HUMAN BIOLOGY

Learning about human bioLogy 13

sUmmary

section 1.1 Humans have the char-

acteristics found in all forms of life, as listed

in Table 1.3.

section 1.2 All life on Earth has come
about through a process of evolution. The
defining features of humans include a
large and well-developed brain, great
manual dexterity, sophisticated skills for
language and mental analysis, and complex
social behaviors.
section 1.3 The living world is highly
organized. Atoms, molecules, cells, tissues,
organs, and organ systems make up whole,
complex organisms. Each organism is a
member of a population, populations live
together in communities, and communities
form ecosystems. The biosphere is the most
inclusive level of biological organization. A continual flow of
energy and cycling of raw materials sustains the organization
of life.

section 1.4 Science is an approach to

gathering knowledge. There are numerous

versions of the scientific method. Table 1.4

lists elements that are important in all of

them. Reputable scientists must draw

conclusions that are not at odds with the

evidence used to support them.

section 1.5 Critical thinking skills

include scrutinizing information sources

for bias, seeking reliable opinions, and

separating the causes of events from factors

that may only be associated with them.

sections 1.6, 1.8 A scientific theory

is a thoroughly tested explanation of a

broad range of related phenomena. Science

does not address subjective issues, such as

religious beliefs and morality.

rEviEW QUEstions

1. You are a living organism. Which characteristics of life do
   you exhibit?


2. Why is the concept of homeostasis meaningful in
   the study of human biology?
   3. What is meant by biological evolution?
   4. Study Figure 1.5. Then summarize what biological
   organization means.
   5. Define and distinguish between:
   a. a hypothesis and a scientific theory
   b. an experimental group and a control group

sELf-QUiz Answers in Appendix VI

1. Instructions in govern how organisms are built and
   function.


2. A is the smallest unit that can live and reproduce
   by itself using energy, raw materials, and DNA
   instructions.


3. is a state in which an organism’s internal
   environment is maintained within a tolerable range.


4. Humans are (animals with backbones); like other
   primates, they also are.


5. Starting with cells, nature is organized on at least
   levels.


6. Living things consist of one or more cells.


7. Living things take in and use energy and materials.


8. Living things sense and respond to changes in their
   surroundings.


9. Living things maintain the internal steady state called
   homeostasis.


10. Living things reproduce and grow based on information
    in DNA.

Table 1.3 Summary of Life’s Characteristics

Hypothesis Possible explanation of a natural

event or observation

Prediction Proposal or claim of what testing

will show if a hypothesis is correct

experiment Controlled procedure to gather

observations that can be compared

to prediction

Control group Standard to compare test group

against

Variable Aspect of an object or event that

may differ with time or between subjects

Conclusion Statement that evaluates a

hypothesis based on test results

Table 1.4 Scientific Method Review

Copyright 2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s).