Key Concepts in Biology

Biology: The science of life, studying both living and non-living components.

Abiotic factors: Non-living things (e.g., temperature, rocks).

Biotic factors: All living things (e.g., organisms).

Levels of Biological Organization:

1. Atom: Basic unit of matter.
2. Molecule: Chemical structure made of two or more atoms bonded together.
3. Macromolecule: Very large molecules (e.g., DNA) that are polymers made of many smaller units.
4. Cell: Formed by macromolecules, represents the basic unit of life.
5. Organelles: Subunits within a cell that perform specific functions.
6. Tissues: Similar cells working together to perform a function.
7. Organs: Groups of tissues working together for specific tasks.
8. Organ Systems: Combinations of organs functioning together.
9. Organisms: Individual living entities that can survive and reproduce (e.g., each tree in a forest).
10. Population: All individuals of a species in a specific area (e.g., population in Shelby County).
11. Community: Interactions between populations consisting of different species.
12. Ecosystem: Living and non-living components in a particular area.
13. Biome: Large areas characterized by similar ecosystems (e.g., desert).
14. Biosphere: All habitable zones on Earth.