Causal Mechanism - GCSE Biology Definition

A causal mechanism in biology refers to the process or sequence of events that cause one thing to affect another. It's like figuring out the steps that link a cause, like eating too much sugar, with an effect, such as gaining weight. Scientists study causal mechanisms to understand how things happen in living organisms, such as how a virus makes people sick or how plants make their food using sunlight. Knowing these steps helps us predict what might happen and find ways to solve problems, like creating medicines to treat diseases. In GCSE Biology, learning about causal mechanisms helps you understand why and how biological processes occur, making it easier to see the bigger picture of how life works.