Earth and Life Science

Quarter 2 – Module 2:
Unifying Themes in the Study
of Life

CO_Q2_ELS SHS
Module 2
Earth and Life Science
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 2 – Module 2: Unifying Themes in the Study of Life
First Edition, 2021

Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any work of
the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the government agency or office
wherein the work is created shall be necessary for exploitation of such work for profit. Such
agency or office may, among other things, impose as a condition the payment of royalties.

Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand names,
trademarks, etc.) included in this module are owned by their respective copyright holders.
Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials from their
respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim ownership
over them.

Published by the Department of Education

Secretary: Leonor Magtolis Briones
Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Nerissa E. Manila

Editors: Melanie I. Samudio, Jocelyn M. Manset
Reviewers: Jason Ricaforte, Elizabeth A. Soriano, Princess Paolah L. De Guzman,
Marissa C. Betchaida, Louie L. Alvarez, Gregorio M. De Chavez Jr.,
Jocelyn M. Manset, Mario B. Maramot, Elaine T. Balaogan, Job S. Zape Jr.,
Arturo E. De Leon
Illustrator: Ednalinda Robles, Lovely Joy La Rosa, Charles Erick A. Jusay,
Sandro Carlo B. Tablizo
Layout Artist: Anselma M. Ebero, Elizalde L. Piol, Jocelyn M. Manset, Argie L. Ty
Management Team: Francis Cesar B. Bringas
Job S. Zape, Jr.
Ramonito Elumbaring
Reicon C. Condes
Elaine T. Balaogan
Fe M. Ong-ongowan
Merthel M. Evardome
Nadine C. Celindro
Nicolas M. Burgos
Mario B. Maramot
Fe M. Ong-ongowan
Rosalinda A. Mendoza

Printed in the Philippines by ________________________

Department of Education – Region IV-A CALABARZON

Office Address: Gate 2 Karangalan Village, Brgy. San Isidro, Cainta, Rizal
Telefax: 02-8682-5773/8684-4914/8647-7487
E-mail Address: [email protected]
Earth and Life Science
Quarter 2 – Module 2:
Unifying Themes in the Study
of Life
Introductory Message
This Self-Learning Module (SLM) is prepared so that you, our dear learners,
can continue your studies and learn while at home. Activities, questions, directions,
exercises, and discussions are carefully stated for you to understand each lesson.

Each SLM is composed of different parts. Each part shall guide you step-by-
step as you discover and understand the lesson prepared for you.

Pre-tests are provided to measure your prior knowledge on lessons in each

SLM. This will tell you if you need to proceed on completing this module or if you
need to ask your facilitator or your teacher’s assistance for better understanding of
the lesson. At the end of each module, you need to answer the post-test to self-check
your learning. Answer keys are provided for each activity and test. We trust that you
will be honest in using these.

In addition to the material in the main text, Notes to the Teacher are also
provided to our facilitators and parents for strategies and reminders on how they can
best help you on your home-based learning.

Please use this module with care. Do not put unnecessary marks on any part
of this SLM. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises and tests. And
read the instructions carefully before performing each task.

If you have any questions in using this SLM or any difficulty in answering the
tasks in this module, do not hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator.

Thank you.
 What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you master
the Unifying Themes of Biology. The scope of this module permits it to be used in
many different learning situations. The language used recognizes the diverse
vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow the standard
sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them can be changed to
correspond with the textbook you are now using.

The module covers:

• Lesson 1 – Unifying Themes of Study of Life (Biology)

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. name the unifying themes in the study of life;

2. describe the unifying themes illustrated;
3. explain the connection among living things and their interaction with the
environment;
4. give details on how these themes serve as the foundation in the study of
biology.
5. value life by taking good care of all beings, human, plants and animals.

