Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms. It encompasses a wide range of fields, from the smallest units of life like cells and microorganisms, to the complexity of entire ecosystems. Through biology, we explore the structure, function, growth, evolution, and behavior of living beings, offering insights into how life develops and interacts with the environment. Understanding biology is essential to grasp the principles that govern life on Earth and apply them in fields like medicine, agriculture, and conservation.
What are biology subfields?
Botany
The study of plants, including their structure, growth, reproduction, metabolism, development, diseases, and their relationships with the environment.
Zoology
The branch of biology that focuses on the animal kingdom, studying species classification, physiology, behavior, and evolution of animals.
Microbiology
The study of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists. It plays a crucial role in medicine, agriculture, and ecology.
Genetics
The field that deals with genes, heredity, and genetic variation in organisms. It examines how traits are passed from one generation to the next.
Ecology
The study of interactions between living organisms and their environment. It explores how ecosystems function, species interactions, and the impact of humans on nature.
Molecular Biology
Focuses on the molecular basis of biological activity, examining how DNA, RNA, proteins, and other molecules function within cells.
Evolutionary Biology
This field explores the origins of species and their evolutionary changes over time. It studies natural selection, adaptation, and the genetic basis of evolution.
Cell Biology
The study of cell structure, function, and processes. It helps understand how cells work individually and collectively in living organisms.
Physiology
Focuses on the functions and mechanisms in living organisms, from the cellular level to entire systems such as the nervous and circulatory systems.
Biochemistry
Combines biology and chemistry to study the chemical processes within living organisms. It looks at how biological molecules contribute to the structure, function, and regulation of the body.
Neurobiology
The study of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and neural networks. It explores how organisms sense, process, and respond to stimuli.
Immunology
Focuses on the immune system and how it defends organisms from infection, disease, and foreign invaders.
