Topic outline

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    • Sub-topic Biodiversity
      Unit 1 Introduction to Biology
      Sub-topic Classifi cation of living things
      Unit 2 Introduction to classifi cation
      Unit 3 The external structure and importance
      of fl owering plants

      Figure 1.1 There is a great diversity of living things in Rwanda.

      UNIT 1 Introduction to Biology

      Key Unit Competence

      To be able to explain the meaning of biology and its application, recall the characteristics common to all organisms and be able to apply safety and first aid in daily life.

      At the end of this unit, you should be able to:
      • Define Biology and state its main branches
      • Explain the importance of studying Biology
      • Identify different forms of life from a wide range of organisms
      • List the characteristics of living things
      • Explain the principles of the first aid and how and when first aid kit is used
      • Compare characteristics of life throughout different groups of organisms
      focusing on their nutrition, respiration, excretion, reproduction, growth,
      sensitivity and movement
      • Compare living things and explain their differences
      • Practice rules and regulations governing the laboratory and know how to
      avoid accidents
      • Use first aid kit
      • Know what to do if someone is injured in the laboratory
      • Acknowledge the diversity and uniqueness of different organisms
      • Appreciate the importance of Biology in society.

      Cross-cutting issue

      Environment and sustainability: Biology will help us understand how living organisms interact with their environments and how they keep a healthy balance to survive.



      Oral activity
      In groups, think about what you learnt in previous grades, and then
      brainstorm the answers to these questions.
      1. Name the two main groups of animals, and give an example of each.
      2. Name the main classes of animals.
      3. Can you think of some diseases that aff ect cattle?
      4. What are the main parts of the circulatory system?

       

      Topi                                          Water lily                                Hippo

      Algae, viewed under a            Forest cobra                           Black-headed gonolek

      microscope

      Figure 1.2 Biology is the study of life. Have you seen any of these living things?

      2 Topic 1: Biodiversity and classification

      What is Biology?
      The word Biology comes from two Greek words: bios, which means life, and
      logos, which means knowledge. Biology therefore means the study of life, or
      living organisms.
      Think about the world around us. Every day you see living things.
      Some of these living organisms are plants, such as trees, grasses and flowers.
      Others are animals, such as birds, insects and dogs. Where do they get their
      energy from? How do they move? What are they made of? When we study
      Biology, we can learn more about these different aspects of life.
      Branches of Biology
      Biology is a subject that covers many different aspects. Some examples of
      branches of Biology are shown below.

      Why study Biology?
      Biology is a science that is growing and developing quickly in the
      21st century. Scientists who study Biology are known as biologists.
      There are many reasons why we study Biology.
      • It improves our understanding of diseases and their causes, prevention
      and treatment.
      • It helps us to meet the needs of a growing population; for example,
      through increased food production.
      • We can understand the variety of living organisms on Earth, and why
      we need to look after all of them.
      • We can appreciate how all life on Earth is connected.
      • It helps us make decisions about our own health and form our opinions
      on controversial issues, such as organ donation.
      • It can provide us with career opportunities.