Biology

Definition

Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, evolution, and interactions. It encompasses multiple sub-disciplines to explore various aspects of life forms at different levels of complexity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Biology is divided into important subfields like botany, zoology, microbiology, genetics, and ecology.
2. The cell is considered the basic unit of life in biology.
3. Biological studies range from molecular and cellular levels to ecosystems and the biosphere as a whole.
4. Evolution through natural selection explains the diversity of life on Earth.
5. Homeostasis refers to the ability of an organism to maintain stable internal conditions.

Review Questions

• What are some major subfields within biology?
• Why is the cell considered the basic unit of life?
• How does evolution contribute to biological diversity?

Related terms

Cell: The smallest structural and functional unit of an organism.

Ecology: The branch of biology that deals with the relationships between living organisms and their environment.

Genetics: The study of heredity and variation in organisms.