What is Biology Key Concepts and Vocabulary Key

What is Biology?

Key Concepts and Vocabulary Key Concepts: • What is Biology? • What are the characteristics of all living organisms? • What is the difference between a theory and a law? Vocabulary: • Zoology • Cytology • Ecology • Homeostasis • Field study • Lab study • Theory • Law

What is Biology? • The study of life – Bio means “living, ” and logy means “study of. ” • Biology is divided into many smaller areas that focus on specialized areas of study: – Zoology – – Genetics – – Ecology – – Cytology –

Characteristics of Life All living things are… 1. Composed of cells (highly organized) 2. Made of the same Chemicals of Life 3. Respond to stimulus 4. Use energy for growth and maintenance 5. Reproduce 6. Grow and develop 7. Adapt to their environments

Biological Studies • Lab studies – experiments done in a closed environment. Allow scientists to control all variables. • Field studies – experiments done in a natural setting. Scientists have little control over variables; however, data may be more accurate. • When would a lab study be better? A field study?

Laws vs. Theories • Law – a scientific principle that can be proven as true. • Theory – a probable explanation that is accepted as true, but cannot be proven. • What are examples of laws and theories in science?