आजीविकी और विकासात्मक जीव विज्ञान

Biology

• Biology is the study of life, encompassing all living organisms and their interactions.
• It's a broad field, often subdivided into specializations like ecology, genetics, cell biology, and physiology.
• Key concepts include evolution, homeostasis, reproduction, metabolism, and adaptation.

Ecology

• Ecology focuses on the relationships between organisms and their environment.
• It examines populations, communities, ecosystems, and the biosphere.
• Key concepts include energy flow, nutrient cycling, biodiversity, and the impact of human activities.
• Different levels of ecological organization exist, ranging from individual organisms to global processes.
• Studying the interactions between species (e.g., predator-prey, competition) is central to ecological analysis.

Evolutionary Biology

• Evolutionary biology explores the processes that have shaped the diversity of life on Earth.
• It examines the mechanisms of evolution, including natural selection, mutation, genetic drift, and gene flow.
• The study of phylogeny (evolutionary relationships between organisms) is an important aspect.
• Key concepts include speciation, adaptation, and the history of life.
• Evidence for evolution comes from multiple sources (e.g., fossils, comparative anatomy, molecular biology).

Genetics

• Genetics studies heredity and variation in organisms.
• It examines the structure, function, and inheritance of genes.
• The central dogma of molecular biology (DNA -> RNA -> protein) is fundamental.
• Key concepts include DNA replication, transcription, translation, gene expression, and Mendelian inheritance.
• Modern genetics incorporates techniques like PCR, DNA sequencing, and genetic engineering.

Cell Biology

• Cell biology investigates the structure and function of cells.
• Cells are the basic units of life, exhibiting complex organization and processes.
• Key concepts include cell membranes, organelles (e.g., mitochondria, chloroplasts), and cell division.
• The study of cell signaling, cellular communication, and cell differentiation is vital.
• Techniques used in cell biology include microscopy and cell culture.

Physiology

• Physiology explores the functions of living organisms and their parts.
• It examines how organisms maintain homeostasis.
• Physiological processes depend on many factors, including genetics, environmental conditions, and evolutionary history.
• Different levels of organization, from cells to organ systems, are studied.
• Examples include the study of respiration, digestion, circulation, and nervous systems.
• Physiology often connects with other biological disciplines, like ecology, to understand organismal responses to their environments.