1 CO_Q2_ELS SHS
Module 2
 What I Know

Directions. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a
separate sheet of paper.
1. Continuity of life is explained by ______________.
A. evolution
B. regulation
C. form and function
D. reproduction and inheritance
2. Living things are considered organisms if they possess which of the following
characteristics?
A. grow and develop
B. failure to produce offspring
C. absence of orderly structure
D. incapability of adapting to changing environment
3. Which of the following best explains why humans sweat when they get hot?
A. use energy
B. ability to grow
C. ability to reproduce
D. maintain the internal environment
4. Describe the image illustrated on the right side.
A. They are evolving.
B. The organisms are growing and developing.
C. It shows how organisms respond to its
environment.
D. There is a transfer of energy among living
organisms.
5. Which statement does not describe the image on the right side?
A. Plants acquire energy for them to perform their
task, the food making.
B. There is a transfer of energy from the sun to the
plants.
C. Plants need the abiotic factors in order to grow.
D. They are evolving.
6. Which statement is TRUE based on the illustration?
A. Cell is present on fossils.
B. Early organisms lack cell.
C. Cell is the basic unit of life.
D. Cell is present among eukaryotic only.

2 CO_Q2_ELS SHS
Module 2
7. Living organisms cannot live alone, they are interacting with the abiotic factors
for sustainability of life. Which among the organisms is considered as abiotic?
A. bacteria
B. plant
C. light
D. man
8. One of the characteristics possessed by living organisms is growth and
development. This happens upon acquiring energy. When creating a food chain,
in what order do we start illustrating the smallest organism having the most
energy?
A. in the middle
B. any order will do
C. leading to the left
D. leading to the right
9. A nice smell of a plant is an adaptation that ______________
A. attracts the pollinators
B. regulates the internal environment
C. helps the plant to keep the nutrients inside
D. pushes away the animals that try to eat them
10. It was observed that the deciduous trees lose their leaves in cold and winter in
order to avoid freezing. This is an example of ______________.
A. a response
B. organization of life
C. unity of living systems
D. function and structure
11. It is a unifying theme of life science that explains the improvement of lives of all
organisms through research.
A. adaptation
B. inheritance
C. energy and life
D. biology and society
12. All organisms alive today have descended from simple cellular creatures billions
of years ago. Biologists were able to identify and preserved some of the
characteristics of that earliest organisms. This is associated in what theme?
A. Function and structure are interdependent.
B. Cell theory as a description of living systems.
C. Emergent properties arise from the organization of life.
D. Unity of living systems is explained by evolutionary conservation.
13. The orchard sprayed with the chemical yields an average of 60 kilos of mango
per tree, the other orchard yields an average of 40 kilos of mangoes per tree.
Based on the data, in order to have a better yield, tree must ______________.
I. receive the same amount of sunlight
II. receive the same amount of water
III. increase the orchard spray
A. I only
B. II only
C. I, II and III
D. I and II

3 CO_Q2_ELS SHS
Module 2
14. Many threatened or endangered species can be saved by a large ______________.
A. coal mine
B. food chain
C. wildlife hunting
D. reforestation project
15. Living organisms can be protected if we fight deforestation. Which among the
statements doesn’t support this advocation?
A. Plant more trees.
B. Reduce the use of products made from wood fiber.
C. Demand forest products from sustainable sources and deforestation fee
supply chains.
D. Support the products of companies who are practicing deforestation.

4 CO_Q2_ELS SHS
Module 2
 Lesson
Unifying Themes in the
1 Study of Life
Earth is the home of organisms including animals, plants and microorganisms. They
are found in the different parts of the planet. The ecosystems-the biological
communities- include living organisms (biotic factors) like animals, plants, insects
and bacteria (interacting to its environment), as well as the non-living components
(abiotic factors) like the rock, soil, water and sunlight. Non-living things are classified
as inanimate objects that may influence, alter or impact the life of biotic factors.
These abiotic factors are essential to biotic factors in various ways.
The field of science that deals with the study of life is the Life Science or Biology. It
involves different disciplines. These disciplines are connected to one another,
through which biologist termed as unifying themes.
This module emphasizes these unifying themes that serve as the bases of the study
of Life Science. The ten unifying themes include: emergent properties, the cell, the
heritable information, structure or function, interaction with the environment,
regulation, unity and diversity, evolution, scientific inquiry, and the science,
technology and society. More so, this module explores how organisms interact with
one another and its environment.

