Introduction to Biology & Scientific Method: Key Concepts and Characteristics of Life

What is Biology?

The study of living organisms and their interactions with one another and their non-living environments.

What are the 8 characteristics of life?

1. Order/organization 2. Sensitivity or response to the environment 3. Reproduction 4. Adaptation 5. Growth & development 6. Regulation/homeostasis 7. Energy processing 8. Evolution

What is the smallest unit of organization that can perform all activities required for life?

Cell

What distinguishes eukaryotic cells from prokaryotic cells?

Eukaryotic cells have membrane-enclosed organelles, including a nucleus, while prokaryotic cells do not.

Define 'tissues' in biological terms.

Groups of similar cells carrying out similar or related functions.

What are organs?

Collections of tissues grouped together performing a common function.

What is an organism?

An individual living entity.

Define 'population' in a biological context.

All the individuals of a species living within a specific area.

What is a community in biology?

All of the populations inhabiting a particular area.

What constitutes an ecosystem?

All the living things in a particular area plus the abiotic (nonliving) environment.

What is the biosphere?

The collection of all ecosystems.

How do organisms respond to stimuli?

By moving towards a stimulus (+) or away from a stimulus (-).

What is reproduction in biological terms?

The process by which single- and multicellular organisms pass genes to their offspring via cell division.

Define adaptation.

A living organism's ability to adjust or fit into their environment, enhancing their chance of survival and reproduction.

What is homeostasis?

The process by which organisms maintain internal conditions despite external changes.

What is energy processing in living organisms?

All organisms use a source of energy for their metabolic activities, either capturing energy from the sun or using chemical energy from food.

What is evolution?

The process by which organisms adapt to their environment through natural selection.

What are the three primary types of natural selection?

1. Stabilizing selection 2. Directional selection 3. Disruptive selection

What is stabilizing selection?

Natural selection that favors an average and selects against extreme variation.

What is directional selection?

Natural selection that favors one end of the spectrum following environmental change.

What is disruptive selection?

Natural selection that favors the extremes over the average.

What are the two methods of scientific reasoning?

1. Inductive reasoning 2. Deductive reasoning

What is a hypothesis?

A testable possible explanation for an event.

What does it mean for a hypothesis to be falsifiable?

It can be disproved by experimental results.

What are the three parts of an experiment?

1. Variable(s) 2. Experimental group 3. Control group

What is the difference between basic and applied science?

Basic science seeks to learn for the sake of knowledge, while applied science seeks to solve real-world problems.

What is an example of applied science?

Oyster restoration.