Chapter 1 bio

Biology

The science that studies life.

Life

A complex concept that is not easily defined, with characteristics shared by living organisms.

Virology

A branch of biology that studies viruses, which exhibit some characteristics of life but do not meet all criteria for being considered living.

Properties of Life

Eight key characteristics that define living organisms:order, sensitivity, reproduction, adaptation, growth and development, regulation/homeostasis, energy processing, and evolution.

Order

The highly organized structure of living organisms, consisting of one or more cells.

Sensitivity

The ability of organisms to respond to stimuli, such as light or touch.

Reproduction

The process by which organisms produce new individuals, passing on genetic material.

Adaptation

The fit of organisms to their environment, resulting from evolution by natural selection.

Growth and Development

The process by which organisms grow and develop according to genetic instructions.

Regulation/Homeostasis

The mechanisms that maintain a stable internal environment in organisms.

Energy Processing

The use of energy by organisms for metabolic activities.

Evolution

The process by which diversity of life arises through mutations and natural selection.

Levels of Organization

The hierarchical structure of living things, from atoms to ecosystems.

Taxonomy

The classification of organisms into hierarchical groups based on similarities.

Domains of Life

The three major categories of life:Eukarya, Archaea, and Bacteria.

Binomial Naming System

A two-name system for naming species, consisting of the genus and species names.

Phylogenetic Tree

A diagram showing the evolutionary relationships among species based on genetic or physical traits.

Basic Science

Research aimed at expanding knowledge without immediate practical application.

Applied Science

Research focused on solving real-world problems and developing practical applications.

Scientific Method

A systematic approach to research involving observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation, and conclusion.

Hypothesis

A testable explanation for a phenomenon.

Variable

Any part of an experiment that can change.

Control

A part of the experiment that remains constant to ensure valid results.

Peer Review

The process by which scientific work is evaluated by experts before publication.

Bioethics

The field that examines ethical issues in biological research and practice.