Intro to Biology

Observation

a fact that reports information gained from the five senses

Inference

a conclusion based on observations

A sea otter has whiskers.

observation

The polar bear and walrus are fighting for territory and food.

inference

Organism

demonstrates all 8 characteristics of life

Homeostasis

the tendency for a system to remain constant and stable to regulate its internal environment

A person sweats to cool down.

maintains homeostasis

cells

structural, functional, and biological units of life

Plants convert water, sunlight and soil into glucose.

requires energy

Baby birds are hatched from eggs and become larger upon adulthood.

grows and develops

External stimuli

sunlight, temperature, humidity, physical touch

Internal stimuli

temperature, salt concentration, chemical imbalance

Galapagos finches have different shaped beaks suited to the food available on the different islands.

adapts and evolves

asexual reproduction

one parent (yeasts, plants)

sexual reproduction

two parents (humans)

Scientific name includes

Genus and species

Binomial nomenclature

2-name naming

Prokaryotic cells

no nucleus

Archaea

Live in harsh, hostile conditions

Thermophiles

live in hot springs

Methanogens

live in digestive tract of cows

Halophiles

live in extremely salty water

Bacteria

E. coli, Staph, Salmonella

Eukaryotic cells

have a nucleus

Decomposers

Break down dead things for energy

multi-cellular fungi

mushrooms

uni-cellular fungi

yeast and molds

Protists

protozoa, amoeba, diatoms