Biology
Biology is the study of all living things, including plants, animals, and microscopic organisms.
A study of life is called biology. The Greek terms "bios" and "logos," which both imply "life," are the origin of the word "biology" (meaning "study"). Biologists generally research the composition, function, development, origin, evolution, and distribution of living things.
According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, biology is significant because it aids in our understanding of how organisms function and interact on a variety of levels. Researchers have been able to produce more food to feed a rising human population thanks to advances in biology. They have also been able to better understand how plants and animals may respond to environmental change and develop better medications and treatments for illnesses.
THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF MODERN BIOLOGY
According to the book "Managing Science" (Springer New York, 2010), four concepts unite modern biology:
According to the cell hypothesis, all living things are composed of basic building blocks called cells, and all cells originate from other cells.
According to the gene theory, DNA, which codes for the structures and operations of cells and is passed down through generations, is present in all living things.
Homeostasis is the idea that all living things strive to maintain a condition of equilibrium that allows them to survive in their surroundings.
The theory of evolution explains how all living things may evolve to acquire characteristics that help them thrive in their surroundings. These characteristics are the product of random gene mutations that are "chosen" through a process known as natural selection. Natural selection favours organisms with characteristics that are more environment-friendly.
THE MANY BRANCHES OF BIOLOGY
Biology spans a wide range of topics that are divided into several fields and sub-disciplines, despite the fact that there are just four overarching principles.
According to "Blackie's Dictionary of Biology," on the broadest level, each of the several branches of biology may be viewed as the study of a particular type of organism. 2014 (S Chand). For instance, the study of animals is known as zoology, the study of plants is known as botany, and the study of microbes is known as microbiology.
Many biologists focus their study on a particular issue or topic within those more general domains. For instance, one scientist would examine the behaviour of a certain species of fish, while another might investigate the neurological and chemical processes that underlie the behaviour.
Although there are many areas and subdisciplines of biology, the following is a brief summary of some of the more expansive ones:
The Biochemical Society defines biochemistry as the study of chemical reactions that occur in or are connected to living organisms (opens in new tab). According to a review published in the journal Biochemistry in 2010, pharmacology is one form of biochemistry research that focuses on understanding how medications interact with substances in the body.
Ecology is the study of how living things relate to their surroundings. An ecologist may, for instance, research how neighbouring humans influence honeybee behaviour.
Heredity is the subject of genetics. Geneticists investigate how genes are transferred from one generation to the next and how they differ amongst individuals. For example, according to a 2019 review article published in the journal Nature Reviews Genetics, researchers have discovered several genes and genetic variants that affect human lifetime.
Physiology: The study of the functioning of living things. According to Nature, physiology "deals with the life-supporting activities and processes of living beings or their components." It is relevant to any living thing (opens in new tab). The goal of physiologists is to comprehend biological processes,
THE MULTIDISCIPLINARY NATURE OF BIOLOGY
Research in biology frequently involves collaboration with the social sciences, engineering, and mathematics. Here are a few illustrations:
According to NASA, astrobiology is the study of the development of life in the cosmos, including the hunt for alien life (opens in new tab). In this subject, astronomy and biological concepts are combined.
According to George Mason University, bioarchaeologists are biologists that use archaeological methods to examine skeletal remains and learn more about how humans lived in the past.
The University of California Berkeley defines bioengineering as the application of engineering concepts to biology and vice versa (opens in new tab). According to the journal Cell Transplant, a bioengineer may design artificial organs using biological knowledge or invent new medical technology that improves how the body is imaged, such as a quicker, higher-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the human body.
According to the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, biotechnology uses biological systems to create goods (opens in new tab). For instance, Russian biotechnologists genetically modified a strawberry that tastes better and is more resistant to illness, according to a 2007 study that was published in the journal Biotechnology and Sustainable Agriculture 2006 and Beyond.
WHAT DO BIOLOGISTS DO?
According to the American Institute of Biological Sciences, biologists can work in a variety of industries, including research, healthcare, environmental protection, and the arts Here are a few illustrations:
Research: Biologists can conduct their work in a variety of situations. For instance, bacterial cultures may be studied in a laboratory environment by microbiologists. When conducting field research, other scientists could examine animals or plants in their natural habitats. Many biologists combine their work in the lab and the field; for instance, they could gather soil or water samples from the field and further examine them in the lab, such at the Soil and Water Lab at North Carolina University
Biologists may aid environmental conservation efforts by researching and figuring out how to safeguard
Healthcare: According to the American Institute of Biological Sciences, biology majors can pursue careers in the field of healthcare, whether they choose to work as doctors or nurses, join a pharmaceutical company to create new drugs and vaccines, examine the effectiveness of medical procedures, or train to be veterinarians to help treat sick animals
Art: Biologists with an artistic background are better equipped to communicate complicated biological information to a wide range of audiences because they possess both the technical understanding and creative ability to do it. According to the Society of Medical Illustrators, one instance of this is in medical illustration, where an artist may conduct background study, work with specialists, and watch a medical process to generate an accurate image of a bodily component.
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