Introduction to Science and Biology

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Questions and Answers

What does the term 'Biology' primarily study?

The evolutionary history of plant life

The classification of organisms based on physical appearance

The study of chemical reactions in organisms

The structures, functions, and relationships of living things (correct)

Which of the following fields focuses on the classification and naming of organisms?

Genetics

Physiology

Cytology

Taxonomy (correct)

What is the purpose of the scientific method?

To classify all known organisms into rigid categories

To memorize biological terms and definitions

To document results without any form of experimentation

To propose and test hypotheses through systematic investigation (correct)

Which field of biology deals primarily with the study of genes and their effects on drug responses?

Pharmacogenomics Signup and view all the answers

In the context of reproduction, what is formed when an egg cell and a sperm cell unite?

Zygote Signup and view all the answers

Which branch of biology focuses on the immune system?

Immunology Signup and view all the answers

What does 'morphology' study within the field of biology?

The form and structure of organisms Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of 'discovery-based science'?

It depends on verifiable results and measurements Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of entomology?

Study of insects Signup and view all the answers

Who is recognized as the Father of Taxonomy?

Carl Von Linne Signup and view all the answers

Which field of biology focuses on the study of the prenatal development of gametes and embryos?

Embryology Signup and view all the answers

What does the field of genomics study?

Entire genetic material Signup and view all the answers

Which area of biology deals with the structural organization of living things?

Anatomy Signup and view all the answers

Which biology branch studies the interactions among organisms and their environment?

Ecology Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a focus of biophysics in biology?

Application of physics to biological phenomena Signup and view all the answers

Which option describes a characteristic that viruses possess?

Have genetic information that can evolve Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Science Overview

Science derives from the Latin "scientia," meaning knowledge, and is a systematic method for understanding information.
Galileo Galilei is recognized as the Father of Science, emphasizing the importance of scientific inquiry.
Pure science focuses on the pursuit of knowledge, while applied science refers to its technological applications.

Biology Definitions and Divisions

Biology, meaning "study of life," combines the Greek words "bios" (life) and "logos" (reason or study).
Major divisions of biology include Botany (study of plants), Zoology (study of animals), and Microbiology (study of microorganisms).

Traditional Fields of Study in Biology

Taxonomy: Classification and naming of organisms.
Cytology: Study of cell structures and functions.
Genetics: Study of heredity and genetic variation; DNA carries genetic information.
Ecology: Interaction and relationships of organisms with their environments.
Physiology: Functions and processes of living organisms.
Morphology: Study of shapes and structures in organisms.
Embryology: Development of gametes and embryos, including fertilization.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a laboratory technique to join egg and sperm cells, exemplified by the first IVF baby, Louise Brown.
Salivary amylase, also known as “ptyalin,” is an enzyme in saliva that facilitates digestion.

Modern Fields of Study in Biological Science

Bioinformatics: Utilizes computers for analyzing biological data.
Genomics: Studies entire genetic material.
Molecular Biology: Focuses on molecules essential to biological processes.
Pharmacogenomics: Examines how genes affect drug responses.
Proteomics: Investigates proteins and their functions.
Synthetic Biology: Designs biological systems and components.
Systems Biology: Studies interactions within biological systems, including cells and organisms.

Scientific Method

Involves observation, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, and conclusion.
Edward Jenner developed the smallpox vaccine in 1796, demonstrating the scientific method's application.

Historical Contributors to Biology

Aristotle is known as the Father of Biology for establishing a scientific method.
Various branches of biology cover specific organisms or characteristics, such as:
- Entomology: Study of insects
- Ichthyology: Study of fish
- Ornithology: Study of birds
- Mycology: Study of fungi
- Mammalogy: Study of mammals
- Others focus on specific organisms like reptiles (Herpetology) and man (Anthropology).

Taxonomy and Classification

Carl Von Linne, or Carolus Linnaeus, established binomial nomenclature, using two Latin words for naming organisms.
Taxonomic classification hierarchy includes Kingdom (Animalia), Phylum (Chordata), Class (Mammalia), Order (Primates), Family (Hominidae), Genus (Homo), and Species (sapien).

Specialized Biology Branches

Include:
- Anatomy: Study of structural organization.
- Histology: Study of tissues.
- Paleontology: Study of fossils and ancient life forms.
- Biotechnology: Utilizes biological processes for product development.
- Photobiology and Radiobiology: Study effects of light and radiation on living organisms.

Viruses

Viruses possess genetic material that evolves, exhibiting both living and nonliving characteristics; they resemble seeds, needing a host for life potential.

Biophysics and Biochemistry

Biophysics: Applies physics concepts to biological phenomena.
Biochemistry: Investigates chemical processes within and related to living organisms.

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Description

This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of science, including its definitions, history, and branches. It highlights the importance of biology as the study of life, its origins, and its relation to the environment. Test your knowledge on the key figures and ideas that shaped scientific inquiry.