Introduction to Life Science PDF

​LESSON 1 Introduction to Life Science Historical Development of the Concept of Life ​The historical development of the concept of life has evolved through various philosophical, scientific, and cultural perspectives over centuries. Here’s an overview of key mil...

​LESSON 1 Introduction to Life Science Historical Development of the Concept of Life ​The historical development of the concept of life has evolved through various philosophical, scientific, and cultural perspectives over centuries. Here’s an overview of key milestones in this evolution: Ancient Philosophy Aristotle (384-322 BCE): ​Often regarded as one of the first to systematically categorize living organisms, Aristotle introduced the idea that life is characterized by certain properties, such as growth, reproduction, and the presence of a soul (psyche). He divided living things into categories: plants, animals, and humans. Medieval and Renaissance Thought Medieval Scholastics: ​During the Middle Ages, the concept of life was largely influenced by religious perspectives. The notion of the soul was intertwined with theology, and life was often viewed as a gift from God. Renaissance (14th-17th Century): ​The revival of interest in science and humanism led to a more empirical approach. Figures like Leonardo da Vinci and William Harvey studied anatomy and physiology, laying the groundwork for modern biological sciences. Enlightenment and Early Modern Science Descartes (1596-1650): ​Proposed the mind-body dualism, suggesting that the body is a machine and life can be understood through mechanical principles. This mechanistic view of life began to challenge more spiritual or vitalistic explanations. Linnaeus (1707-1778): ​Developed a systematic classification of living organisms, introducing the binomial nomenclature still used today. This laid a foundation for the study of biodiversity. 19th Century: The Birth of Modern Biology Darwin (1809-1882): ​His theory of evolution by natural selection transformed the understanding of life, suggesting that species evolve over time through adaptive changes. This provided a scientific framework for the diversity of life. Cell Theory: ​Formulated in the mid-1800s by scientists like Schleiden, Schwann, and Virchow, this theory established that all living organisms are composed of cells, which are the basic units of life. 20th Century: Advances in Biology and Genetics Molecular Biology: ​The discovery of DNA’s structure by Watson and Crick in 1953 revolutionized the understanding of heredity and the molecular basis of life. Biochemistry: ​Understanding biochemical processes deepened knowledge about how life functions at a cellular and molecular level.