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.