The scientific study of life poses questions about the living world and seeks answers through scientific inquiry and central activities of biology
==A biosphere== consists of all life on Earth and all the places where life exists
==An ecosystem== consists of all the living things in a particular area along with the non-living components
==A biological community== is the array of organisms inhabiting a particular ecosystem
==A population== consists of all the individuals of a species living within the bounds of a specified area
Individual living things are called organisms
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The two types of cells
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A ==eukaryotic cell== contains membrane-enclosed organelles. Some organelles, such as the DNA-contained nucleus, are found in the cells of all eukaryotes; other organelles are specific to particular cell types
==Prokaryotic cells== lack a nuclear or other membrane-enclosed organelles(generally smaller than eukaryotic cells)
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Evolution
Evolution is the scientific explanation for the unity and diversity of organisms
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The Three Domains of Life
Prokaryotic organisms - these are single-celled organisms
==Bacteria==
==Archae==
Eukarya - all the eukaryotes are grouped into this domain
This domain contains three kingdoms of multicellular eukaryotes
Plantae
Fungi
Animalia
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Charles Darwin and the Theory of Natural Selection
Species accumulate differences from their ancestors as they adapt to different environments over time.
“Natural selection” is a primary cause of the descent with modification
==Natural selection== is when the natural environment consistently “selects” certain traits among naturally occurring variant traits in the population
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Scientists and the study of nature
==An inquiry== is the search for information and explanations of natural phenomena
==Data== is recorded observations
==A hypothesis== is an explanation, based on observations and assumptions, that leads to testable predictions
==An experiment== is a scientific test, often carried out under controlled conditions