Introduction to Biology: Crash Course Biology #1

Biology is the study of life—a four-letter word that connects you to 4 billion years worth of family tree. The word “life” can be tricky to define, but a shared set of characteristics helps biologists identify living things. In this episode of Crash Course Biology, you’ll learn how all of life is connected, and why studying biology can help us better understand ourselves and our relationship to all living things. Chapters: Welcome to Crash Course Biology! 00:00 Life’s Characteristics 2:14 Is a Virus Alive? 6:18 Life Beyond Earth 8:52 Biology and You 10:03 All Life is Connected 10:44 Review & Credits 11:59 Sources: This series was produced in collaboration with HHMI BioInteractive, committed to empowering educators and inspiring students with engaging, accessible, and quality classroom resources. Visit for more information. Check out our Biology playlist here: Watch this series in Spanish on our Crash Course en Español channel here: Crash Course Biology is hosted by Dr. Samuel Ramsey. Learn more about him here: *** Crash Course is on Patreon! You can support us directly by signing up at Thanks to the following patrons for their generous monthly contributions that help keep Crash Course free for everyone forever: Katie, Tori Thomas, DL Singfield, Ken Davidian, Stephen Akuffo, Toni Miles, Steve Segreto, Kyle & Katherine Callahan, Laurel Stevens, Burt Humburg, Allyson Martin, Aziz Y, Perry Joyce, Scott Harrison, Mark & Susan Billian, Alan Bridgeman, Rachel Creager, Breanna Bosso, Matt Curls, Jennifer Killen, Jon Allen, Sarah & Nathan Catchings, team dorsey, Trevin Beattie, Eric Koslow, Jennifer Dineen, Indija-ka Siriwardena, Jason Rostoker, Siobhán, Ken Penttinen, Nathan Taylor, Les Aker, William McGraw, ClareG, Rizwan Kassim, Constance Urist, Alex Hackman, Pineapples of Solidarity, Katie Dean, Stephen McCandless, Wai Jack Sin, Ian Dundore, Justin, Mark, Caleb Weeks. __ Want to find Crash Course elsewhere on the internet? Facebook - Twitter - Instagram - CC Kids: