Introduction to Biology

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	Biology is the study of living things and their interactions with each other and their environment. There are many disciplines within the study of biology. (See page 2 of text.) Explain what each of the following are:		Take time to enjoy your environment. Every now and then, sit on a rock somewhere quiet and take a deep breath.
BIOCRAWLER search engine Scientific Method Classification Trophic Levels	1. anatomy 2. physiology 3. histology 4. cytology 5. microbiology 6. molecular biology 7. morphology 8. biochemistry 9. virology 10. entomology	11. botany 12. zoology 13. mycology 14. ecology 15. tropisms 16. ethology 17. genetics 18. evolution 19. taxonomy 20. bioethics
	By studying an organism in its environment one may come to a greater understanding of the mechanisms it employs to survive. Survival is one of the main “issues”/concepts in biology – survival of the individual and survival of the species. Other “issues”/areas of concern to a biologist are: Diversity of Life attempts to explain the existence and diversity of life classification systems used to describe and account for similarities and differences in living things Movement of energy through ecosystems energy takes a one-way course through an ecosystem many substances cycle e.g. water, nitrogen, carbon, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, magnesium, calcium, sodium, chlorine movements of inorganic substances are best illustrated using biochemical cycles Physical environment geological components include atmosphere (gases including water vapour) solid crust of the Earth oceans, lakes and rivers (3/4 of the Earth’s surface) Interactions between living things – including the taking-in of energy and metabolism biological components - trophic levels – food chains and webs producers – autotrophs photosynthesis chemosynthesis consumers – heterotrophs herbivores carnivores/predators parasites omnivores detritovores - scavengers and decomposers other interactions (not necessarily feeding) competition for resources commensalism Internal processes respiration aerobic and anaerobic metabolic rate warm blooded (homoiothermic) and cold blooded (poikilothermic) excretion Reproduction & Genetics asexual purpose to produce offspring that are genetically identical binary fission, budding, cuttings, vegetative propagation, etc. sexual purpose to produce offspring that are genetically diverse formation of gametes alternation of generations in plants inheritance of characteristics dominant & recessive genes Mendel Movement tropisms locomotion Response to stimuli and co-ordination nervous system behaviours