What’s In

Biology is the discipline of science that deals with the study of life. This comprises
number of disciplines such as biochemistry and ecology. As a wide-ranging and
complex science, biologists designed the term “unifying themes”, which serve as the
bases for the study of life.

Activity 1: DAD (Decode, Arrange and Describe

Directions. Decode the given numbers to the corresponding twenty-eight letters of
the alphabet, then arrange the letters to reveal the magic word related to Biology.
Lastly, describe the term revealed. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

1. 12 5 3 12

5 CO_Q2_ELS SHS
Module 2
 2. 27 17 17 3 5 12 7

3.
5 24 17 23 12 22 17 9 14

1 1 1 18 22 22 9 14 17 4
4.

7 8 20 22 17 25
5.

What’s New

Directions. Cutting Trees that can lead to deforestation and may encourage
landslide Directions: Name the unifying theme illustrated below. Choose your
answer from words inside the box. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

biological system reproduction and

cell inheritance
regulation
interaction with the environment
adaptation
energy and life
evolution
form and function
biology and society

6 CO_Q2_ELS SHS
Module 2
 1. 4.

2. 5.

3.
Activity 3: Match It
Directions: Match the given statements to its corresponding unifying themes. Write
your answer on a separate sheet of paper.
1. Living things work as a system, at the same A. biological system
time they cannot be separated from non-living
things since they are both operating as a system.
2. Cells are the basic unit of life, which denotes that B. energy and life
all living things are composed of cells.
3. Autotrophs use light to perform the process of C. biology and society
photosynthesis, on the other hand, heterotrophs
consume other organisms to obtain food.
4. Living things cannot live alone, their survival D. interaction with the
depends on how they interact with the environment
environment.
5. Organisms’ structures fit with their functions. E. the cellular basis of
life
6. Traits of parents are being passed from one F. form and function
generation to the next generation.
7. Cells of the body are surrounded by a G. reproduction and
small amount of fluid, and normal cell functions inheritance
depend on the maintenance of cell’s fluid
environment including temperature, volume, and H. adaptation
chemical content.
8. Living organisms survive depending on I. regulation /
how one will adapt to its changing environment. homeostasis
9. The diversity of life arises by change J. evolution
leading to the present biodiversity that we see.
10. The field of science is changing the lives of K. scientific inquiry
all organisms through research.

7 CO_Q2_ELS SHS
Module 2
 What Is It

The unifying theme connects the different subdisciplines that make biology as a
science. In addition to, the living organisms differ from non-living organisms in
various aspects. What are these shared properties (of living organisms) that make
something “alive”?

All levels of life have systems of related parts.

- A system is an organized group of interacting parts.

- A cell is a system of chemicals and processes. It is the basic unit of life.
- A body system includes organs that interact.
- An ecosystem includes living and non-living things that interact.
Structure and function are related in biology.
- Structure determines function.
- The structure is the shape of the object.
- The function is the object’s specific role.
Organisms must maintain homeostasis to survive in diverse
environments.
- Homeostasis is the maintenance of constant internal conditions.
- All living organisms must live in a stable environment.
Evolution explains the unity and diversity of life.
- Evolution is the change in living things over time. The genetic makeup of
a population of a species changes.
- It accounts for both the diversity and the unity of life.
Traits are being inherited and transferred.
- The continuity of life depends on the inheritance of biological
information in the form of DNA molecules.
- The genetic information is encoded in the nucleotide sequences of the
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid).
Organisms reproduce.
- It is necessary part of living; process of making more of one’s own kind.
Organisms are interdependent with one another.
- Organisms have evolved to live and interact with other organisms.
- Ecology deals with the interactions of living organisms with one another
and their environment.
Organisms acquire and process energy.
- Living organisms use a source of energy for their metabolic activities.
- Some living organisms capture the light energy and convert it into
chemical energy in food.
- Some living organisms use chemical energy stored in molecules obtained
from food.
In addition to the properties mentioned, the two additional unifying themes
in the study of life include the scientific inquiry and science, technology
and society.

