Biology = the study of life

What does it mean to be alive?

R A R E R• Regulation (homeostasis/ equilibrium)• Adaptation• Reproduction • Energy acquisition (metabolism)• Response

Regulation

• The ability of an organism to maintain an environment that is conducive to all other biological processes.

• Maintaining homeostasis or balance.

Why are you thirsty~ An example of regulation an homeostasisDecreased H2O in plasma

(fluid in blood and surrounding cells)

Decreases volume of fluids in circulatory system

Stimulates release of Anti-Diuretic Hormone (ADH) by brain

Stimulates kidneys to pass less water in urine.

(H2O retention)

Stimulates sensation of thirst (urge to drink)

Increases volume of fluids in circulatory system

Stops release of (ADH) by brain

Urge to drink H2O is gone

Adaptation• The ultimate result of

evolution.

• The traits of a common group of living things that contribute to their biological success in a given environment.

Reproduction

• The ability of living things to make more of themselves through the passage of genetic material.

• Asexual = one parent genetically identical offspring

• Sexual = two parents offspring that are a blend of the parents genetic material and traits.

Energy & Nutrient Use(metabolism)

• Energy acquisition: – Autotroph “Self feeder.” Obtains energy through

photosynthesis. – Heterotroph “Other eater.” Obtains energy by

taking in materials that contain energy. • Nutrient use:

– Incorporation of nutrients into the chemical process necessary for sustaining life.

– Release wastes generated• Metabolism:

– The sum of all of the chemical processes needed to sustain the life of an organism

Response

• The ability of a living thing to respond to changes inside and outside of its body.