Classical Branches

These branches are largely meant for gaining knowledge in the respective areas. Following are the most common classical branches of Biology (Note that branches have been listed in alphabetical order).

Anatomy

(Greek - anatome means 'to cut apart')

It is the study of internal structure of living organisms.

Cell Biology

(Cytology)

It is the study of the structure and functions of cells.

Developmental Biology

(Embryology)

It is the study of early life history of individual organisms from the fertilized egg to the adult stage (Ontogeny).

Environmental Biology

(Ecology)

It is the study of organisms in relation to their environment.

Ethology

(Behavioural Biology)

It is the study of behaviour of animals to their natural habitat.

Eugenics

It is the science that deals with factors related to the improvement of race, especially to that of human beings.

Genetics

It is the study of heredity and variations in the organisms.

Histology

It is the study of tissues in plants and animals.

Morphology

It is the study of external form and structure and relative position of various organs in living organisms.

Organic Evolution (Phylogeny)

It is the study of history and relationships of living organisms through time.

Palaentology

It is the study of living organisms that existed once (extinct) through their remains called fossils and their geological history.

Physiology

It is the study of biological functions and their underlying mechanisms.

Taxonomy

(Systematics)

It is the study of identification and naming of organisms. Systematics deals with the grouping and higher level classification of groups.

All these classical branches are interrelated with one another. The aspects covered by any one branch involve the use of knowledge from other branch or branches. The following scheme represents such an interrelationship.

fig.2.2 - Relationship of Taxonomy with other branches of Biology