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PinkMonkey Online Study Guide-Biology
CHAPTER 1 : THE SCIENCE OF BIOLOGY
1.0 Introduction
Biology is the science devoted to the study of
living objects. Two Greek words, bios (life) and logos
(discourse), explain the term "biology" as meaning
study of living creatures. Since life manifests itself in various
forms i.e. plant and animal forms, biology is the study of both.
The study of plants is termed as botany or plant biology,
while the study of animals is called zoology or animal biology.
Biology also comprises of the cellular basis of
living things for the activities of life. It consists of energy
metabolism and also of genetics which forms the basis of inheritance
in organisms. Living things have been studied since primitive times.
Primitive man had to find out what could be utilized for food, shelter
and clothing, which plants would be useful as medicines and which
animals he could use to get work done for him. The science of biology
thus arose out of basic human needs.
Biology also includes evolutionary relationships between
organisms. Biology tells us about the routine activities of microorganisms,
plants and animals and also the relation between their structures and
functions. Many sub-divisions and special areas of biology exist but biology
can conveniently be divided into two categories, (A) Practical and (B)
Theoretical.
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Practical biology consists of plant breeding,
medical science, wildlife management, agriculture.
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Theoretical biology consists of Physiology (the study
of the functions of living things), Microbiology (the
study of microscopic organisms), Biochemistry (the study
of the chemical makeup of organisms), Ecology (the study
of populations and their environment) and Taxonomy (categorization).
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Table of Contents
1.0 - Introduction
1.1 Practical Biology
1.2
Scientific Methodology
Chapter 2
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