Biology- History, Scope, Branches, applications

What is Biology?

Biology is the scientific study of life. The word Biology is derived from two Greek words, “bios” and “logos” which means “thought or reasoning” and “life” respectively.

Biology is essential to understanding and appreciating nature, and thus to understanding and appreciating it. Understanding living organisms helps you to understand human problems regarding health, food, the environment, and so on.

Who is the Father of Biology?

Aristotle is called the Father of biology. Aristotle was a great philosopher and a polymath during the classical period in Ancient Greece.

Aristotle’s work on zoology is considered to be the foundation of modern biology, because of his use of systematic classification and his use of physiology to uncover relationships between animals.

In addition, Charles Darwin is known as the Father of Modern Biology.

Divisions of biology

There are three major divisions of biology:

Zoology

The biology division, particularly dealing with the study of animals, is called zoology.

Botany

The division of biology particularly dealing with the study of plants is called botany.

Microbiology

The biology division that deals with studying microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses is called microbiology.

Branches of biology

To study all the aspects of life, these divisions are further divided into different branches as defined below.

Morphology

This branch deals with the study of the form and structure of living organisms.

Anatomy

Anatomy is a branch of biology that involves the study of internal structure i.e Anatomy of Human Ear.

Histology

The microscopic study of tissues and organs of living organisms is known as histology.

Molecular Biology (Biochemistry)

This branch deals with the study of biological molecules such as proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA).

Histology

The microscopic study of tissues is called histology.

Cell Biology

The study of the cell (i.e Animal and Plant Cells), its cellular structures, and its functions is called cell biology.

Physiology

The study of the functions of different parts of living organisms is called physiology.

Genetics

The study of genes (present in Hereditary material DNA and Chromosomes) and their roles in inheritance is called genetics.

Embryology

It is the study of the development of an embryo into a new individual.

Taxonomy

Taxonomy is the study of the names and classifications of organisms based on their features and ancestors.

Paleontology

It is the study of fossils, which are the remains of extinct organisms.

Environmental Biology

It deals with the study of the interactions between organisms and their environment.

Socio-Biology

This branch deals with the study of the social behavior of the animals that make societies.

Parasitology

The study of parasites is referred to as parasitology.

Biotechnology

Biotechnology is the science of developing or creating products using biological systems, living organisms, or parts of this, for the betterment of mankind.

Immunology

It is the study of the immune system of animals, which defends the body (like leukocytes).

Entomology

The study of insects is what entomology is all about.

Pharmacology

The study of drugs and their effects on the systems of the human body is called pharmacology.

Ecology

Ecology is the study of how all of the creatures that live in the world depend on each other and their surroundings. Ecology considers organisms at the individual, population, community level, and Ecosystem levels.

Relationship of biology to other sciences

You will never find a single discipline that is the whole science. Each branch of science has relationships with all the others. For example, biologists sometimes study the process of movement in animals by studying the laws of motion in physics.

Principles are often the same across different disciplines, but rules are specific to a discipline.

Biophysics

Biophysics is a combination of physics and biology. It involves the principles of physics, that apply to all biological processes.

For example, if we look at an animal, we can see that it uses its limbs (hands and feet) like levers.

Biomathematics

Biomathematics covers the study of biological processes using mathematical techniques and tools. It helps to analyze data from experiments performed by scientists, using the rules of mathematics and statistics.

Biogeography

The study of the occurrence and distribution of different species of living organisms in other geographical regions of the world is called biogeography.

The characteristics of living organisms are determined by applying the knowledge of the characteristics of that particular region.

Bioeconomics

Bioeconomics studies organisms from an economical perspective. The yield of wheat can be calculated using bioeconomics, and that’s what the benefits and losses are based on.

Biochemistry

The study of the chemistry of compounds and processes in living organisms is called biochemistry. For example, in the study of the basic metabolism of photosynthesis and respiration, knowledge of chemistry is needed.

It also involves the study of chemical substances present in body living organisms such as Hormones, or Vitamins.

Scope of  biology

We need the knowledge and skills to be successful in the future. To comprehend several sciences and scientific research projects, students need to have an accurate understanding of biology. Any career will benefit from it.

A student of biology can take these career paths:

Medicine/surgery: one can join the medical field i.e medicine/surgery or physician after joining the course of MBBS. This course is offered after 12 years of education with a premedical background that involves biology as a major.

Fisheries: Fisheries is the study of fish, to enhance the quality and quantity of fishes. Fisheries can be joined after 12 years of education, and a specialization in zoology in zoology. Fisheries professionals can also join govt. Department of fisheries or wildlife.

Agriculture:  It deals with agriculture, and helps in enhancing food sources. An agriculture professional works to increase the quality and yield of crops. Many courses are being offered in agriculture, that can be joined after 12 years of education, primarily with biology as a major.

Animal husbandry: It deals with the ways concerned with the care, protection, and breeding of livestock. Its course can be adopted after 12 years of education with biology as a major.

Horticulture: A horticulturist works for the betterment of gardening, and takes care of the different varieties of plants. People with a biology background can easily join the course after higher secondary education.

Farming: Farming is the field concerned with the development and maintenance of cattle, fish, or poultry farms. A student who has completed professional courses in agriculture, animal husbandry, or fisheries can join it.

Forestry: Foresters take care of existing forests and design new plans to increase the forests. They make plans for the government to grow new plants. This profession can be joined after a degree in zoology, biology, botany, or a particular course in forestry.

Biotechnology: Biotechnologists work for the betterment of humans by using biotechnology techniques like genetic engineering. Courses are being offered in biotechnology and genetics after higher secondary education.

Biology is the scientific study of life. The word Biology is derived from two Greek words, “bios” and “logos” which means “thought or reasoning” and “life” respectively.

Biology is essential to understanding and appreciating nature, and thus to understanding and appreciating it. Understanding living organisms helps you to understand human problems regarding health, food, the environment, and so on.

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