Understand the basics of Biology: characteristics of life, branches, scientific method, tools used by biologists, metric system & lab safety rules.

Chapter 1: The Science of Biology

This chapter introduces students to the basic principles of biology, the characteristics of life, and how scientists study living things using the scientific method and laboratory tools.

☆ Topic 1: What is Biology?

• Definition:
  Biology is the study of life and living organisms. The word “Biology” comes from the Greek words bios (life) and logos (study).
• Branches of Biology:
  • Botany – Study of plants
  • Zoology – Study of animals
  • Microbiology – Study of microorganisms
  • Ecology – Study of interactions between organisms and their environment
  • Genetics – Study of heredity and DNA
  • Physiology – Study of body functions and processes
• Importance of Biology:
  Biology helps us understand how living organisms function, how diseases spread, how life evolves, and how we can address real-world problems like:
  • Disease control
  • Environmental protection
  • Food production
  • Biotechnology innovations

☆ Topic 2: Characteristics of Life

All living things share the following characteristics:

1. Cellular Organization – Made of one or more cells
2. Metabolism – Use of energy to perform functions
3. Homeostasis – Ability to maintain stable internal conditions
4. Reproduction – Producing offspring (asexual/sexual)
5. Growth and Development – Increase in size and complexity
6. Response to Stimuli – Reacting to environmental changes
7. Adaptation and Evolution – Long-term changes to survive in an environment

Example 1: A plant bends toward sunlight — response to stimuli
Example 2: Humans digest food to release energy — metabolism

Note: Viruses are a special case. They are not considered fully alive because they don’t show all the characteristics of life outside a host.

Topic 3: The Scientific Method

The scientific method is a step-by-step process that scientists use to answer questions and test hypotheses.

Steps of the Scientific Method:

1. Observation – Identify something interesting
2. Question – Ask a question based on the observation
3. Hypothesis – Make a testable prediction
4. Experiment – Design and perform a test
5. Data Collection – Record results and observations
6. Analysis – Study the data for patterns or answers
7. Conclusion – Confirm or revise the hypothesis

Example:

• Observation: Plants in sunlight grow faster than in shade
• Hypothesis: Sunlight helps plants grow taller
• Experiment: Compare growth in light vs. shade
• Result: Plants in sunlight grew more
• Conclusion: Hypothesis supported by data

● A good hypothesis must be testable and falsifiable.

☆ Topic 4: Tools Used by Biologists

Biologists use various tools to study life:

• Microscopes
  • Light microscope – For cells and tissues
  • Electron microscope – For detailed internal structures
• Lab Equipment
  • Beakers, test tubes, pipettes, petri dishes
  • Stains and dyes for viewing cells clearly
• Data Analysis Tools
  • Graphs, charts, statistical software
• Field Tools
  • Nets, GPS devices, binoculars, sampling tools

☆ Topic 5: The Metric System

Scientists use the SI (International System of Units) because it’s consistent and easy to convert (based on 10s).

Quantity	Unit	Symbol
Length	Meter	m
Volume	Liter	L
Mass	Gram	g
Temperature	Celsius	°C

● Example: 1 kilometer = 1000 meters
● 1000 milliliters = 1 liter

☆ Topic 6: Safety in the Laboratory

Basic Lab Safety Rules:

• Wear lab coat and safety goggles
• Do not eat or drink in the lab
• Handle chemicals carefully
• Follow teacher’s instructions
• Dispose of waste properly

Emergency Preparedness:

• Know where to find fire extinguisher, eyewash station, and first aid kit
• In case of spill/injury/fire, inform teacher immediately

Summary: Key Table

Concept	Explanation
Biology	Study of life and living things
Characteristics of Life	7 traits including growth, reproduction, response, etc.
Scientific Method	Logical steps to investigate questions
Tools in Biology	Microscopes, labware, field tools
Metric System	Universal measuring system
Lab Safety	Rules and equipment for safe lab work

Suggested Practice:

1. Name any 3 characteristics of living organisms.
2. What are the main steps in the scientific method?
3. Give an example of how a biologist uses a microscope.
4. Why is the metric system used in science?

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