Function (biology)

A biological function is an activity or effect performed by a structure, process, or organism. Functions may contribute to survival, reproduction, development, or the operation of a larger biological system.

Biological structure: An organized physical component of a living organism, from a molecule to an organ. Structures such as bones and enzymes are commonly described by what they do.
Selected effect theory: An account of function identifying effects that explain why a trait was favored by natural selection. It treats a trait's function as an effect behind its evolutionary persistence.
Natural selection: A change in inherited trait frequencies caused by differences in survival or reproduction. Selection can preserve traits because of effects that contribute to reproductive success.
Physiology: The study of how living organisms and their parts perform and regulate their activities. Physiology explains functions across levels, from cells to whole organisms.
Biological dysfunction: An impairment or failure in a biological activity relative to a relevant standard of operation. Dysfunction raises the question of which functions set the standard for normal operation.
Biological process: A series of molecular, cellular, or organismal events that produces a biological change. Processes can have functions as well as the structures that carry them out.
Causal role theory: An account of function describing a component's contribution to the capacity of a containing system. It assigns functions by present contribution, without requiring an evolutionary explanation.
Adaptation: An inherited trait shaped by natural selection that improves performance in a particular environment. Adaptations are often identified by the functions their traits perform.
Organ system: A group of organs that work together to perform major tasks in an organism. An organ's function is often defined by its contribution to a system.
Biological normativity: The ways biological processes establish standards of proper, typical, or viable functioning. Claims that a function is fulfilled or impaired rely on standards that need explanation.

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Organism formCompared with: Similar forms can perform different functions, and similar functions can arise from different forms.