ALGIN P.

BANE
SCIENCE 2

NATURAL

BM-MUSIC EDUCATION
Biology is a natural science concerned with the study of life and
living organisms, including their structure, function, growth,evolution,
distribution, and taxonomy.[1] Modern biology is a vast and eclectic field,
composed of many branches and subdisciplines. However, despite the
broad scope of biology, there are certain general and unifying concepts
within it that govern all study and research, consolidating it into single,
coherent fields. In general, biology recognizes the cell as the basic unit of
life,genes as the basic unit of heredity, and evolution as the engine that
propels the synthesis and creation of new species. It is also understood
today that all organisms survive by consuming and
transforming energy and by regulating their internal environment to
maintain a stable and vital condition.
Subdisciplines of biology are defined by the scale at which organisms are
studied, the kinds of organisms studied, and the methods used to study
them: biochemistry examines the rudimentary chemistry of life; molecular
biology studies the complex interactions among
biological molecules; botany studies the biology of plants; cellular
biology examines the basic building-block of all life,
the cell; physiology examines the physical and chemical functions
of tissues, organs, and organ systems of an organism;evolutionary
biology examines the processes that produced the diversity of life;
and ecology examines how organisms interact in their environment.

Branches
These are the main branches of biology:
Aerobiology the study of airborne organic particles
Agriculture the study of producing crops and raising livestock, with an

emphasis on practical applications

Anatomy the study of form and function, in plants, animals, and other
organisms, or specifically in humans
Histology the study of cells and tissues, a microscopic branch of anatomy
Astrobiology (also known as exobiology, exopaleontology, and
bioastronomy) the study of evolution, distribution, and future of life in the
universe
Biochemistry the study of the chemical reactions required for life to exist

and function, usually a focus on the cellular level

Bioengineering the study of biology through the means of engineering
with an emphasis on applied knowledge and especially related to
biotechnology
Biogeography the study of the distribution of species spatially and
temporally
Bioinformatics the use of information technology for the study, collection,
and storage of genomic and other biological data
Biomathematics (or Mathematical biology) the quantitative or
mathematical study of biological processes, with an emphasis on modeling
Biomechanics often considered a branch of medicine, the study of the
mechanics of living beings, with an emphasis on applied use
through prosthetics or orthotics
Biomedical research the study of health and disease
Pharmacology the study and practical application of preparation, use, and
effects of drugs and synthetic medicines
Biomusicology the study of music from a biological point of view.
Biophysics the study of biological processes through physics, by applying
the theories and methods traditionally used in the physical sciences
Biosemiotics the study of biological processes through semiotics, by
applying the models of meaning-making and communication
Biotechnology the study of the manipulation of living matter, including
genetic modification and synthetic biology
Synthetic biology research integrating biology and engineering;
construction of biological functions not found in nature
Building biology the study of the indoor living environment
Botany the study of plants
Cell biology the study of the cell as a complete unit, and the molecular
and chemical interactions that occur within a living cell
Cognitive biology the study of cognition as a biological function
Conservation biology the study of the preservation, protection, or
restoration of the natural environment, natural ecosystems, vegetation, and
wildlife
Cryobiology the study of the effects of lower than normally preferred
temperatures on living beings
Developmental biology the study of the processes through which an
organism forms, from zygote to full structure
Embryology the study of the development of embryo (from fecundation
to birth)
Ecology the study of the interactions of living organisms with one another
and with the non-living elements of their environment

Environmental biology the study of the natural world, as a whole or in a

particular area, especially as affected by human activity

Epidemiology a major component of public health research, studying
factors affecting the health of populations
Evolutionary biology the study of the origin and descent of species over
time
Genetics the study of genes and heredity.
Epigenetics the study of heritable changes in gene expression or cellular
phenotype caused by mechanisms other than changes in the underlying
DNA sequence
Hematology (also known as Haematology) the study of blood and bloodforming organs.
Integrative biology the study of whole organisms
Limnology the study of inland waters
Marine biology (or Biological oceanography) the study of ocean
ecosystems, plants, animals, and other living beings
Microbiology the study of microscopic organisms (microorganisms) and
their interactions with other living things
Parasitology the study of parasites and parasitism
Virology the study of viruses and some other virus-like agents
Molecular biology the study of biology and biological functions at the
molecular level, some cross over with biochemistry
Mycology the study of fungi
Nanobiology - the study of how nanotechnology can be used in biology,
and the study of living organisms and parts on the nanoscale level of
organization
Neurobiology the study of the nervous system, including anatomy,
physiology and pathology
Population biology the study of groups of conspecific organisms, including
Population ecology the study of how population dynamics and extinction
Population genetics the study of changes in gene frequencies in
populations of organisms
Paleontology the study of fossils and sometimes geographic evidence of
prehistoric life
Pathobiology or pathology the study of diseases, and the causes,
processes, nature, and development of disease
Physiology the study of the functioning of living organisms and the
organs and parts of living organisms
Phytopathology the study of plant diseases (also called Plant Pathology)
Psychobiology the study of the biological bases of psychology
Quantum biology - the study of Quantum mechanics to biological objects

