2007-2008 AP Biology

Study of Life

Themes

ppt by Kim Foglia with modifications by J. Coleman

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Themes Science as a process of

inquiry questioning & investigation

Evolution Energy transfer Continuity & Change Relationship of structure to function Regulation Interdependence in nature Science, technology & society

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Science as a process of inquiry

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Science as a process of inquiry Built on repeatable observations &

testable, falsifiable hypotheses

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Evolution Core theme of biology Connects EVERYTHING…

Charles Darwin

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"Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution."

-- Theodosius DobzhanskyMarch 1973

Geneticist, Columbia University

(1900-1975)

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Natural selection Evolutionary change is a

product of the process of natural selection

Organisms don’t adapt;

Organisms have adaptations.

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Evolution explains unity & diversity Unity

what do organisms have in common & why do similarities exist? common biochemistry & physiology

evolutionary relationships connected through common ancestor

Diversity but why are there

differences? natural selection adaptations allow different

individuals to survive in different environments

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Organizing systems Making sense out of the diversity Hierarchical

scheme

Eastern gray squirrelSciurus carolinensis

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3 Domains of LifeBacteria, Archaea, Eukarya

EukaryaBacteria Archaea

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Continuity & change Continuity of life is based on heritable

information in the form of DNA DNA – the genetic

material – carries biological information from one generation to the next

Cornerstone of evolutionary change as well

You can make more,a lot like you!

TRAIT

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Energy transfer It takes ENERGY to keep

stuff from falling apart! At the cellular level

Photosynthesis - harvest

Respiration - use At the ecosystem level

Energy Flow sun > producers > consumers

Nutrient Cycling Materials used to build

bodies go round ‘n round….

ENTROPY RULES!DECOMPOSERS RULE, too!

nutrients

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Energy Harvesting and Nutrient Cycling…

You think they’re eating…

They’re actually harvestingenergy and cycling

nutrients!

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Form follows function The alignment of structure & function is

seen at all levels of biology

organism

cell organelle

organ

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Regulation Organisms need to maintain a “steady state”

in the face of changing conditions maintain homeostasis achieve this through feedback

monitor the body like a thermostat turn on when it’s needed, off when its not

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Regulation But individual

organisms are not the only biological entities that regulate…

Entire ecosystems undergo regulation as well Predator / prey

relationships Nutrient cycling And this leads us

to….

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Interdependence No organism is an island standing alone

communities, ecosystems

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Science, technology & society Science & particularly technology profoundly change society

TV, computers, cell phones, DNA technologies, medicine… Science & technology must function within the rules of society

ethics

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Themes Science as a process of

inquiry questioning & investigation

Evolution Energy transfer Continuity & Change Relationship of structure to function Regulation Interdependence in nature Science, technology & society

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Why study themes of Biology? Biology is an ever expanding body of

knowledge too much to memorize it all need to generalize create a framework upon which to

organize new knowledge themes are the key to understanding

the true nature of living organisms DON’T drown in the details!

2007-2008 AP Biology

ANY QUESTIONS?