8 CO_Q2_ELS SHS
Module 2
 Scientific Inquiry
- The process of science includes observation-based discovery and the
testing of explanations through the hypothetic-deductive.
- Scientific credibility depends on the repeatability of observation and
experiments.
Science, Technology and Society
- Many technologies are goal-oriented applications of science.
- The relationships of science and technology to society are now more
crucial to understand than ever before.

Activity 4: What a Beautiful Life!

Directions: Read and analyze the following questions. Write your answer on
separate sheet of paper. You’ll be graded based on the given rubric at the latter part
of the module.

Characteristics of Life Questions

What is the level of organization
Displays organization
of living organisms?
Ability to reproduce Why do organisms reproduce?
Ability to adapt on changing Why do organisms adapt?
environment
In what way do living organisms
Requires energy acquire energy?
Why is energy significant?
In what way do homeostasis
Maintains homeostasis
maintains?

What’s More

Activity 5: Connect Me
Directions: Read and analyze what is asked. Write your answer on a separate
sheet of paper.

Show the connections of the given biotic and abiotic factors written inside the box
through a concept map.

Soil sunlight water Carbon dioxide

Oxygen Corn plant Man Chicken

9 CO_Q2_ELS SHS
Module 2
Activity 6: What’s the connection?
Directions: Read and analyze the given question. Write your answer on a separate
sheet of paper. You’ll be graded using the rubrics written on the latter part of the
module.

Biology, also referred as Biological Science or Life Science deals with the study of
living organisms. It is divided into subdisciplines. As a broad discipline, biologists
use the term unifying themes where the study is being anchored. The major unifying
themes that were mentioned include the cell theory as a description of living systems,
continuity of life as explained by the molecular basis of inheritance, the
interdependence of structure and function, the diversity of life brought by evolution,
unity of living systems as explained by evolutionary conservations, and emergent
properties that arise from the organization of life.
Describe each unifying theme illustrated below. Give details on how these themes
serve as the foundation in the study of biology.

1.

Growth and development Continuity of life

Organization of life Acquire and energy process

10 CO_Q2_ELS SHS
Module 2
Directions: Using the illustration below, explain briefly the interconnections of
living things and their environment. State how human being may value life. Write
your answer on the answer sheet.

Activity 7: Picture It Out

Directions: Read and analyze what is asked. Write your answer on a separate
sheet of paper. The rubric at the latter part of the module will serve as a basis in
grading your answer.
Create a visual representation of each theme. Write a sentence that will explain
how your picture is connected to the theme.

Unifying Themes Illustration/Explanation

1. Biological System
2. Cellular Basis of Life
3. Interaction with its environment
4. Energy and Life
5. Form and Function
6. Reproduction and Inheritance

7. Regulation
8. Adaptation
9. Evolution
10. Biology and Society

11 CO_Q2_ELS SHS
Module 2
Activity 8: Complete Me
Directions: Read and analyze the following questions. Write your answer on the
answer sheet. You’ll be graded based on the given rubrics on the latter part of the
module.

The two additional unifying themes of Biology are: “science benefits from a cooperative
approach and diverse viewpoints” and “scientists make observations and then form
and test hypotheses”. Using the template below, share your ideas about the
mentioned themes as you relate it to science, technology and society.

Subject Theme: _________

My chosen word is ______.
First, I know that ____.
In addition, I know that ____.
Finally, I know that ___.
Now, you know something that I know ____.

What I Have Learned

Understanding how life came about is a deep scientific undertaking. Organisms’

function, structures, growth and origin are indeed one of many diverse topics that
should be explored to grasp the complexities of life. Generally, the following
statements provide key concepts on the unifying themes in the study of life.
1. Biology is about the study of life.
2. The unifying themes connect the different subdisciplines that make up
biology as a science.
3. The unifying themes of biology comprise the cell theory as a description of
living systems, continuity of life, interdependence of function and
structure, evolution, unity of living systems and the properties that arise
from the organization of life.
4. The living organisms are composed of cells as what was discussed in the
cell theory. The cell theory is the foundation of our understanding of
reproduction and growth of organisms.
5. The continuity of life is best explained by the molecular basis of inheritance.
Heredity, which is the continuity of life from one generation to the next, is
dependent on correct copying of cell’s DNA into daughter cells.

