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Biology – The Study of LifeBiology – The Study of Life
The Earth is 4.6 billion years old.
Life began more than 3.5 billion years ago.
First organisms (living things) were single celled.
They were the only life on Earth for millions of years.
Organisms changed over time (evolved)
Cell Structure and FunctionCell Structure and Function
Cell is the basic unit of life All organisms are made of and
develop from cells Some cells are composed of only
a single cell: unicellular Most organisms are composed of
many cells: multicellular Cells are small Cells are highly organized
In multicellular organisms, cells and groups of cells (tissues) are organized by their function Cells tissues Tissues organs Organs systems
Reproduction and InheritanceReproduction and Inheritance
All organisms produce new organisms like themselves
Organisms transmit hereditary information to their offspring (reproduction)
DNADNA
It is the chemical responsible for inheritance The passing on of traits from
parents to their offspring. DNA contains instructions for
traits (genes)
Matter, Energy and OrganizationMatter, Energy and Organization
Living things are highly organized Requires a constant supply of energy to maintain
their orderly state Almost all energy comes from the sun (directly or
indirectly) Process called photosynthesis
Ecosystem
The community of living things in an area, along with the nonliving features of the environment.
Plants and other photosynthetic organisms are an ecosystems’ producers.
Consumers are animals or organisms that eat (consume) the food made by organisms.
EvolveEvolve
Ability to adapt to their environment through the process of evolution
Favorable characteristics are selected for and passed on to offspring
Natural Selection
Process by which individuals with inherited characteristics well-suited to the environment leave more offspring than do other individuals.
It works by natural environment “selecting” certain inherited traits.
Natural Selection causes Evolution. The term evolution means “a
process of change.”