and problems.
Sociobiology the study of the biological bases of sociology
Structural biology a branch of molecular biology, biochemistry,
and biophysics concerned with the molecular structure of biological
macromolecules
Zoology the study of animals, including classification, physiology,
development, and behavior, including:
Ethology the study of animal behavior
Entomology the study of insects
Herpetology the study of reptiles and amphibians
Ichthyology the study of fish
Mammalogy the study of mammals
Ornithology the study of birds
IMPORTANCE OF BIOLOGY IN EVERYDAY LIFE
Biology is all about studying life and living organisms. Were living
organisms and we eat living organisms, so you could probably guess that it
has something to tell use about whats going on all around and inside
us. But how important is biology to our everyday routines, exactly?
Youre about to find out, because were going to dish some details on how
the many branches of biology apply specifically to where you live, what you
eat, and the things you do. Plus, you can get a fantastic introduction to the
science by taking this course. Or just read through this blog post on
common biology vocab to help you with some of the lingo were about to hit
you with.
Understanding Our Bodies
From genetics to physiology, the many branches of biology have much to
tell us about what the human body is made up of, how it works, and how
its affected by what we eat, the air we breath, and every other aspect of
the world around us. It can help us prevent, cure, and even eliminate
disease. It can even teach us to become stronger and faster or lose weight.
Treating Disease
Biology as a whole is one of the cornerstones of all forms of modern
healthcare. The field known as pharmacology is literally medicine. It deals

with researching and creating everything from over-the-counter pain

relievers to prescription drugs for depression.
Immunology studies our immune system and how it reacts to all sorts of
different threats. Pathology diagnoses diseases and what causes them, as
well as what they do to the body. Virology does the same for the many
different viruses that may seek to do us harm.
Dont even get us started on biologys role in the study of genetics and
DNA. Scientists are now able to pinpoint exactly where certain
predispositions to certain diseases exists without our biological makeup,
how theyre passed from generation to generation, and even working on
breakthroughs to remove undesirable traits from people on a molecular
level. Its absolutely fascinating to think of the endless possibilities that
biology is gradually opening the door for when it comes to our health.

Proper Nutrition
By knowing how our body works and what it reacts positively to,
nutritionists are able to devise the perfect diet for our needs whether that
be losing weight or gaining it, fueling heavy exercise or just an office job.
Its all about proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and other key nutrients, how our
body breaks them down, and where they fit into the equation of our overall
health. This is the main concern of biochemistry.
For instance, were aware that sugar provides an energy spike but leads to
a rough crash afterwards because of the way our body digests it and turns
it into something we can use. We also know it can create unwanted fat
deposits and do some bad things to our teeth. These are all things dealt
with by nutritional biology.
When you make the decision to eat healthier youre actually putting
aspects of biology to work without even knowing it.

Exercise Science
Next time you watch sports, remember that youre seeing biologys
influence in action. The athletes competing are capable of such amazing

feats of speed and strength partially because of our understanding the

human body through anatomy and other branches of biology. Scientists
have used this knowledge to create the methods of training that help propel
our sports stars to incredible heights.
And it goes beyond lifting weights to build muscle or running to develop
endurance. Physiologists get into the nitty gritty about how and why our
muscles react to stress. They discover what causes us to become
dehydrated. Or what provides us with the energy to run marathons or dunk
a basketball.
On the surface, you might just think you run out of breath when you run too
far. But for exercise physiologists, theyre not content with such a basic
explanation. Theyve dug deep to realize exactly how our body uses oxygen
and the complex series of reactions that make us tired. To learn more
about the science of exercise, youll want to take a look at this wellreviewed course.
Understanding Our Environment
Humans arent the only living things biology is concerned with. It also tells
us all about plants and animals how they live, what theyre made up of,
and how they interact with mankind and each other. This enables us to
make the most of our planets natural resources while trying to minimize
the impact we have on the environment.
Conservationism
By understanding how nature really works and what allows it to flourish,
were able to pinpoint what ways we might cause harm to it and look for
more environmentally friendly menthods of doing things. Ecology, for
example, studies the relationship between animals, plants, and the
environment, helping us understand how the things humans and other
animals do can hurt or help Mother Nature.
Conservation biology measures extinction rates and analyzes how each
species fits within the ecosystem to identify which animals are crucial to

