Chapter 1 – An Introduction to Biology
Chapter Outline
1. Principles of biology and
the levels of biological
organization
2. Biological evolution
3. Classification of living
things (taxonomy)
4. Biology as a scientific
discipline
Remember blue font color
marks important ideas and
bold marks terms to master
,1.1 Principles of Biology and Levels of Organization
Section 1.1 Learning
Outcomes
1. Describe the principles of
biology
2. Identify and explain
examples of each principle
of biology
3. Explain how life can be
viewed at different levels of
biological complexity
,1.1 Principles of Biology and Levels of Organization
Biology is the study of life
• Investigations of living things can lead to discoveries with far-
reaching benefits
• Ex: salicylic acid (aspirin) from the willow tree and blood
pressure medicine (ACE inhibitor) from poisonous snakes
, 1.1 Principles of Biology and Levels of Organization
The Study of Life Has Revealed a Set of Unifying Principles
• Biologists have described a set of principles that apply to all fields
of biology; principles 1 through 6 define the basic features of life
• Principle 1: Cells are the simplest units of life
• The cell theory is a foundation of biology
• All organisms are composed of 1 or more cells
• Cells are the smallest units of life
• New cells come from pre-existing cells by cell division
• Principle 2: Living organisms use energy
• The maintenance of organization requires energy
Chapter Outline
1. Principles of biology and
the levels of biological
organization
2. Biological evolution
3. Classification of living
things (taxonomy)
4. Biology as a scientific
discipline
Remember blue font color
marks important ideas and
bold marks terms to master
,1.1 Principles of Biology and Levels of Organization
Section 1.1 Learning
Outcomes
1. Describe the principles of
biology
2. Identify and explain
examples of each principle
of biology
3. Explain how life can be
viewed at different levels of
biological complexity
,1.1 Principles of Biology and Levels of Organization
Biology is the study of life
• Investigations of living things can lead to discoveries with far-
reaching benefits
• Ex: salicylic acid (aspirin) from the willow tree and blood
pressure medicine (ACE inhibitor) from poisonous snakes
, 1.1 Principles of Biology and Levels of Organization
The Study of Life Has Revealed a Set of Unifying Principles
• Biologists have described a set of principles that apply to all fields
of biology; principles 1 through 6 define the basic features of life
• Principle 1: Cells are the simplest units of life
• The cell theory is a foundation of biology
• All organisms are composed of 1 or more cells
• Cells are the smallest units of life
• New cells come from pre-existing cells by cell division
• Principle 2: Living organisms use energy
• The maintenance of organization requires energy