12 CO_Q2_ELS SHS
Module 2
 6. The function and structure are interdependent.
7. The evolutionary change give rise to the diversity of life.
8. Living organisms (biotic factors) are dependent on its environment which
consists of non-living organisms (abiotic factors). Living organisms also
interact with other living organisms.
9. Biotic factors (living things) are defined by set of characteristics including
the ability to reproduce, grow, move and ability to adapt to its environment.
They need food, water and other abiotic factors for their growth and
development.
10. Abiotic factors are inanimate objects which include rocks, water, weather
and other living things present in the environment.
11. Biological systems are organized.
12. The study of Biology is important. It enables us to make appropriate
decisions in life. Failure to grasp biological concepts lead into an
inappropriate decision.
13. One must value life by taking good care of all beings, humans, plants and
animals.

What I Can Do

Directions: Read and analyze the given question. Write your answer on your
answer sheet. The rubrics at the latter part of the module will serve as the basis
in grading your answer.
“Covid-19 is one of the current problems that the world is experiencing. It is an
infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome which affects
different people in different ways. How do you think Biology can be used to solve
this problem? (Include also on your discussion on how life may be valued.)
Make a creative presentation for your discussion.

13 CO_Q2_ELS SHS
Module 2
 Assessment

Directions. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a
separate sheet of paper.

1. Genes are passed from one generation to the next generation through
______________.
A. evolution
B. regulation
C. form and function
D. reproduction and inheritance
2. Which among the given examples describes the unifying form and
structure?
A. cellular basis of life
B. light as source of energy
C. bats have wings specialized for flying
D. living things arise from pre-existing cells
3. Makahiya plant closes its leaflets when touched. This is an example of
______________
A. energy and life
B. response to stimuli
C. form and structure
D. reproduction and inheritance
4. Describe the illustration.
A. They are evolving
B. The organisms are growing and
developing.
C. It shows how organisms respond to
its environment.
D. There is a transfer of energy among
living organisms.

5. Which statement does not describe the image on the right side?
A. Plants acquire energy for them to
perform their task, the food making.
B. There is a transfer of energy from the
sun to the plants.
C. Plants need abiotic factors in order
to grow.
D. They are evolving.

14 CO_Q2_ELS SHS
Module 2
6. Which is TRUE among the given statements
that tell something about the illustration?
A. Cell is present in fossils.
B. Early organisms lack cell.
C. Cell is the basic unit of life.
D. Cell is present among eukaryotic only.

7. Living organisms cannot live alone, they are interacting with the abiotic
factors for sustainability of life. Which among the organisms is considered
as abiotic?
A. bacteria
B. plant
C. light
D. man
8. Chameleons shift colors wherever they go. They are able to turn any
colors or combine colors depending on where the environment is. What
trait is being described?
A. adaptation
B. interaction
C. inheritance
D. reproduction
9. The diversity of life arises by change leading to the present biodiversity
that we see. This is what we called ______________.
A. evolution
B. adaptation
C. inheritance
D. reproduction
10. The field of science is changing the lives of all organisms through
technology and research. This is explained by ______________.
A. biology and society
B. adaptation
C. energy and life
D. inheritance
11. All organisms alive today have descended from simple cellular creatures
billions of years ago. Biologists were able to identify and preserved some
of the characteristics of that earliest organisms. This is associated in what
theme?
A. Function and structure are interdependent.
B. Cell theory as a description of living systems.
C. Emergent properties arise from the organization of life.
D. Unity of living systems is explained by evolutionary conservation.

15 CO_Q2_ELS SHS
Module 2
 12. Research plays significant role for the improvement of lives in a given
society. With these, more scientists agree that all scientific knowledge
comes from ______________.
A. observation
B. experimentation
C. both experimentation and observation
D. textbooks
13. The orchard sprayed with the chemical yields an average of 60 kilos of
mango per tree, the other orchard yields an average of 40 kilos of mangoes
per tree. Based on the data, in order to have a better yield, trees must
______________.
I. receive the same amount of sunlight
II. receive the same amount of water
III. increase the orchard spray
A. I only
B. II only
C. I, II and III
D. I and II
14. Many threatened or endangered species can be saved by a large
________.
A. coal mine
B. food chain
C. wildlife hunting
D. reforestation project
15. Living organisms can be protected if we fight against deforestation. Which
among the statements doesn’t support this advocation?
A. Plant more trees.
B. Reduce the use of products made from wood fiber.
C. Demand forest products from sustainable sources and
deforestation fee supply chains.
D. Support the products of companies practicing deforestation.

