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Biology - The study of Life |
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Biology is a branch of science, which deals with the study of life. It is concerned with the study of living organisms, which are immeasurably diverse and complex than the non-living matter. Hence, biology is also described as life science or natural science. |
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Need for Studying Biology |
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It brings about an awareness of the rich diversity of life forms that inhabit the Planet Earth. It helps us to know and appreciate the precision and complexity of living process. |
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Branches of Biology |
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Biology has two basic branches - Botany and Zoology. Botany is the study of plants while Zoology is the study of animals. |
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Classical Branches |
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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). |
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Interdisciplinary Branches |
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Biology invariably uses knowledge and techniques from other branches of science, to solve its complicated life processes. Most of the recent discoveries and inventions in biology have resulted from the joint endeavour between biology and physical sciences and even biology and social sciences. |
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Applied Branches |
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These are branches in which the knowledge obtained from biology is applied for the welfare of man and the animals and plants that are useful to him. Following are some of the applied branches of biology that are of great significance to human welfare. |
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Biology - A Science of Exceptions |
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Physical, chemical and mathematical sciences follow a specific set of rules and regulations. They are governed by a set of laws such as the law of gravity, the laws of thermodynamics, the law of conservation of mass and so on. However, biological sciences, in the strict sense, do not follow any rules or regulations. The reason for this is that living organisms show a rich diversity that has resulted from mutations, genetic re-combinations and evolution. Biology is thus, regarded as 'a science of exceptions'. |
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Summary |
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Biology is a branch of science that deals with the study of life. Hence, it is also called life science. The simple curiosity of human beings to observe nature and the human basic instincts for survival and gathering food probably had a role in the birth and development of biology. |
