Overview of Biology Quiz

Definition: Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms.
Branches:
- Molecular Biology: Study of biological molecules and processes.
- Cellular Biology: Focus on the structure and function of cells.
- Genetics: Study of heredity and variation in organisms.
- Evolutionary Biology: Study of the origins and changes in biodiversity.
- Ecology: Study of interactions between organisms and their environment.
- Physiology: Study of the functions and mechanisms in living systems.

Homeostasis: Maintenance of stable internal conditions in organisms.
Metabolism: Sum of all chemical reactions in an organism.
Reproduction: Biological processes that enable organisms to produce new individuals.
- Asexual: Single organism produces offspring identical to itself.
- Sexual: Fusion of gametes from two parents resulting in genetic variation.

DNA Structure: Double helix made of nucleotides (A, T, C, G).
Gene: Segment of DNA that codes for a protein.
Chromosomes: Structures made of DNA and proteins that carry genetic information.
Mendelian Genetics: Principles of inheritance established by Gregor Mendel.
- Dominant and recessive traits.
- Segregation and independent assortment.

Natural Selection: Mechanism of evolution where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce.
Speciation: Process by which new species arise.
Evidence for Evolution: Fossil record, comparative anatomy, molecular biology.

Ecosystem: Community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment.
Biomes: Large ecological areas with distinct climates and ecosystems (e.g., rainforest, desert).
Trophic Levels:
- Producers (autotrophs)
- Primary consumers (herbivores)
- Secondary consumers (carnivores)
- Tertiary consumers (top predators)

Body Systems: Various systems (e.g., circulatory, respiratory, nervous) working together.
Homeostasis Regulation: Involves feedback mechanisms to maintain balance (e.g., temperature, pH).
Immune System: Defends against pathogens and infections.

Homeostasis: Maintaining stable internal conditions within organisms, despite changes in external environments.
Metabolism: The sum of all chemical reactions occurring within an organism.
Reproduction: The biological processes that enable organisms to create new offspring.
- Asexual Reproduction: A single parent organism produces offspring genetically identical to itself.
- Sexual Reproduction: Fusion of gametes from two parents resulting in genetically diverse offspring.

DNA Structure: A double helix made of nucleotides, which are composed of a sugar, phosphate, and nitrogenous base (adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine).
Gene: A segment of DNA that codes for a specific protein, playing a role in determining a trait.
Chromosomes: Structures made of DNA and proteins that carry genetic information organized into genes.
Mendelian Genetics: Principles of inheritance established by Gregor Mendel, focusing on dominant and recessive traits and their transmission across generations.

Natural Selection: Mechanism of evolution where organisms with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their advantageous traits.
Speciation: Process by which new species arise from existing ones through isolation and genetic divergence.
Evidence for Evolution: Fossil record, anatomical comparisons across species, molecular analysis of genetic similarities, and observed evolutionary changes in real-time.

Ecosystem: A community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment, including all the biotic and abiotic factors.
Biomes: Large ecological areas characterized by distinct climate and ecosystems, with specific plant and animal life.
Trophic Levels: Hierarchical levels in an ecosystem based on how organisms obtain energy.
- Producers (Autotrophs): Organisms that create their own food through photosynthesis (plants).
- Primary Consumers (Herbivores): Organisms that consume producers.
- Secondary Consumers (Carnivores): Organisms that consume primary consumers.
- Tertiary Consumers (Top Predators): Organisms at the top of the food chain.

Body Systems: Various interconnected systems (e.g., circulatory, respiratory, nervous) working together to sustain life.
Homeostasis Regulation: Maintenance of balance within the body through complex feedback mechanisms (e.g., temperature, pH).
Immune System: Defends against pathogens and infections through specific and non-specific mechanisms.

Charles Darwin: Known for his theory of evolution by natural selection, revolutionizing understanding of life's history.
Gregor Mendel: Pioneered the study of genetics, establishing fundamental principles of inheritance.
Louis Pasteur: Made significant contributions to germ theory, vaccination, and pasteurization, impacting public health and microbiology.

Observational Studies: Collecting and analyzing data without manipulating the situation.
Experiments: Controlled studies designed to test hypotheses, manipulating variables to observe their effects.
Field Studies: Research conducted in natural environments, allowing for observations of organisms in their natural contexts.
Lab Studies: Controlled experiments conducted in a laboratory setting, offering a precise and controlled environment for research.