Biology Fundamentals

Study Notes

Ecology

Study of the interactions between organisms and their environment
Examines the relationships between living organisms and their physical surroundings
Key concepts:
- Ecosystem: community of living and non-living components interacting in an environment
- Population: group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area
- Community: group of different species living in a specific area
- Biodiversity: variety of species, genes, and ecosystems in an environment
- Ecological niches: specific roles or positions occupied by species in an ecosystem
Levels of ecological study:
1. Organismal ecology: focuses on individual organisms
2. Population ecology: focuses on groups of individuals of the same species
3. Community ecology: focuses on groups of different species
4. Ecosystem ecology: focuses on the interactions between living and non-living components
5. Landscape ecology: focuses on the interactions between different ecosystems

Genetics

Study of heredity and variation in organisms
Examines the transmission of traits from one generation to the next
Key concepts:
- DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid): molecule containing genetic information
- Genes: units of heredity that carry information from one generation to the next
- Alleles: different forms of a gene
- Genotype: genetic makeup of an individual
- Phenotype: physical characteristics of an individual
Mendelian inheritance:
- Laws of segregation and independent assortment
- Dominant and recessive alleles
- Punnett squares: graphical representation of possible genotypes and phenotypes
Molecular genetics:
- DNA replication and transcription
- Gene expression and regulation

Cell Biology

Study of the structure, function, and behavior of cells
Examines the basic units of life
Key concepts:
- Cell structure:
  - Plasma membrane: outer layer of the cell
  - Cytoplasm: region between the plasma membrane and the nucleus
  - Nucleus: contains genetic material
  - Organelles: specialized structures within the cell
- Cell function:
  - Metabolism: energy production and consumption
  - Signaling: communication between cells
  - Cell division: process of cell growth and reproduction
- Cell signaling:
  - Hormone signaling
  - Neurotransmission
  - Cell-cell signaling

Evolution

Study of the changes in species over time
Examines the diversity of life on Earth
Key concepts:
- Mechanisms of evolution:
  - Mutation: changes in DNA sequence
  - Gene flow: movement of genes between populations
  - Genetic drift: random changes in gene frequency
  - Natural selection: survival and reproduction of individuals with favorable traits
- Evidence for evolution:
  - Fossil record: chronological record of ancient life forms
  - Comparative anatomy: similarities and differences in body structure
  - Molecular biology: similarities in DNA and protein sequences
- Evolutionary processes:
  - Speciation: formation of new species
  - Adaptation: development of traits that enhance survival and reproduction
  - Co-evolution: reciprocal adaptation between species

Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of biology, covering ecology, genetics, cell biology, and evolution. Learn about the interactions between organisms and their environment, the transmission of traits, and the diversity of life on Earth.