Concept of Biology

In nature, we generally find two types of objects, nonliving things and living organisms. The characteristics of non-living things are usually discussed in Physics and Chemistry. Biology is a branch of scientific knowledge concerning life and characteristics of organisms. It is one of the oldest branches of natural science. Its background was even created before the origin of life on the earth, and you will learn more about it at your higher classes.

By studying biology, one can acquire interesting knowledge of different plants and animals and human life. In the realm of living creatures, the presence of life in a living cell is remarkable. This is why a good command of biology plays an important role in knowing more about the different parts and organ structure of organisms, different chemical activities in them, their adaptation to their environment, their intake of nutrition and reproduction. The roles of a cell or cells in all steps of life are indisputable. Science has a great contribution in our everyday activities and developing our
experience. For our living survival, the fundamental basis of biology is inherent in the components of our environment. At the time of walking, our muscles conduct our legs, our nerves move our muscles and the blood circulation in our muscles provides them with oxygen, nutrition and strength. A single celled organism also survives, in the same way, using oxygen, nutrition and energy. For the maintenance of biological existence, all living organisms require oxygen and energy. An animal derives this energy from food produced by plants themselves and other sources.

Biology is one of the fundamental branches of science. The term biology is derived from the Greek word  bios, "life" and the suffix  -logia, "study of." Greek philosopher Aristotle (384BC – 322BC) is called the father of biology. Biology is the branch of science concerned with the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, reproduction, classification, origin and evolution.

Branches of Biology

Based on the type of organism, biology is divided into two branches – Botany and Zoology. Grounded on the aspect of consideration, there are also two other divisions of biology - physical biology and applied biology. Physical Biology In the field of physical biology, theoretical concepts are usually discussed. The following subjects are the general fields of its concern.

1. Morphology: The field deals with the form and structure of organisms. It is usually divided into two branches – external and internal morphology. The external description of the body is called external morphology and the internal description of the body is called internal morphology.
2. Taxonomy: Classification of organisms and the principles related to this task are discussed in the field.
3. Physiology: This branch of biology deals with the biochemical activities of different organs of organisms. Besides, a detailed description of all the physiological process of organisms is found in it.
4. Histology: The microscopic structure, arrangement and function of plant and animal tissues are studied in this subject.
5. Embryology: The branch of biology discusses the development of the embryo of organisms.
6. Cytology: The structure, function and division of an individual cell in a body of organisms are studied in this field of biology.
7. Genetics: The branch of biology deals with genes and heredity.
8. Evolution: The gradual development of life and organisms over successive generations on earth is studied on this subject.
9. Ecology: It is the science of the reciprocal relationship between organisms and their environment.
10. Endocrinology: The field of science deals with the study of endocrine glands and hormones secreted by them in a body of organisms.
11. Biogeography: The branch of biology studies the geographical distribution of organisms, past and present, throughout the landscape of planet earth including the knowledge of classifying bio geographical patterns.

Applied Biology :

Applied subjects related to life are included in this category, and some of them are mentioned below:
1. Paleontology: Science of the prehistoric life forms and fossils;
2. Biostatistics: Science of statistics of organisms;
3. Parasitology: Science related to parasitism, life process of parasitic organisms and diseases caused by them;
4. Fisheries: Science dealing with fish, harvesting of fish, management and conservation of fish assets;
5. Entomology: Science related to the study of life, merit, demerit, and control of insects including the losses caused by them;
6. Microbiology: Science related to virus, bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms;
7. Agriculture: Science concerning agriculture;
8. Medical Science: Science related to human life, disease, treatment etc.;
9. Genetic Engineering: Science associated with gene technology and its utilities;
10. Biochemistry: Science connected to biochemical process and diseases of organisms;
11. Soil science: Science related to soil, soil structure and soil environment;
12. Environmental Science: Science related to environment;
13. Oceanography: Science related to ocean and its resources;
14. Forestry: Science related to forest, management and conservation of its resources;
15. Biotechnology: Science associated with the technology of utilizing of organisms for the benefit of mankind;
16. Pharmacy: Science dealing with technology and industry of medicine;
17. Wildlife: Science related to wild animals;
18. Bioinformatics: Biological information based on computer technology, information on the analysis of cancer, for example.