Biology as the Science of Life, Introduction to Biology
4 topics with concise reviews: definitions, key facts, and class questions.
The "Introduction to Biology" section is the foundation without which a deep understanding of medical and biological disciplines is impossible. Here we examine basic concepts: what biology is as a science, what unique properties living organisms possess, and why living matter cannot be reduced merely to a set of chemical elements.
Special attention is paid to the systems approach and the hierarchy of levels of organization of living matter—from the molecular-genetic to the biosphere level. This material will teach you to perceive any organism, including the human body, as a complex, open, and self-regulating system.
In seminars and colloquia, instructors most frequently ask about the fundamental differences between living and non-living matter (homeostasis, metabolism, reproduction) and ask you to correlate specific biological processes with a particular level of organization. The materials in this section will help you systematize your knowledge and build a solid foundation for studying cytology, genetics, and physiology.
The term was proposed in 1802. This was done by the French scientist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck and the German researcher Gottfried Reinhold Treviranus, completely independently of each other.
Why are living organisms called open systems?
Because their existence is impossible without continuous two-way exchange with the environment: they constantly absorb necessary substances and energy from the outside and then excrete the products of their vital activity back.
How do systemic properties differ from aggregate properties?
Aggregate properties are the usual sum of characteristics of isolated elements. Systemic properties, however, are fundamentally new qualities that appear in an object only due to the regular interaction of its parts.
Why cannot an individual organism evolve?
Only populations possess the ability to develop and transmit beneficial adaptations (evolution). An individual organism is considered only within the framework of its individual development from inception to death.
Master the entire topic in the "Biology" course
This is a summary. The course covers everything tested in classes and exams.
3,793 pages of study guides across all topics
Assignments and quizzes after every topic — just like in a colloquium