Additional Activities

Directions: Read and analyze the following. Write your answer on the separate
sheet of paper. You’ll be graded based on the rubrics given on this module.
1. Explain the quotation “Your body isn’t just a body, it’s an ecosystem” by Steve
Mills. You may present your work through an essay or illustration.

2. Explain how Biology can be studied from a microscopic approach to global

approach. (Indicate the unifying themes where the study of Biology is being
anchored).

16 CO_Q2_ELS SHS
Module 2
RUBRICS FOR GRADING

SHORT ANSWERS

CREATIVE OUTPUT

17 CO_Q2_ELS SHS
Module 2
 Module 2
CO_Q2_ELS SHS 18
*Acquire and process of What is It What’s I Know
energy- Living organisms
use a source of energy for Activity 4: What a Beautiful 1. D
their metabolic activities. Life? 2. A
3. D
This factor enable the 1. A
4. D
biologists to study how 2. E
5. D
energy flow through 3. B
6. C
living systems. 4. D
7. C
5. F
8. C
Activity 7: Picture It Out 6. G
9. A
7. I
Students’ answer may 10. A
8. H
vary 11. D
9. J
12. D
Activity 8: Complete Me 10. C
13. D
What’s More 14. D
Students’ answer may
vary 15. D
Activity 5: Connect Me
What’s In
What I Can Do
Activity 1: DAD
Students’ answer may
vary 1. cell
2. ecology
3. evolution
Activity 6: What’s the 4. adaptation
Assessment
connection 5. growth
1. D
1. *Growth and development-
2. C Describe as the change in
3. B What’s New
size and mass, and
4. D corresponds to maturation of Activity 2: Name It
5. D an organism.
6. C 1. cell
7. C Knowing the growth and 2. evolution
8. A development, biologists are 3. interaction with the
9. A able to know the origin of environment
10. A organisms and how they are 4. form and function
11. D related to one another. 5. energy and life
12. C Activity 3: Match It
* Continuity of Life- This is
13. D
possible through
14. D 1. A
reproduction, growth and
15. D development. 2. E
3. B
Enable biologists to know 4. D
how offspring are produced 5. F
and how genetic information 6. G
are transferred. 7. I
8. H
2. *Organization of Life-
9. J
Living organisms have levels
10 C
Answer Key
References
Books

Moncada, Maria Noemi M, Rolly B. Bayo-ang, Maria Lourdes G. Coronacion,

Annamae T. Jorda and Anna Jamille Restubog. Earth and Life Science.
Quezon City: Educational Resources Corporation, 2016.

Ramos, J.D.A. and A.C.M. Ramos. Exploring Life Through Science BIOLOGY.
Quezon City: Phoenix Publishing House, Inc., 2006.

Rea, M.A.D and N.H.A Dagamac. General Biology 2 Manila: Rex Book Store Inc.,
2017.

Seeley, Rod A, Trent D. Stephens and Philip Tate. Essentials of Anatomy and
Physiology. Singapore: Mc Graw Hill, 2007.

Sia, S.R.D. and L.A.S. Cortez. Earth and Life Science. Quezon City. Sibs
Publishing House, Inc., 2016.
“Biological system”. Biology Online. Accessed May 28,
2020, https://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Biological_system

19 CO_Q2_ELS SHS
Module 2
For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education - Bureau of Learning Resources (DepEd-BLR)

Ground Floor, Bonifacio Bldg., DepEd Complex

Meralco Avenue, Pasig City, Philippines 1600

Telefax: (632) 8634-1072; 8634-1054; 8631-4985

Email Address: [email protected] * [email protected]