Introduction to Biology

1
Introduction to Biology
2
Observations

• Using one or more of the five senses to gather
  information called evidence or data
• Touch
• Sight
• Smell
• Hear
• Taste (ONLY WHEN SAFE!)

3
Inference

• Logical interpretation based on prior knowledge
  and experience
• Example if you test different samples of
  reservoir water and the results are clean, you
  can infer that its all clean

4
Observation vs. Inference (copy data table below)
Statement Observation Inference
Object A is round and orange.
Object A is a basketball.
Object C is round and black and white.
Object C is larger than Object B.
Object B is smooth.
Object B is a table-tennis ball.
Each object is used in a different sport.
5
The Goals of Science

• To investigate and understand nature
• To explain events in nature
• To use those explanations to make useful
  predictions

6
Biological Topics

• Macromolecules (lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic
  acids, proteins)
• Enzymes (speed up chemical processes)
• Ecology (environment around us how it
  interacts)
• Evolution (how things change over time)
• Cells (smallest units of life)
• DNA (genetic basis for all living things)
• Genetics (how you get your traits)
• Anatomy (how the human body works)