Introduction to Biology - Lecture Notes PDF

Introduction to Biology MFT00203 BIOLOGY Dr. Irene Christianus  Today, you will learn... Overview of the scientific method Levels of biological organi...

Introduction to Biology MFT00203 BIOLOGY Dr. Irene Christianus  Today, you will learn... Overview of the scientific method Levels of biological organization MFT00203 BIOLOGY  Overview of the Scientific Method MFT00203 BIOLOGY  In studying nature, scientists form and test hypotheses. Science is a way of knowing -- an approach to understanding the natural world. The word science is derives from a Latin verb meaning “to know”. MFT00203 BIOLOGY  The scientific method, sometimes called the “scientific process” is a systematic process for exploring phenomena, acquiring new What is knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge. the Scientific Method? Involves a series of MFT00203 BIOLOGY steps to ensure findings are reliable and valid.  1. Observation 6. Analysis 2. Question 7. Conclusion Steps of the Scientific 3. Hypothesis 8. Communication Method MFT00203 BIOLOGY 4. Experiment 9. Replication 5. Data Collection 10. Theory Development  Observation Examples: Careful observation of a Observing the growth phenomenon or a set of phenomena. patterns of plants. Noting changes in temperature over time. MFT00203 BIOLOGY  Question Examples: Why do plants grow Generating questions based on faster in sunlight? observations. How does temperature affect the rate of chemical reactions? MFT00203 BIOLOGY  Hypothesis Examples: A tentative explanation or educated guess that can be tested. Plants grow faster when exposed to Must be testable and falsifiable. sunlight due to increased photosynthesis. MFT00203 BIOLOGY  Components: Experiment Independent Variable (the variable that is changed). Designing and conducting experiments to test the hypothesis. Dependent Variable (the variable that is measured). Control Variables MFT00203 BIOLOGY (variables that are kept constant).  Data Collection Types of Data: Gathering data and recording Quantitative observations during the experiment. (numerical data). Qualitative (descriptive data). MFT00203 BIOLOGY  Analysis Types of Data: Analyzing the data to determine if it Statistical analysis. supports or refutes the hypothesis. Graphical representation. MFT00203 BIOLOGY  Conclusion Outcomes: Drawing conclusions based on the Hypothesis is analysis. supported. Hypothesis is refuted or revised. MFT00203 BIOLOGY  Communication Methods: Sharing findings with the scientific Reports. community. Presentations. Publications. MFT00203 BIOLOGY  Replication Repeating experiments to verify Importance: results. Ensures reliability and validity. MFT00203 BIOLOGY  Theory Development Examples: Developing a well-substantiated Theory of Evolution. explanation based on repeated Cell Theory testing and evidence. Gene Theory Germ Theory of Disease. Endosymbiotic Theory MFT00203 BIOLOGY These theories form the foundation of much of modern biological understanding and continue to guide research and discovery in the field. HOW SCIENCE WORKS In reality, the process of science is not linear, but instead involves backtracking, repetitions, and feedback between different parts of the process.  Levels of Biological Organization MFT00203 BIOLOGY MFT00203 BIOLOGY  Atoms & Molecules Atoms: The basic units of matter, consisting of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Molecules: Chemical structures consisting of at least two atoms MFT00203 BIOLOGY held together by a chemical bond. Examples: water (H₂O), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and DNA.  Prokaryotic cells: Bacteria Cells Definition: The basic unit of life. All living organisms are made of cells. Eukaryotic cells: Types: Prokaryotic Cells: Simple, without a MFT00203 BIOLOGY nucleus (e.g., bacteria). Eukaryotic Cells: Complex, with a nucleus and organelles (e.g., animal Animal cells Plant cells and plant cells).  Epithelial Tissue Connective Tissue Tissues Definition: Groups of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function. Types: Epithelial Tissue: Covers body surfaces and lines body cavities. Connective Tissue: Supports and binds other tissues (e.g., bone, blood). MFT00203 BIOLOGY Muscle Tissue: Responsible for movement (e.g., skeletal, cardiac, smooth Muscle Tissue muscle). Nervous Tissue: Transmits nerve impulses (e.g., brain, spinal cord). Nervous Tissue  Organs Definition: Structures composed of different types of tissues working together to perform specific functions. Examples: Heart, lungs, liver, brain. MFT00203 BIOLOGY  Organs Systems Definition: Groups of organs that work together to perform complex functions. Examples: Digestive System: Processes food (e.g., mouth, stomach, intestines). MFT00203 BIOLOGY Respiratory System: Facilitates breathing (e.g., lungs, trachea). Circulatory System: Transports blood and nutrients (e.g., heart, blood vessels).  Organisms Definition: Individual living entities that can function independently. Examples: Humans, animals, plants, bacteria. MFT00203 BIOLOGY  Populations Definition: Groups of organisms of the same species living in a particular area. Examples: A herd of elephants, a school of fish. MFT00203 BIOLOGY  Communities Definition: Different populations that live together in a defined area and interact with one another. Examples: A forest community includes trees, birds, insects, and mammals. MFT00203 BIOLOGY  Ecosystems Definition: A community of living organisms and their physical environment interacting as a system. Components: Biotic Factors: All living things (plants, animals, microorganisms). MFT00203 BIOLOGY Abiotic Factors: Non-living things (climate, soil, water).  Biosphere Definition: The global ecological system integrating all living beings and their relationships, including their interactions with the elements of the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. MFT00203 BIOLOGY Scope: Encompasses all ecosystems and living organisms on Earth. Thank You! Q&A