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5/22/12 Hierarchy of Life Or Big Themes in Biology Hierarchy of Life: (multicellular organisms only) Cell is basic unit of life Atoms and molecules are not living Tissue=collection of similar cell types Organ=collection of tissues that work together Organ system=Organs and auxiliary tissue that serve a common role Organism Even further could consider communities, ecosystems, etc. Emergent properties=the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Cooperative effort among units = coordination. Diversity of Life-variability of living organisms Diversity on grand and small scales Classification of organisms-hot issue right now 5 Kingdoms: Prokaryotae, Protoctista, Fungi, Plantae and Animalia Dispute over superkingdoms or Domains 2 superkingdoms: Prokarya and Eukarya 3 Domains Archaea=Archaebacteria Bacteria=Eubacteria Eukarya=Eukaryotes Evolution through natural selection=framework in which biology is studied Mutations that are beneficial become more common in later generations Changes occur resulting in organisms are well-suited for environment Energy flow through systems-Ecology Sunlight-plants-herbivores-carnivores-heat Complex relationships and can be delicate Scientific method Hypothesis driven research Hypothesis is a prediction based on previous observations Several hypotheses may be possible for one system Test hypotheses by experimentation or observation Can eliminate incorrect hypotheses but never "Prove" a hypothesis Supporting data Hypotheses that stand up under many experiments are "Laws" Open for disagreement Viruses living? There is some observation or objective driven research, but it could eventually be used to formulate hypotheses. Model systems-used to gain information about another system Most often used to gain information on humans Yeast, flies, worms, fish, mammals-many systems exist Often confusing to general public Why bigger rats or cancer-free flies?