Download - BIG IDEAS IN LIFE SCIENCE
Biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow, to reproduce and to maintain
dynamic homeostasis.
Change in groups of organisms is different from growth and development since it occurs
over many generations.
The human body is a complex organization of many systems— digestion,
circulation, respiration, and others—all working together for the overall health of the
individual.
The cell, the basic unit of all life, contains smaller
organelles that assist in life processes that are similar in
function to the larger organism.
All organisms contain a "blueprint" for their growth,
development and maintenance, and physical
appearance in the DNA that is contained in genes on their
chromosomes.
Ecosystems are composed of biotic (plants, animals, fungi, microbes) and abiotic (soils,
minerals, water, air) components and are complex
interconnected systems.
Living things change over time as a result of natural
mutations that occur in their genomes and the process of
natural selection, and evidence for this exists within
the fossil record.
Homeostasis is an organism's ability to remain stable and
stay alive by making changes to maintain equilibrium.
All life grows and changes over long periods of time through the processes of
evolution and natural selection.
The interaction of living and nonliving elements of nature
constitutes an ecosystem, and each one of the interactions is important to maintaining the
balance of the ecosystem.
DNA is a chemical code that makes up the hereditary
material that is used to pass traits on from parent to
offspring.
The scientific theory of cells, also called cell theory, is a
fundamental organizing principle of life on Earth.
Life is maintained by various physiological functions
essential for growth, reproduction, and
homeostasis.
Genetic information is passed from generation to generation
by DNA; DNA controls the traits of an organism.
Changes in the DNA of an organism can cause changes in
traits, and manipulation of DNA in organisms has led to
genetically modified organisms.
Plants and animals, including humans, interact with and
depend upon each other and their environment to satisfy
their basic needs.
Living organisms acquire the energy they need for life
processes through various metabolic pathways
(photosynthesis and cellular respiration).