Chapter 1Biology

Biology

The study of living things.

Cellular organization

All organisms consist of one or more cells that carry out basic activities.

Ordered

Living things are complex and highly ordered; bodies consist of many kinds of cells.

Sensitivity

All organisms respond to stimuli, such as plants growing towards a light source.

Growth and development

All organisms grow, reproduce, and possess hereditary molecules passed on to offspring.

Energy Utilization

All organisms take in energy and use it to perform various kinds of work.

Homeostasis

All organisms maintain relatively constant internal conditions different from their environment.

Evolutionary adaptation

Organisms interact with other organisms and the non-living environment in ways that influence their survival.

Cellular level

The basic unit of life, which is composed of molecules and organelles.

Organismal level

A complete individual organism made up of multiple organ systems capable of independent life.

Population level

Groups of individuals of the same species living and interacting in a particular area.

Emergent properties

Novel properties arising from the interactions of components.

Inductive reasoning

Uses general principles to make specific predictions.

Deductive reasoning

Uses specific observations to develop a general conclusion.

Observation

The first step in the scientific method, typically forming a question.

Hypothesis

A possible explanation for an observation.

Experimentation

The process of testing predictions to gather data.

Control group

The group that does not receive the experimental treatment.

Experimental group

The group that receives the treatment being tested.

Reductionism

Breaking down complex processes into simpler parts.

Systems biology

Focuses on emergent properties that cannot be understood by examining simpler parts.

Hypothesis testing

Determine significance using p-values; reject Ho if p <= .05.

Scientific theory

A body of interconnected concepts supported by much experimental evidence.

Structure and function

Structure and function are correlated at all levels of biological organization.

Genetic information

Life processes involve the expression and transmission of genetic information.

Chemical and physical laws

Life is subject to these laws; for example, water movement in plants.

Energy transfer

Energy from sunlight is converted to chemical energy.

Evolution

Explains the unity and diversity of life, demonstrating the change that has transformed life.

Emergent properties in hierarchy

Arise from interactions within the hierarchical organization of living systems.

Darwin’s main points

Natural selection and common descent are the two main points of Darwin's 'The Origin of Species.'

Scientific method components

Observation, Hypothesis, Prediction, Experimentation, Conclusions.

Experimental treatment

The manipulation applied to the experimental group in a study.

Statistical significance

Achieved if p-value is less than or equal to .05.

Biological organization

Hierarchy ranging from cells to organisms to populations.

Biological systems

Interrelated components working together to achieve complex functions.

Communities

Different populations of organisms interacting in a specific environment.

Ecosystem

A community interacting with its physical environment.

Theories in science

Broad explanations based on a body of evidence.

Natural selection

The process by which traits beneficial for survival are passed to offspring.

Interconnected concepts

Ideas in science that are related and support each other, forming a cohesive understanding.

Biological diversity

The variety of life forms that exist within specific habitats or ecosystems.

Interactions in biology

How organisms affect and are affected by each other and their environment.

Physical environment

Non-living components that influence the biological entities around them.

Organ systems

Groups of organs that work together to perform complex functions.

Scientific literature

Published works that communicate results and theories based on scientific research.

Preservation of species

The process of maintaining biodiversity and protecting different life forms.

Homeostatic mechanisms

Regulatory processes that maintain stable internal conditions in organisms.