Chapter 1: Evolution, Themes of Biology, and Scientific Inquiry PDF
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This chapter introduces the concepts of evolution, the themes of biology, and the scientific method, discussing various aspects of life such as adaptation, biological organization, and the interactions of organisms within their ecosystems. It also covers methodology of scientific investigation from observation to forming hypotheses and experiments.
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Chapter 1 ========= EVOLUTION, THEMES OF BIOLOGY, AND SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY ==================================================== **Properties of Life** About **8.7 million species** are believed to be living on Earth today!! **WITH SO MANY DIFFERENT SPECIES THERE ARE MANY PROPERTIES THEY HAVE IN CO...
Chapter 1 ========= EVOLUTION, THEMES OF BIOLOGY, AND SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY ==================================================== **Properties of Life** About **8.7 million species** are believed to be living on Earth today!! **WITH SO MANY DIFFERENT SPECIES THERE ARE MANY PROPERTIES THEY HAVE IN COMMON (see fig 1.2).** **1\-\-- Evolutionary Adaptation.** **Evolution is a central theme in biology.** **The ability to evolve is built into organisms.** **-organisms within a species are variable (e.g., some are tall some are short)** **-variability means some are "better" suited to survival.** **Conclusion: More "good" genes survive and therefore the population changes genetically. That's Evolution!** **2 \-\--** Life contains an **order** of structural levels with each level building on the levels beneath it. \>\>\>\>\> Hierarchy of biological organization (see fig 1.3) **(*the definitions for these are handled separately, here you should concentrate on the organization*)** **-Atoms** **-Molecules** **-Macromolecules** **-Organelles** (not present in prokaryotes) **-Cells** **-Tissues** (not present in prokaryotes or all eukaryotes) **-Organs** (not present in prokaryotes or all eukaryotes) **-Organisms** **-Populations** **-Communities** **-Ecosystem**s **-**Planet (**Biosphere**) **3 \-\--** Each level of biological organization has **emergent properties**. (See fig 2.2). \-\--**emergent property**. **4 \-\--** Structure and function are related. Cells are the basic unit of structure and function. \-\--**prokaryotic cells**(see fig 1.4). \-\--**eukaryotic cells**(see fig 1.4) **5 \-\--** Genetic information is expressed and transmitted. DNA is the basis of heritable information (see fig 1.6). DNA provides the instructional methods that guide the **growth and development** of multicellular organism. The passing of DNA from one generation to another is the basis of **inheritance**. **Inheritance**-Acquisition of traits by transmission of DNA from parent to offspring. This process of transmitting the DNA to new generations is built into the functions of **reproduction**. **6 \-\--** Life has the ability to acquire material and **energy** **Energy**-Capacity to do work All levels of biological organization are thermodynamically "open systems" (see fig 1.9). **7 \-\--** Organisms have the ability to maintain their structure and regulate their internal environment. Negative feedback (see fig 1.10) and positive feedback are the 2 common mechanism used for regulation. This ability to maintain structure and regulate is called **homeostasis**. \-\--**homeostasis** **8 \-\-- Organisms interact with other organisms and with their environment. These interactions form the basis of ecosystems.** Evolution produces unity and diversity. **With all the underlying similarities there is an amazing diversity of the organisms on the planet.** **HOW IS THE DIVERSITY OF LIFE ARRANGED** **Premise: The division of living organisms into groups makes the study of them easier and more logical.** **\>\>\>\>\>The three-domain system, was conceived about 4 decades ago (see fig 1.13).** **In this system commonalities in the DNA organization and other characteristics allows groups, termed domains, to be constructed There are two prokaryotic domains, Bacteria and Archaea, and a eukaryotic domain; Eukarya** **In domain Eukarya there are currently four subdivisions known as kingdoms: Protista, Plantae, Fungi, and Animalia.** **Science is an activity that often involves one of 2 methods:** **Discovery science focused on the Where, What, and When** **and** **Hypothesis based science focused on the How and Why** Both methods involve science as an activity. The process of science involves observation and analysis of data. **Quantitative data and qualitative data** Both methods also follow certain principles 1. all events have a natural cause - **natural causality** **Hypothesis based science uses a HYPOTHETICO-DEDUCTIVE process and deductive reasoning** This type of process is sometime referred to as "the scientific method" Make **observations** - Lights don't go on when you flip the light switch. Form a **hypothesis** - Bulb is burned out. Conduct **experiments** - Change the bulb. A **theory** is an explanation of natural events that is based on a LARGE number of observations and/or experiments.
