Biology Study Notes

Steps of the Scientific Method:
1. Observation: Initial observations regarding a phenomenon.
2. Question: Formulating questions based on observations.
3. Hypothesis: Proposing a testable explanation or hypothesis.
4. Experiment: Conducting experiments to test the hypothesis.
5. Collect Data: Gathering quantitative and qualitative data from the experiments.
6. Analyze: Analyzing the data collected to determine if it supports the hypothesis.
7. Conclusion: Drawing conclusions based on the analysis.
8. Characteristics of Life:
- Cells: Life is cellular; all organisms are composed of one or more cells.
- Reproduces: Organisms have the ability to reproduce and transmit genetic information.
- Universal Genetic Code: All living organisms share the same genetic code.
- Growth and Development: Organisms undergo regulated growth and specialized development processes.
- Response to Stimuli: Organisms can respond to environmental stimuli (e.g., goosebumps are a response to cold).
- Control: Experimental groups often include a control to compare data effectively.
- Types of Organisms:
  - Herbivores: Consume plants.
  - Carnivores: Consume meat.
  - Omnivores: Consume both plants and meat.
  - Decomposers: Organisms that break down dead matter.

Food Chain: A linear sequence showing how energy moves through an ecosystem.
- Example: A simple food chain links organisms in a specific order: Plants → Herbivores → Carnivores → Decomposers.
Food Web: A complex network of interconnected food chains representing all feeding relationships within a biome.

The Sun: Serves as the main energy source for ecological systems, supporting photosynthesis in plants which are primary producers.

Reproduction: Essential for the continuation of species, may involve asexual or sexual methods.
Evolution: Changes in populations over time through adaptations, resulting from natural selection.
Homeostasis: The ability of organisms to maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes.
Response to Stimuli: Organisms must detect changes in their environment and respond accordingly (e.g., a decrease in temperature causing physiological responses).