Ch 1 introduces biology with the characteristics of living organisms, the enormous biodiversity, and the need for classification. Students learn taxonomic tools and the hierarchy of classification.
Characteristics: growth (irreversible increase in mass), reproduction, metabolism (sum of anabolism + catabolism), cellular organisation, consciousness (response to stimuli). No single feature defines life. Biodiversity: estimated 1.7-1.8 million named species.
Taxonomy: identification, naming, classification. Binomial nomenclature (Linnaeus): two-part Latin name — Genus (capitalised) + species (lowercase), italicised (Homo sapiens). Classification hierarchy: Kingdom → Phylum (Division in plants) → Class → Order → Family → Genus → Species. Taxonomic tools: herbarium, botanical garden, museum, zoological park, key.
Download: https://ncert.nic.in/textbook/pdf/kebo101.pdf | Complete book: https://ncert.nic.in/textbook/pdf/kebo1ps.zip
Yes, non-living things can show growth (e.g., crystals grow, mountains grow by accumulation). But growth in living organisms is from inside (intrinsic) through cell division, while non-living growth is by accumulation of material from outside. Growth alone is not a defining criterion for life.
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