Overview of Biology

Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms.
It encompasses various branches and fields that explore different aspects of life.

Botany: Study of plants, including their physiology, structure, genetics, and ecology.
Zoology: Study of animals, covering their anatomy, behavior, and classification.
Microbiology: Study of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.
Ecology: Study of interactions between organisms and their environment.
Genetics: Study of heredity, genes, and genetic variation in organisms.
Evolutionary Biology: Study of the origins and changes in species over time.

Cell Theory: All living organisms are composed of cells, the basic unit of life.
Gene Theory: Traits are inherited through genes, which are passed from parents to offspring.
Homeostasis: The ability of an organism to maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes.
Energy Flow: Energy is transferred through ecosystems, primarily through food chains and food webs.

Metabolism: All biochemical reactions occurring within a living organism, including:
- Anabolism (building up)
- Catabolism (breaking down)
Reproduction: The biological process by which new individual organisms are produced.
- Asexual (one parent)
- Sexual (two parents)

Central theory explaining the diversity of life through natural selection and adaptation.
Key concepts include:
- Variation: Differences within populations.
- Survival of the Fittest: Organisms best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Botany: Involves the study of plant physiology, structure, genetics, and ecology.
Zoology: Focuses on animal anatomy, behavior, and classification.
Microbiology: Investigates microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.
Ecology: Examines how organisms interact with each other and their environment.
Genetics: Explores heredity, genes, and genetic diversity among organisms.
Evolutionary Biology: Studies the origins of species and their evolutionary changes over time.

Cell Theory: Asserts that all life forms are composed of cells, emphasizing cells as the fundamental unit of life.
Gene Theory: States that traits are inherited through genes, passed from parents to their offspring.
Homeostasis: Defines the ability of organisms to maintain stable internal conditions despite external environmental changes.
Energy Flow: Illustrates energy transfer in ecosystems, primarily through structured food chains and webs.

Organisms are classified hierarchically into eight levels: Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species.

Metabolism: Encompasses all biochemical reactions in living organisms, including:
- Anabolism: Processes that build complex molecules.
- Catabolism: Processes that break down molecules for energy.
Reproduction: The biological means by which new individuals are formed, which can be:
- Asexual: Involves a single parent.
- Sexual: Involves two parents.

Serves as the foundational theory explaining life diversity, driven by natural selection and adaptation.
Variation: Refers to the differences observed within populations.
Survival of the Fittest: Concept that organisms most suited to their environments are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Microscopy: The use of microscopes enables investigation of cells and microorganisms.
Molecular Biology: Concentrates on the molecular foundations of biological activity.
Genomics: The study of genomes, which includes techniques for sequencing, mapping, and analyzing genetic material.

Enhances the understanding of health, medicine, and disease.
Plays a crucial role in the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems.
Drives innovation in biotechnology and agricultural advancements.
Provides insights into human behavior and psychology from a biological perspective.