H&A 1

INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY

  • Focus on the scientific principles of life and organisms.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Identify and describe properties of life.

  • Describe levels of biological organization.

  • Understand key theories in modern biological science.

  • Summarize the scientific method steps.

  • Distinguish between inductive and deductive reasoning.

PROPERTIES OF LIFE

  • Six fundamental characteristics of living organisms:

    1. Cells: All organisms consist of membrane-bound cells.

    2. Replication: Capability of reproduction.

    3. Growth and Development: Growth controlled by genetic information.

    4. Metabolism: Use of energy to maintain homeostasis.

    5. Response to Stimuli: Reaction to internal and external signals.

    6. Evolution: Continuous evolutionary process in populations.

HIERARCHY OF BIOLOGICAL ORGANIZATION

  • Organized from smallest to most complex:

    • Atoms

    • Molecules

    • Macromolecules

    • Organelles

    • Cells

    • Tissues

    • Organs

    • Organ systems

    • Organisms

    • Populations

    • Communities

    • Ecosystems

    • Biosphere

TAXONOMY

  • System for naming and classifying organisms, established by Linnaeus.

  • Taxonomic levels from broadest to most specific: Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.

THEORIES IN BIOLOGY

  1. Cell Theory: All living things are composed of cells; cells arise from preexisting cells.

  2. Theory of Evolution: All species share a common ancestry and can change over generations through natural selection.

  3. Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance: Genetic information is passed through DNA organized in chromosomes.

THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

  • Process involving observation, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, and conclusion.

  • Two main processes:

    1. Discovery Science: Observational data leading to generalizations (inductive reasoning).

    2. Hypothesis-Based Science: Formulation of specific, testable predictions based on general principles (deductive reasoning).

SCIENTIFIC REASONING

  • Inductive: Conclusions based on related observations.

  • Deductive: Forecasting specific outcomes based on general principles.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

  • Key components: Control group, manipulation of variables, repetition, and clear hypothesis.

  • A well-structured experiment includes measurable predictions and controls for external factors.

BASIC VS. APPLIED SCIENCE

  • Basic Science: Seeks knowledge expansion without immediate application.

  • Applied Science: Uses scientific knowledge to address immediate problems.

PEER REVIEW IN SCIENCE

  • Critical process where scientists review research for validity before publication.

  • Structure typically includes Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, and Literature Cited.