Bio 105

Biology

The scientific study of life.

Natural Science

A field of science that studies the natural world, encompassing various disciplines including biology.

Unifying Themes

Key concepts that connect different areas of biology into a coherent field.

Cells

The basic unit of life that processes hereditary information encoded in genes.

Hereditary Information

Genetic information that can be transmitted to future generations.

Evolution

A major theme in biology that explains the unity and diversity of life.

Energy Processing

The ability of organisms to convert energy for movement, growth, and reproduction.

Internal Regulation

The capacity of organisms to maintain stable internal environments.

Levels of Organization

Different scales at which biologists study life, from molecular biology to ecosystems.

Subdisciplines

Various branches of biology defined by specific research questions and methodologies.

Scientific Method

A systematic approach used by biologists to make observations, pose questions, generate hypotheses, perform experiments, and draw conclusions.

Prokaryotic Organisms

Simple, unicellular organisms such as archaea and bacteria.

Eukaryotic Organisms

More complex organisms that include protists, fungi, plants, and animals.

Biodiversity

The variety of life forms in an ecosystem, contributing to its health and stability.

Nutrient Cycling

The process by which nutrients are recycled in an ecosystem, facilitated by various organisms.