9th Grade Biology 1.1 What is Biology

characteristics of living things

1. Living things are organized in an orderly structure and are made up of cells. 2. Living things make more living things through reproduction. 3. Living things change during their lives. 4. Living things adjust to their surroundings. 5. Living things adapt and evolve.

fundamental principle of biology

1. Living things do not exist in isolation. 2. They are all parts in the delicate balance of nature. 3. Living things interact with their environment and depend upon other living things to aid in their survival.

environment

Environment- the living and non-living surroundings to which an organism must constantly adjust Includes air, water, weather, temperature, other organisms, etc.

species

a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring in nature

response

a reaction to a stimulus

development

all of the changes that take place during the life of an organism

growth

an increase in the amount of living material and the formation of new structures

adaptation

any inherited structure, behavior, or internal process that enables an organism to respond to environmental factors and live to produce offspring.

stimulus

anything that an organism's external or internal environment that causes the organism to react.

homeostasis

regulation of an organism's internal environment to maintain conditions suitable for its survival. (because organisms are constantly adjusting to change they must maintain internal balance-they do this through energy they get from food)

biologists

study living things, as well as the non-living things that support them and the interactions of the environment.

evolution

the gradual change in a species through adaptations over time.

reproduction

the production of offspring. It is not essential for survival of an individual organism, but it is essential for the continuation of the organism's species

biology

the study of life