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Biologie

Biology is the study of life, encompassing everything from microbes to whales, and is essential for understanding medicine, ecosystems, and ourselves. It defines life through seven characteristics, including regulation, reproduction, and adaptation, while also addressing the debate over whether viruses are considered alive. Studying biology is crucial for solving global issues and recognizing our connection to all life on Earth.

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15 views11 pages

Biologie

Biology is the study of life, encompassing everything from microbes to whales, and is essential for understanding medicine, ecosystems, and ourselves. It defines life through seven characteristics, including regulation, reproduction, and adaptation, while also addressing the debate over whether viruses are considered alive. Studying biology is crucial for solving global issues and recognizing our connection to all life on Earth.

Uploaded by

lsouanes
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Introduction to Biology: What is Life?

What is Biology?

● Biology is the study of life


● Covers everything from tiny microbes to
giant whales
● Helps us understand medicine,
ecosystems, and ourselves
● Why do you think studying biology is
important?
Why Study Biology?

● Develop new medicines


● Learn to identify misinformation
● Understand how our bodies work
● Explore the diversity of life on Earth
● What areas of biology interest you most?
Defining Life

● Not easy to define precisely


● NASA definition: "A self-sustaining
chemical system capable of evolution"
● 7 main characteristics of living things
● Can you think of anything that seems alive
but isn't?
7 Characteristics of Life

● 1. Regulation - maintain inner balance


● 2. Response - react to environment
● 3. Reproduction - make more of themselves
● 4. Growth and development
● 5. Energy processing
● 6. Organization
● 7. Adaptation and evolution
Regulation and
Response

● Regulation: Keeping inner conditions


steady
● Example: Sweating or panting to control
body temperature
● Response: Reacting to surroundings
● Examples: Cheetah chasing prey, flower
turning toward sun
● How do you respond to changes in your
environment?
Reproduction, Growth and Development

● Reproduction: Making offspring, passing on genes


● Growth: Increasing in size
● Development: Changing form over time
● Example: Tadpole growing into a frog
● What changes have you noticed as you've grown?
Energy, Organization, and
Adaptation

● Energy processing: Using food/sunlight to


live
● Organization: Structured from cells to
whole body
● Adaptation: Traits that help survival
● Example: Platypus with webbed feet and
venomous spurs
● What adaptations do humans have?
The Virus Debate

● Viruses challenge our definition of life


● They can't reproduce or process energy on their own
● But they evolve and use living cells to multiply
● Most scientists say viruses aren't alive
● What do you think? Are viruses alive?
Life's Connections

● All life shares a common ancestor from 4


billion years ago
● We're made of "stardust" - atoms from
ancient stars
● Studying one species can help us
understand others
● How does knowing we're connected to all
life make you feel?
Why Biology Matters

● Helps solve big problems: hunger, disease, climate change


● Shows how we're connected to nature
● Lets us understand ourselves better
● Creates a better future for all life
● What biological mystery would you like to solve?

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