Introduction to Biology

Introduction to Biology

• Biology is a natural science involved with the study of life and living organisms.
• The word "biology" is derived from the Greek words "bios," meaning life, and "logos," meaning study.

Aspects of Biological Science

• Molecular mechanisms are studied in cells.
• The classification and behavior of organisms are examined.
• Studies are conducted on how species evolve.
• The interaction between ecosystems is observed.

Overlap with Other Sciences

• Biology often combines with other sciences, such as biochemistry with chemistry and medicine, and biophysics with physics.
• Stratigraphy is the overlapping of biology and geography.
• Astrobiology is the overlapping of biology and astronomy.

Modern Biology

• Modern biology is a broad field composed of specialized disciplines.
• These disciplines focus on the structure, function, growth, distribution, evolution, and other features of living organisms

General and Unifying Concepts

• The cell is the basic unit of life.
• Genes, made of DNA or RNA, are the basic unit of heredity.
• Evolution explains the unity and diversity seen in living organisms.
• All organisms survive by consuming and transforming energy.
• All organisms maintain a stable internal environment.

Brief History

• Natural philosophy was studied in ancient civilizations, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Indian subcontinent, and China.
• Modern biology's origins and its approach to studying nature are often traced back to ancient Greece.

Importance of Studying Biology

• Helps know more about humans, as they are composed of the same basic units as other organisms.
• Increases familiarity with living organisms' properties, abilities, and characteristics.
• Helps one explain organisms' living processes and their interdependence.
• Helps determine organisms' similarities and differences.
• Creates familiarity with the phenomena and laws of nature.
• Appreciation of nature and natural laws is developed through the study of typical organisms.
• Scientific training and techniques are acquired through experimentation and research.
• Enables wise decisions about affecting individuals, families, and communities.
• Helps one understand stewardship, maintenance, protection, and conservation of the environment.
• Develops awareness of the economic and ecological importance of life and respect for all forms of life.
• Leads to improvements in food production, health, and disease control.
• Serves as a foundation for professions in allied and medical sciences.

Physiology

• Focuses on the functions of the organs and organ systems.

Morphology

• Focuses on the forms and structures of organisms are studied.

Zoology

• The structure and functions of animals are studies.

Taxonomy

• Involves the classification and naming of organisms.
• Animals, plants, fungi, bacteria and protists are examples of Kingdoms.

Anatomy

• Focuses on the physical structure of humans and other organisms.

Genetics

• Heredity and transmission of traits from parents to offspring.

Embryology

• Studies the development of an organism.

Botany

• The structure and functions of plants are studied.

Cytology

• Focuses on the study of cell structure.

Microbiology

• Microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, protozoa, fungi, and viruses are studied

Parasitology

• Parasites, their hosts, and the relationship between them are studied.

Mycology

• Fungi are studied.

Evolution

• Studies origin of life and living forms.

Marine Biology

• Plants, animals, and other organisms that live in the ocean or any body of water are studied.

Other Branches of Biology

• Ecology involves relationships among organisms and their environment.
• Histology is the microscopic study of tissues.
• Pathology studies abnormal structure and functions among organisms.
• Phylogeny explores the evolutionary relationship among organisms and seeks evolutionary history.
• Paleontology is the study of life in the past.
• Biochemistry involves molecules and chemical reactions within organisms.
• Biogeography studies the distribution of organisms on Earth.
• Immunology handles the body's defenses against diseases and infection.
• Biotechnology involves any technological application using biological systems or living organisms for specific uses.
• Phycology studies algae.
• Virology studies viruses.
• Ethology studies the animal behavior in their natural environment.
• Biophysics applies theories and methods of physics to questions of biology.
• Bioengineering studies the mechanics of living organisms or engineering principles applied to biological systems.
• Cryobiology studies the effects of low temperatures on living organisms.
• Astrobiology studies the effects of outer space on living organisms and searches for extraterrestrial life.

Scientific Method

• It's a process for experimentation used to explore observations and answer questions.

Steps of the Scientific Method

• Ask a question about something observed, using How, What, When, Who, Which, Why, or Where.
• Conduct background research using libraries and the Internet.
• Construct a hypothesis as an educated guess to answer your questions with an explanation that can be tested.
• Test the hypothesis through experimentation to determine accuracy and support.
• Change only one factor at a time and repeat the experiments.
• Analyze data and draw a conclusion; scientists may construct a new hypothesis based on the experiment's findings.
• Communicate experiment includes a final report.

Design the Experiment

• The experiment is a procedure that tests a hypothesis by collecting information under controlled conditions.
• Control groups serve as the standard, with all conditions kept the same.
• Experimental groups have all conditions the same except for one being tested.

Independent and Dependent Variables

• Only one condition should be changed at a time.
• The independent variable is the condition being changed.
• The dependent variable is the condition that results from the change.