- the infinitely small - the atom
- the infinitely large - the universe
- the infinitely complex - LIFE    .......    Teilhard de Chardin  scientist, cleric, anthropologist, mystic, prankster

Characteristics of Life

1) Carbon based, uses millions of carbon based molecules often the same molecules in various life forms

2) Cellular composition

3) Development throughout life using metabolic activity (energy to grow and reproduce)

4) Reproduction - all cells are proceeded by by other living cells

5) Genetic identity - all life forms are unique and yet share countless common genetic traits

6) Homeostasis - maintenance of internal environmental conditions within a range

Major Unifying Themes

ENERGY - most organisms tend to maximize energy input and minimize energy output
(sitting in front of a TV with a bag of potato chips is natural but perhaps unhealthy)

EVOLUTION - many of the past characteristics of ancestors are contained in the present
- evolution is the result of mutation that confers fitness to individuals of a species in a given environment
- WHY questions are often answered by evolutionary approaches
 

ECOLOGY - all organisms are ultimately connected with each other in the biosphere on Earth
 

ETHICS - humans are poised at the brink of guided evolution, looking at the problems created by physics and chemistry biological studies may be the next "problem in the making" the least of which may be answering ethical questions surrounding the environment,  medicine and reproduction 

                           Evolution of the Universe according to Big Bang Theory
Theory - an idea supported by results of experimentation or careful observations
- most theories are modified supported or proven false over time 
- facts are almost nonexistent