LA 1: Ch 1- Pt 2 [1/15/26]

Emergent Properties: Living organisms exhibit new properties at each level of biological organization (e.g., cells, tissues, organs).
Genetic Information: All life forms possess and transfer genetic information (e.g., DNA, chromosomes).
Cell Division: New cells are created for growth and repair through processes like mitosis.

DNA Structure: Genetic information is stored in DNA, which contains genes responsible for protein synthesis.
Gene Expression: Process involves transcription and translation to create proteins necessary for cellular functions.

Energy Requirement: All life processes require energy (e.g., metabolism, growth, cellular functions) and involve the transfer of energy through ecosystems.
Energy Flow in Ecosystems: Energy originates from the sun and flows through producers (plants) to consumers (herbivores, carnivores) and decomposers, with energy loss at each transfer.
Trophic Levels: Only about 10% of energy is transferred between trophic levels; the rest is lost as heat.

Biotic Interactions: Organisms interact with each other (e.g., competition, predation, symbiosis).
Abiotic Interactions: Organisms interact with non-living factors (e.g., sunlight, soil, water).

Evolutionary Change: Defined as genetic change in populations over time; driven by natural selection.
Natural Selection: Mechanism of evolution where individuals better adapted to their environment survive and reproduce.
Adaptations: Traits enhancing survival in specific environments; species must adapt to changing environments to survive.

Evolutionary Relationships: Organisms are organized based on evolutionary relationships shown in phylogenetic trees.
Linnaean Classification System: Organisms are categorized hierarchically from species to domain.
Species Definition: A group of organisms that can interbreed naturally; genus groups closely related species.