Final answer:
The four unifying principles of modern biology are Cell Theory, Gene Theory, Homeostasis, and Evolution. These principles help to explain the common characteristics of life, genetic inheritance, the stability of internal conditions, and the diversity and adaptation of species over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
Unifying Principles of Modern Biology
Modern biology is framed around four unifying principles that provide a foundation for understanding the diverse aspects of living organisms. These principles are:
- Cell Theory: The concept that all living things are composed of cells and new cells are produced from existing cells.
- Gene Theory: This principle states that characteristics of living organisms are controlled by genes, which are passed from parents to offspring.
- Homeostasis: The ability of an organism to maintain a constant internal environment, despite changes in the external environment.
- Evolution: The change in the genetic composition of a population over successive generations, which may lead to the development of new species.
Together, these principles help biologists to understand the commonalities and differences between various forms of life, the mechanisms by which life continues from one generation to the next, and how organisms interact with and adapt to their environment.