BIOL-100 A: Unit 1 - What is Biology?

How is biology similar to most or all branches of science?

-Biology encompasses diverse fields that relate to biology and constitute the relation with every aspect of human and every science, including botany, conservation, ecology, evolution, genetics, marine biology, medicine, microbiology, molecular biology, physiology, and zoology. For example, biology depends on other disciplines of physical sciences to have its knowledge achieved. -The study of biology needs experiences of almost all the branches of science including chemistry, physics, sociology, geology, climatology, etc.

In what ways are biology different from other sciences?

-Biology's subject matter is different from that of other sciences. -With other sciences, it is easier to make predictions. -Biology deals with options and is much less absolute than other sciences. -Biology is a younger branch of science than physics, chemistry, earth science, and astronomy.

Why is biology integrated with mathematics, chemistry, physics, and geology?

-The organisms that biologists study are subject to the laws of chemistry and physics. -In order to understand the history of life on the planet, one must study geology and study the rocks that contain fossils -Mathematics is essential for the analysis and interpretation of biological data collected by researchers. -There is only one natural world, and all scientists study it.

Important themes in biology

-The sum of all chemical changes in cells is called metabolism. -Bioenergetics states that the energy that powers life operates according to the same rules that govern energy in the inanimate realm. -Antoine Lavoisier's experiments of the late 18th century helped to explain the chemistry of life. -Chemistry and energetics provide a larger context for studying how organisms acquire and use energy.

Several ways in which biology is relevant in today's society

-disease regulation -treating kidney failure by dialysis -controlling cancer through surgery -controlling cancer through radiation and chemotherapy

How do humans affect biodiversity?

-overpopulation -over-exploitation -habitat destruction -pollution -introduction of invasive species -climate change

8 key characteristics or functions that serve to define life and that all groups of living organisms share

1. Order 2. Sensitivity or response to stimuli 3. Reproduction 4. Adaptation 5. Growth and development 6. Regulation 7. Homeostasis 8. Energy processing

Why do scientists and non-scientists often use the term "theory" differently?

A scientific theory is a substantiated explanation of the observations that we currently know to be to true. Theories start out as hypotheses, and when there is enough evidence to support a hypothesis, it becomes a theory or part of a larger theory.

How is biology different from most branches of science?

Biology is the science that studies living organisms and their interactions with one another and their environments. Science attempts to describe and understand the nature of the universe in whole or in part by rational means.

Theory

a carefully thought-out explanation for observations of the natural world that has been constructed using the scientific method; a well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world that can incorporate laws, hypotheses, and facts

Natural selection

a process in which organisms that are more adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and pass on the genes that aided their success, causing species to change and diverge over time

Scientific Method: Hypothesis

an attempt to answer your question with an explanation that can be tested; good hypotheses allows you to make a prediction

Scientific Method: Questioning

asking a question about something you observe

Homeostasis

often called a "steady state"; the ability of an organism to maintain constant internal conditions

Scientific Method: Explanation

reflect on our results and use them to guide our next steps

Scientific Method: Observation

something that catches the biologist's attention

Scientific Method: Testing

tests whether your prediction is accurate; important for an experiment to be fair

Biodiversity

the highest level of organization that is the collection of all ecosystems, represents the zones of life on Earth, and includes land, water, and portions of the atmosphere

Evolution

the process of gradual change during which new species arise from older species

Biology

the science that studies life; the study of living organisms, and their interactions with one another and their environments