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Physiology
The study of functions and activities of living organisms and their parts, focusing on how cells, tissues, and organ systems work together to maintain life.
Homeostasis
The maintenance of a consistent internal state within an organism, despite external changes.
Adaptations
Beneficial features that enhance the overall survival of a species, enabling them to cope with selective pressures.
Krogh principle
For every adaptation, there exists a particular species in which it is most conveniently studied.
Scientific method
A systematic approach to investigating phenomena, consisting of steps such as asking questions, proposing hypotheses, conducting experiments, and drawing conclusions.
Negative feedback
A regulatory mechanism in which a change in a controlled variable triggers a response that opposes the change, promoting stability.
Proximate explanation
Mechanistic explanation of biological phenomena that emphasizes cause-and-effect sequences.
Ultimate explanation
Evolutionary explanation of biological phenomena that addresses the 'why' behind adaptations, focusing on variation and natural selection.
Positive feedback
A process where the output is continually enhanced, leading to rapid change in a controlled variable, such as during childbirth.
Levels of organization
Hierarchical structures within organisms, including chemical, cellular, tissue, organ, organ system, and organism levels.
Cell
The smallest unit capable of carrying out processes associated with life.
Tissue
A group of cells that share a similar structure and function.
Homeostatically regulated factors
Internal conditions that are maintained for proper cell function, including concentrations of molecules, pH, temperature, and volume.
Self-organization
The ability of cells to organize themselves using energy and raw materials from their surroundings.
Self-regulation
The ability of cells to maintain integrity and function in response to disturbances.
Self-support
The capacity of cells to sustain and enable movement.
Self-replication
The ability of cells to reproduce and create new cells.
Epithelial tissue
A type of tissue that primarily functions in protection, secretion, and absorption.
Connective tissue
Tissue that connects, supports, and anchors various body parts.
Muscular tissue
Tissue responsible for contraction and force generation.
Nervous tissue
Tissue that initiates and transmits electrical impulses.
Scaling
The study of the effects of size on anatomy and physiology.
Antagonistic control
A system where two effectors have opposite effects on a controlled variable.
