Biology

Unit 1: Biological Organization

What is a living organism?
Cells
Smallest most basic living unit, all cells come from other cells, DNA genetic
info to make new cells
Ordered Complexity & Structure
The way the cells are organized and work together to create an living thing
Energy Utilization and Metabolism
Living organisms take in energy and use it to do work
Homeostasis and Maintenance of structure
Living things regulate their internal conditions and structure
Growth, Development and Reproduction
All living organisms go through
Sensitivity
Living things respond to their environment
Adaptations
Living things over time adapt (successful b/c the way they are built) to the
environment they are in.
Hierarchy of Biological Organization
Atoms-Basic unit of all matter
Molecule- Two or more atoms
Macromolecule- Large molecules
Organelle- Specialized cellular components
Cell- Basic unit of life
Tissue- Group of cells
Organ- Collection of tissues that operate together to perform functions
Organ System- Tow or more functionally related organs
Organism- Independently living biological unit
Population Level
Population- groups of similar organisms
Community- All interacting populations in a specified area
Ecosystem- The interacting biotic and abiotic factors in a specified area
Biosphere- The regions of the Earth and atmosphere which supports life
Taxonomy
System used to group and organize living organisms
Kingdom- similar phyla
(Anamilia)
Phylum- similar classes
(Chordata)
Class- similar orders
(Mammalia)
Order- similar families
(Primate)
Family- similar genera
(Hominidae)
Genus- similar species
(Homo)
Species- similar organisms
(sapiens)

3 Domains of Life
Similar kingdoms grouped into 3 domains

Bacteria- prokaryotes (no organelles), multiple kingdoms, most diverse

and wide spread.
Archaea- Prokaryotes (no organelles), multiple kingdoms, mostly live in
extreme environments
Eukarya- eukaryotes (contain membrane bound organelles), 3 kingdoms
Theory of Evolution
Explains the diversity and unity of life
Diversity estimated there are >10 million living species
Unity: DNA is the universal genetic code
Charles Darwin and Natural Selection
On the origin of the species by means of natural selection
Species have arisen from a succession of ancestors
Natural selection is the mechanism of decent with modification
Individuals with inherited traits that are better suited for their
environment are more likely to survive and reproduce
Over many generations, more individuals in the population will have
the advantageous traits.
Natural selection of finches
Summary
Living organisms have 7 characteristics
There is a hierarchy in biological organization and complexity
Scientists use taxonomy as a method to group living organisms
All organisms are grouped into 3 domains
Natural selection explains the unity and diversity of life