Life’s Hierarchical Order

         Each level of biological structure has emergent properties
         Cells are an organism’s basic units of structure and function
         The continuity of life is based on heritable information in the form of DNA
         Structure and function are correlated at all levels of biological organization
         Organisms are open systems that interact continuously with their
         environments
         Regulatory mechanisms ensure a dynamic balance in living systems

    Evolution, Unity, and Diversity

         Diversity and unity are the dual faces of life on Earth
         Evolution is the core theme of biology

    Science as a Process

         Testable hypotheses are the hallmarks of the scientific process
         Science and technology are functions of society
         Biology is a multidisciplinary adventure