What is Biology?

Study Notes

Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, evolution, and interactions with the environment.

Organization: living organisms are composed of cells, tissues, and organs
Metabolism: living organisms carry out chemical reactions to sustain life
Homeostasis: living organisms maintain a stable internal environment
Growth and Development: living organisms increase in size and complexity
Reproduction: living organisms produce offspring
Response to Stimuli: living organisms react to changes in their environment
Evolution: living organisms change over time through genetic variation and natural selection

Cell Structure: cells are the basic units of life, consisting of a nucleus, cytoplasm, and cell membrane
Cell Functions: cells perform functions such as metabolism, growth, and reproduction
Cell Division: cells divide through mitosis (growth and repair) or meiosis (gamete formation)

Theory of Evolution: all living organisms share a common ancestor and have evolved over time through natural selection and genetic variation
Natural Selection: process by which individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce
Speciation: process by which new species emerge from existing ones

Scientific study focusing on life and living organisms.
Encompasses structure, function, growth, evolution, and environmental interactions.

Botany: Examines plant life, including physiology, structure, and distribution.
Zoology: Focuses on the biology of animals, including behavior and classification.
Microbiology: Investigates microorganisms like bacteria and viruses, their roles, and impact.
Ecology: Studies how organisms interact within their ecosystems and the environment.
Genetics: Explores heredity, variation, and the molecular basis of genetic traits.
Biochemistry: Analyzes chemical processes within and related to living organisms.
Molecular Biology: Looks at biological molecule interactions, including DNA, RNA, and proteins.

Organization: Composed of cells, forming tissues and organs, demonstrating structural complexity.
Metabolism: Chemical reactions that convert food into energy necessary for life.
Homeostasis: Regulation of internal environments to maintain stable conditions despite external changes.
Growth and Development: Progression from simpler to more complex forms, involving size and functional increase.
Reproduction: Ability of organisms to produce offspring, ensuring species continuity.
Response to Stimuli: Ability to react to environmental changes, critical for survival.
Evolution: Genetic changes over time lead to adaptation and species diversity through natural selection.

Cell Structure: Fundamental life units comprising nucleus, cytoplasm, and cell membrane.
Cell Functions: Carry out life processes, including metabolism, production, and growth.
Cell Division: Mitosis for somatic cell growth and repair; meiosis for gamete production leading to sexual reproduction.

Theory of Evolution: All species share a common ancestry, evolving through mechanisms such as natural selection.
Natural Selection: Survival and reproduction of individuals best suited to their environment based on advantageous traits.
Speciation: Formation of new species from existing species due to evolutionary processes and genetic divergence.