Ms. Politano - HS Zoology

1. Ms. Politano - HS Zoology Unit 1- Classifying and Exploring Life Unit 2- Cell Structure and Function Unit 3- From a Cell to an Organism Unit 4- Reproduction of Life Unit 5- Genetics Unit 6- Invertebrates Unit 7- Vertebrates Unit 8- Zoological Careers Unit 9- Cryptozoology

2. Before we begin, decide if you agree or disagree with these statements. • 1. All living things move • 2. The sun provides energy for almost all living things on Earth • 3. A dichotomous key can be used to identify an unknown organism • 4. Physical similarities are the only traits used to classify organisms • 5. Most cells are too small to be seen with an unaided eye • 6. A zoologist only studies animals living in a zoo

3. Characteristics of Life • All living things: • Are organized (cells, organs, etc) • Grow and develop • Reproduce • Respond to stimuli • Maintain homeostasis • Use Energy

4. Organization • A cell is the smallest unit of life. • Living things that are made of only one cell are known as unicellular organisms. • Multicellular Organisms are made of many cells that have specialized functions.

5. Growth and Development All living things will grow and develop from birth. Some go through extreme physical changes ( example a frog or butterfly) This is known as metamorphosis. Unicellular organisms have their one cell increase in size. Multicellular organisms grow in their total number of cells.

6. Reproduction • All living things have the ability to reproduce and create offspring. • Extinction often occurs when organism are being killed off faster then they can reproduce. • Asexual reproduction produces offspring that is genetically identical to its one parent. • Sexual reproduction produces offspring that have 50% genetic information from each parent

7. Response to Stimuli • Internal Stimuli An organisms reaction to changes happening inside its body. Example: hunger and thirst occur internally. • External Stimuli Changes in an organisms environment that affect an organism. Example: a reptiles response to temperature change. The outside temperature of the environment cause the reptile to have more or less blood flow to their skin

8. Homeostasis • An organism's ability to maintain internal conditions when outside conditions change is called homeostasis. • Homeostasis is important because it ensures cells continue to function. If cells do not function properly an organism can become ill or even die.

9. Energy • The only living things that can produce their own food are plants. All animals must consume food in order to survive. • Almost all the energy provided to living things begins with the sun. • The energy relationship between living things is known as a food chain. Multiple food chains make up an ecosystem’s food web.