurable

(quantifiable).

Scientific Method

5. Collect and Analyze Results: Modify the procedure if needed.

Confirm the results by retesting.Include tables, graphs, and photographs.

Scientific Method

6. Conclusion: Include a statement that accepts or rejects the hypothesis.

Make recommendations for further study and possible improvements to the

procedure.

Scientific Method

The variable that is deliberately changed is called the independent variable (manipulated variable).

The variable that is observed and that changes in response to the independent variable is called the dependent variable (responding variable).

Controlling Variables

A control group is exposed to the same conditions as the experimental group except for one independent variable.

Scientists set up several sets of control and experimental groups to try to reproduce or replicate their observations.

Control and Experimental Groups

It is the study of living things.

What characteristics do all living things share?

What is Biology?

All organisms store the complex information they need to live, grow, and reproduce in a genetic code written in a molecule called DNA.

1. Living things are based on a universal code.

During development, a single fertilized egg divides again and again.

As these cells divide, they differentiate, which means they begin to look different from one another and to perform different functions

2. Living things grow and develop

A stimulus is a signal to which an organism response.

3. Living things respond to their environment

Sexual reproduction- cells from two parents unite to form the first cell of a new organism.

Asexual reproduction- a single organism produces offspring identical to itself.

4. Living things reproduce, which means that they produce new similar organisms

All living organisms use energy to keep conditions inside their cells within certain limits. This process is called homeostasis.

5. Living things maintain a relatively stable internal environment, even when external conditions change dramatically.

The combination of chemical reactions through which an organism builds up or breaks down materials is called metabolism.

6. Living things obtain and use material and energy to grow, develop, and reproduce.

Cells can grow, respond to their surroundings and reproduce

Cells are complex and highly organized.

7. Living things are made up of one or more cells- the smallest units considered fully alive

Evolutionary change links all forms of life to a common origin more than 3.5 billion years ago.

Evidence is found in all aspects of living and fossil organisms, from physical features to structures of proteins to sequences of information in DNA.

8. Over generations, groups of organisms evolve, or change over time.

The study of biology revolves around several interlocking big ideas:◦ Cellular basis of life◦ Information and heredity (DNA)◦ Matter and energy◦ Growth, development, and reproduction◦ Homeostasis◦ Evolution◦ Structure and function◦ Unity and diversity of life◦ Interdependence in nature◦ Science as a way of knowing

Big Ideas of Biology