Studying Life

What is Biology?

bios means…“Life”

-logy means…“study of”

Biology is the

study of living

things.

• 1. Made of cells

Unicellular organisms:

A living thing made of only ONE celluni- means “one”

Some are composed of many cells Multicellular organisms

multi- means “many”

•2. Reproduce

Two types of reproductionAsexual Reproduction

No egg and sperm involvedA piece of an organism becomes

a new organism

Sexual ReproductionEgg and sperm unite

•3. Genetic code

Living things contain genetic codesDNA or RNA

Codes are passed from parent

to offspring

Can be used to

solve crimes.

4. Growth and Development

All living things grow during at least part of their lives

Unicellular increase in size

Multicellular grow in size and change or develop

5. Need Materials and Energy

METABOLISMall of the chemical reactions within the body Materials are broken down or built up

Energy is a requirement (used) and must be obtained (available)

6. Respond to the Environment

7. Homeostasis

organisms keep internal conditions, constant.Example: Temperature

8. Evolution

Organisms show relationship to other organisms

A group of organisms

change over time due to

survival of the fittest

QUICK PRACTICE

The following are all examples of the characteristics of life.  Identify each one by matching a word from the top to a word phrase from the bottom. 

A. Evolution                D. genetic code             G. Respond to stimulus

B. Made of cells       E. Grow and develop    H. Homeostasis C. Reproduce          F. Use/need energy  1. A person looks like their mother.2. You eat a hamburger for lunch. 3. A baby gains 3 pounds in one week and begins to recognize

voices. 4. A polar bear has white fur to blend in with the snow. 5. Your start to cry whenever you get a shot at the doctor’s office. 6. You begin to shiver because it is cold outside. 7. Red and white particles make up part of your blood. 8. A chick breaks out of an egg.