The document provides an overview of biology as the study of life, covering essential concepts such as the characteristics of living organisms, the debate surrounding viruses, and the potential for extraterrestrial life. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of life and the significant impact biology has on medicine, ecology, and agriculture. The text encourages readers to explore their own definitions and interests within the field of biology.

1. Introduction to Biology: What is Life?

2. What is Biology?
● Biology is the study of life
● Covers everything from microscopic cells
to entire ecosystems
● Helps us understand medicine, ecology,
genetics, and more
● Why do you think biology is important to
study?

3. Defining Life: A Centuries-Old Challenge
● Aristotle: Life involves growth, reproduction, and reaction to
forces
● Modern view: Life is a self-sustaining, evolving chemical system
● NASA definition for potential extraterrestrial life
● How would you define life?

4. 7 Characteristics of
Living Things
● Regulation: Maintaining internal balance
● Response to environment
● Reproduction and passing on genetic
information
● Growth and development
● Energy processing
● Organization
● Adaptations shaped by evolution
● Can you think of examples for each
characteristic?

5. Regulation and Response
● Regulation: Keeping internal conditions stable
● Examples: Sweating, panting to control temperature
● Response: Reacting to environmental stimuli
● Examples: Cheetah chasing prey, plants turning toward light
● How does your body regulate temperature?

6. Reproduction, Growth,
and Energy
● Reproduction: Passing on genetic
information
● Growth: Following genetic instructions for
development
● Energy processing: Using nutrients to
power life processes
● Which of these processes do you find
most fascinating?

7. Organization and Adaptation
● Organization: Structured from cells to organ systems
● Adaptations: Traits shaped by evolution to aid survival
● Example: Platypus with webbed feet and venomous spurs
● What unique adaptations do humans have?

8. The Gray Area:
Viruses
● Viruses challenge our definition of life
● They can't reproduce or process energy
on their own
● But they evolve and replicate using host
cells
● Are viruses alive? Why or why not?

9. Life Beyond Earth?
● Astrobiology studies potential extraterrestrial life
● Examines extreme life forms on Earth for clues
● Our definition of life may change with new discoveries
● How might life on other planets differ from Earth?

10. The Interconnectedness of
Life
● All living things share a common ancestor
● We're made of "stardust" - elements
forged in stars
● Understanding connections helps solve
global challenges
● How does knowing we're connected to all
life change your perspective?

11. Biology's Impact on Our World
● Helps develop medicines and vaccines
● Informs climate change research and solutions
● Advances agriculture and food production
● Deepens our understanding of ourselves and nature
● What area of biology interests you most?