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