Biology Notes

Biology is the study of

life, and so far, life is restricted to planet Earthand includes the examination of living organisms, their interactions, and ecosystems.

What is biology?

Biology is the study of living organisms and their interactions with one another and their environments.

What is the definition of science?

Science can be defined as knowledge that covers general truths or the operation of general laws, especially when acquired and tested by the scientific method.

What is the scientific method?

The scientific method is a method of research with defined steps that include experiments and careful observation.

If a hypothesis is not supported by experimental data, a new hypothesis can be propose

the scientific method

What is inductive reasoning?

Inductive reasoning is logic used in descriptive science, where observations are made to arrive at a general conclusion.based on specific data.

How does inductive reasoning relate to living organisms?

Inductive reasoning suggests that all living organisms are composed of cells, as all life observed exhibits cellular organization.

What is deductive reasoning?

Deductive reasoning is logic used in hypothesis-based science, applying general principles to predict specific results.It involves starting with a general statement and examining the possibilities to reach a specific, logical conclusion.

All dogs are mammals. All mammals have kidneys. Therefore, all dogs have kidneys.

deductive reasoning

data are recorded

observations or items of information that are collected during an experiment or study.

Qualitative data

non-numeric information that describes qualities or characteristics, often collected through observations.

Quantitative data

numeric information that can be measured and expressed in numbers, often used for statistical analysis.

primary literature

original research articles or studies published in peer-reviewed journals, providing firsthand accounts of scientific findings.

secondary literature

research articles that review or summarize primary literature, providing analysis or interpretation of findings.

scientific law

a statement that describes a consistent relationship observed in nature, often expressed mathematically.

Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation, which describes the gravitational attraction between masses.

scientific law

scientific theory

offers an explanation of natural phenomena. The theory of evolution through natural selection. The theory of relativity. Germ theory.

Theory of Evolution, which explains how species change over time through natural selection.

scientific theory

Basic science

that seeks to increase fundamental understanding, often without direct application to practical problems.

applied science

that utilizes scientific knowledge for practical applications and solving real-world problems.

How does applied science differ from basic science?

Applied science seeks to solve specific practical issues, while basic science aims to expand knowledge and understanding regardless of immediate usefulness.

properties of life

Order

Sensitivity or response to stimuli

Reproduction

Growth and development

Regulation

Homeostasis

Energy processing

Levels of organization

• Atoms

• Molecules

• Macromolecules

• Organelles

• Cells

• Tissues

• Organs and organ systems

• Organisms, populations, and communities

• Ecosystems

• Biosphere

Organisms interact with their environments by

exchanging matter and energy

Two major processes

Cycling of nutrients and Energy transfer and transformation: flow of energy from sunlight to producers to consumers

What are the three domains of life?

The three domains of life are Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

What characterizes the domains Bacteria and Archaea?

Bacteria and Archaea are characterized as prokaryotic organisms, meaning they lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.

What is the distinguishing feature of the domain Eukarya?

Eukarya includes all eukaryotic organisms, which have cells with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Which organisms are included in the domain Eukarya?

Eukarya includes plants, animals, fungi, and all other forms of life that are eukaryotic.

Domain Bacteria and Domain Archaea comprise the

prokaryotesdue to their lack of membrane-bound organelles.

Domain Eukarya includes three multicellular kingdoms

Plantae, Fungi, Animalia

What is the third property of life?

Homeostasis - The ability to maintain a stable internal environment.

What is the fourth property of life?

Growth - The process of increasing in size and mass.

What is the fifth property of life?

Reproduction - The biological process through which new individuals are produced.

What is the sixth property of life?

Response to stimuli - The ability to detect and respond to changes in the environment.

What is the seventh property of life?

Adaptation through evolution - Changes in organisms over time that enhance survival in their environment

What is the first level of organization in biological systems?

Atoms - The basic units of matter.

What is the second level of organization?

Molecules - Combinations of two or more atoms bonded together.

What is the third level of organization?

Macromolecules - Large molecules made up of smaller units, such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids.

What is the fourth level of organization?

Organelles - Specialized structures within a cell that perform distinct functions.

What is the fifth level of organization?

Cells - The basic unit of life.

What is the sixth level of organization?

Tissues - Groups of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function.

What is the seventh level of organization?

Organs and organ systems - Organs are made up of different tissues, and organ systems are groups of organs that work together.

What is the eighth level of organization?

Organisms - Individual living entities that can carry out life processes.

What is the ninth level of organization?

Populations - Groups of organisms of the same species living in a specific area.

What is the tenth level of organization?

Communities - Different populations of organisms that live together in a specific area.

What is the eleventh level of organization?

Ecosystems - Communities plus the nonliving environment, encompassing interactions among organisms and their environment.

What is the twelfth level of organization?

Biosphere - The global sum of all ecosystems; the zone of life on Earth