MODULE 1

The Study of Life

1 The Science of Life
BEFORE YOU READ WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
What does it mean to be alive? On the lines below, list • the definition of biology
characteristics that you think living things have. Then read the • possible benefits from
lesson to learn what you have in common with other living studying biology
things. • characteristics of living things

READ TO LEARN ⊳ FOCUS

The Science of Life Make a flash card for each key
term in this lesson. Write the
Biology is the study of life. In biology, you will learn the origins term on one side of the card.
and history of life and once-living things. You will also learn Write the definition on the
other side. Use the flash cards
structures, functions, and interactions of living things. to review what you have
learned.
What do biologists do?
Biologists make discoveries and look for explanations by
performing laboratory and field studies. Some biologists study
animals in their natural environment. For example, Jane
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Goodall’s observations helped scientists know how best to protect

chimpanzees.
Other biologists research diseases to develop new treatments. Make a layered-look book
using the titles shown. Use
Many biologists work to develop new technology. Technology is
it to organize your notes on
the application of scientific knowledge to solve human needs and the roles of biologists.
to extend human capabilities. For example, Dr. Charles Drew
developed methods to separate blood plasma for transfusions. His Some Roles
research led to blood banks.
of Biologists
Some biologists study genetic engineering of plants. They try to
develop plants that can grow in poor soils and resist insects and Study the diversity of life
disease. Environmental biologists try to protect animals and Research diseases
plants from extinction by studying reproductive strategies and Develop technology
ways to protect them. Improve agriculture
Preserve the environment

Reading Essentials • The Study of Life

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C01_002A
TAKE A LOOK The Characteristics of Life
1. Highlight each From many observations, biologists concluded that all living
characteristic of life in the things have certain characteristics. The characteristics of life are
table as you read about it in
the section. Use the
listed in the table below. An organism is anything that has or
descriptions in the table to once had all these characteristics.
review what you have
learned.

Characteristic of Life Description

Made of one or more The cell is the basic unit of life. Some organisms have one cell only. Others
cells have many cells.
Displays organization The organization of a biological system begins with atoms and molecules.
Each organized structure in an organism has a specific function. For example,
an anteater’s snout is long because it functions as a container for the long
tongue.
Grows and develops Growth results in an increase in mass. Development results in different
abilities. For example, a tadpole grows larger and develops into an adult frog.
Reproduces Organisms reproduce and pass on traits to the next generation. Reproduction
must occur for a species to continue to exist.
Responds to stimuli Reactions to stimuli from inside and outside the body are called responses. For
example, a cheetah responds to the need for food by chasing a gazelle. The
gazelle responds by running away.
Requires energy Energy is needed for life processes. Many organisms get energy by taking in
food. Other organisms make their own food.
Maintains homeostasis Homeostasis is the process that keeps conditions inside the bodies of all
organisms stable. For example, humans perspire when hot to lower body
temperature.
Adaptations evolve Adaptations are inherited changes that occur over time and help the species
over time survive.

What determines a cell’s structure?

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Cells are the basic units of structure and function in all living
things. Some organisms, such as bacteria, are unicellular—they
have just one cell. Humans and plants are multicellular—they have
many cells. The structure of a cell is related to its function. For
example, each cell in a tree’s roots has a structure that enables it
to take in water from soil.
THINK IT OVER
2. Sequence the levels of How are living things organized?
organization, from least Living things display organization. This means they are
complex to most complex. arranged in an orderly way. Each cell is made up of atoms and
molecules. Tissues are groups of specialized cells that work
together. Tissues are organized into organs, which perform
functions such as digestion. Organ systems work together to
support an organism.
Reading Essentials • The Study of Life
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 How does development differ from growth?
Growth adds mass to an organism. Many organisms form new
cells and new structures as they grow. Development is the
process of natural changes that take place during the life of an
organism. For example, after baby birds hatch they cannot fly for
a few weeks. As they grow, structures develop that give them the
ability to fly.

Why is reproduction important to a species?

Reproduction is the production of offspring. If a species is to
continue to exist, some members of the species must reproduce.
A species is a group of organisms that can breed with one
another and produce fertile offspring. Without reproduction, a
species will become extinct.

Why is the ability to respond to stimuli critical?

An organism’s external environment includes all things that
surround it, such as air, water, soil, rocks, and other organisms.
An organism’s internal environment includes all things inside it.
A stimulus (plural, stimuli) is anything that is part of either
environment that causes some reaction by the organism. The
reaction to a stimulus is a response. For example, a houseplant
responds to the stimulus of sunlight coming through a window by
growing toward it. The ability to respond to stimuli is important
for survival. THINK IT OVER
3. Apply Give an example of
How do organisms obtain energy? an internal stimulus for a
Living things need energy to fuel their life functions. Living rabbit. Describe an
things get their energy from food. Most plants and some appropriate response to the
unicellular organisms use light energy from the Sun to make their stimulus.
own food. Organisms that cannot make their own food get energy
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by consuming other organisms.

Why must an organism maintain homeostasis?

Homeostasis (hoh mee oh STAY sus) is the regulation of
an organism’s internal conditions to maintain life. If anything
upsets an organism’s normal state, processes to restore the
normal state begin. If homeostasis is not restored, the organism THINK IT OVER
might die. 4. Summarize the importance
of homeostasis.
How do adaptations benefit a species?
An adaptation is any inherited characteristic that results from
changes to a species over time. Adaptations make the members of
a species better able to survive and, therefore, better able to pass
their genes to their offspring.

Reading Essentials • The Study of Life

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