Life
Life uses ordinary matter and ordinary physical interactions, but organizes them into systems capable of metabolism, reproduction, information storage and evolution.
ChemistryCarbon-based molecular chemistry provides an enormous space of possible structures and reactions.
CellsCells maintain boundaries, exchange matter and energy, and coordinate complex networks of chemical reactions.
InformationGenetic systems preserve and transmit biological information across generations.
EvolutionHeritable variation and selection produce adaptation and diversification over long times.
ComplexityMulticellular organisms, nervous systems and ecosystems arise from further levels of organization.