CHAPTER 1 Highlights 21
Key Concepts
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Key Terms
Section 1
biology (6)
cell (7)
reproduction (7)
metabolism (7)
homeostasis (8)
gene (8)
heredity (8)
mutation (8)
evolution (9)
species (9)
natural selection (9)
ecology(9)Section 2
genome (11)
HIV (12)
cancer (12)
cystic fibrosis (13)
gene therapy (13)Section 3
observation (14)
hypothesis (16)
prediction(16)
pH (16)
experiment (17)
control group (17)
independent variable(17)
dependent variable (17)
theory (19)Themes of Biology
Living organisms are diverse but share certain
characteristics.
All living organisms are composed of cells, grow and
develop, and are able to maintain homeostasis.
Living organisms reproduce, producing offspring similar to
themselves.
Living organisms obtain and use energy to stay alive, and
they respond to their environment.
Seven themes unify the science of biology: cellular structure
and function, reproduction, metabolism, homeostasis,
heredity, evolution, and interdependence.Biology in Your World
Pollution of the atmosphere, extinction of plants and animals,
and a growing demand for food are current environmental
problems caused by the growing human population.
Biologists are using genetic engineering to develop crops
that require fewer fertilizers and pesticides and to develop
new crops.
Biological research and new technologies will help
scientists battle diseases such as AIDS, cancer, and
cystic fibrosis.3 The Scientific Processes
Scientists add to scientific knowledge by sharing observations
and posing questions about those observations.
Although there is no single method, observing, asking
questions, and forming and testing hypotheses are impor-
tant in planning a scientific investigation.
In a controlled experiment, the independent variable is
varied between the experimental and control groups. The
measured variable is the dependent variable.
A collection of hypotheses that have been repeatedly
tested and are supported by a great deal of evidence forms
a theory.