LE+Key+Ideas+and+PI's


 * 1. Living things are both similar to and different from each other and nonliving things.**
 * explain how diversity of populations within ecosystems relates to the stability of ecosystems
 * describe and explain the structures and functions of the human body at different organizational levels
 * explain how a one-celled organism is able to function desoite lacking the levels of organization present in more complex organisms
 * 2. Organisms inherit genetic information in a variety of ways that result in continuity of structure and function between parents and offspring.**
 * explain how the structure and replication of genetic material result in offspring that resemble their parents
 * explain how the technology of genetic engineering allows to alter the genetic makeup of organisms
 * 3. Individual organisms and species change over time.** 
 * explain the mechanisms and patterns of evolution
 * 4. The continuity of life is sustained through reproduction and development.**
 * explain how organisms, including humans, reproduce their own kind
 * 5. Organisms maintain a dynamic equilibrium that sustains life.**
 * explain the basic biochemical processes in living organisms and their importance in maintaining dynamic equilibrium
 * explain disease as a failure of homeostasis
 * relate processes at the system level to the cellular level in order to explain dynamic equlilibrium in multicelled organisms
 * 6. Plants and animals depend on each other and their physical environment.**
 * explain factors that limit growth of individuals and populations
 * explain the importance of preserving diversity of species and habitats
 * explain how the living and nonliving environments change over time and respond to disturbances
 * 7. Human decisions and activities have had a profound impact on the physical and living environment.**
 * describe the range of interrelationships of humans with the living and nonliving environment
 * explain the impact of technological developemnt and growth in the human population on the living and nonliving environment
 * explain how individual choices and societal actions can contribute to improving the environment