maintaining balance. But evolutionary biology also helps us understand how

things have evolved over time and that not every species can survive for
the long haul.
Scientists are even working with economists to determine natural capital, or
the economic value of our environment and wildlife to make things more
tangible to businessmen and world leaders. We rely so heavily on all the
things we get from the environment food, oxygen, shelter, fuel that it
only makes sense to get a better understanding of how to keep it thriving
If youd like to do your part to help the environment, give this course on
growing your own permaculture garden a try.

Using Natural Resources

A huge part of maintaining our environment is finding the best ways to
harness the Earths natural resources in ways that are safe, efficient, and
dont cause too much damage to nature. This includes everything from
drilling oil to chopping down trees.
The great things about trees and other renewable resources is the fact that
they can grow back or replenish themselves naturally over time. But not if
theyre cut, burned, or mined too quickly and aggressively. Biology helps us
find a balance between taking advantage of the tools we have while not
destroying those same tools for future generations.
Through studying the best ways to fuel our needs for energy and materials,
were also able to find ways to make the most out of what we have and
even find alternatives that work just as well. For example, using corn to
create ethanol fuel as a potential replacement or supplement to the oil we
currently use to power our cars.

Harvesting Food
Plants are living organisms just like the rest of us, meaning biology takes an
interest in them too. Agrobiology deals specifically with determining the
best soil conditions to deliver nutrients to plants to make them grow big

and strong. This can have a significant impact on a farmers crop yields.
Botany, the branch of biology that deals with the study of plants, is how we
know what plants we can eat in the first place. Unless you want to go
around tasting every berry and fruit you come across to see which ones are
good to eat, wed recommend relying on our biology experts to tell us
whats what. The science also plays a huge role in raising livestock like
cows and chickens. By utilizing some of that nutrition we talked about
earlier and applying it to farm animals, were able to get them nice and big
so they provide plenty of meat and fertilizer.
Fishing, too. Theres marine biology and freshwater biology, among others,
to teach us what fish are where and how good they are to eat. Theres even
a field of biology dedicated to just studying fish, but we wont make you try
to pronounce that one. And sure, our ancestors were catching fish long
before they understood the intricacies of science but that doesnt mean we
dont benefit greatly from it with more efficient fishing methods, bigger
hauls, and even fish farming.

Its Literally Everywhere

The information biology has taught us is present in everything we know.
Look in the mirror. Your ability to identify the parts of your face can be
credited to anatomy. What you eat for lunch was influenced by biology and
put on your plate with the help of biology .
The medication or vitamins you take daily, your exercise routine it all
comes back to that fundamental science weve been telling you about. Pay
attention to all the things you do today and see if you can point out their
connection to biology. And if you want to connect it to your business by
embracing the growing biotechnology industry, this course will show you
how.

CHARACTERISTICS OF LIVING THINGS

Living things are made of cells.

Living things obtain and use energy.
Living things grow and develop.
Living things reproduce.
Living things respond to their environment.
Living things adapt to their environment.
Life can be studied as a hierarchical structure
The structure of living organisms including those of entire populations and ecosystems
is organized in a hierarchical fashion that allows a systematic exploration of the
question What is life?. In the biological sciences, the following structural levels are
recognized:
Level

Examples

Special consideration

Ecosystem

Rain forest, desert, fresh

water lake, digestive tract
of animal for bacteria

Includes all living organisms and

non living matter such as air, water
and minerals

Community

All species in an ecosystem Only includes living things from

bacteria, to fungi, to plant to animal

Population

All individuals of a single

species in a given area

Includes only individuals from a

specific species such as a plant, an
animal, a bacterial colony

Organism

One single individual

Serves as a representative of the

species and describes overall form
and function of an organism

Organ
system

A specialized functional
system of an organism

The nervous system or immune

system of an animal

Organ

A specialized structural
system of an organism

The brain or the thymus of an

animal

Tissue

A specialized substructure

The nervous tissue and epithelial

of an organ

tissue are both part of the brain

Cell

A single cell

A neuron, a skin cell, a root cell,

bacteria, yeast, paramecium

Molecule

A single large or small

Molecules are the smallest part of
molecule such as a protein, biological systems; they can be
DNA, sugar or fatty acid
studied for their chemical, physical
properties, but are of particular
interest for their role they play in
biological systems.