CHAPTER # 1

INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY

Biology:

Bio means life and logy means study . Study of life is called Biology.

There are three main groups of Biology.

1) Zoology

2) Botany

3) Microbiology

Zoology:

The study of animals is called Zoology.

Botany:

The study of plants is called Botany.

Microbiology:

It deals with the study of microscopic organisms such as viruses, bacteria etc.

Branches Of Biology :

The main branches of the biology are as following.

1. MORPHOLOGY:

This branch deals with the study of external characteristics of plants and animals.

2) Anatomy:

It deals with the  internal structure or organs of an organisms. In plants it deals with the arrangement of different types of tissues in root, stem and leaf etc.

3) Histology:

It deals with the study of tissues of plants and animals under a microscope.

4) Cytology: 

The study of structure, function and composition of cell and cell organelles is called Cytology or cell biology.

5) Physiology:

It is the study of functions of different parts of living organisms.

6) Ecology:

It is the study of relationships of living organisms with each other and with their non living environment.

7) Embryology:

It is the study of progressive developmental changes which occur after zygote formation up to an organism is formed.

8) Taxonomy:

It deals with the description, identification, classification and scientific naming of living organisms according to their similarities and dissimilarities.

9) Genetics: 

It deals with the study of inheritance including transmission of hereditary character from parents to offspring.

10) Paleontology:

It is the study of animals and plants fossils.

11) Biochemistry:

It deals with the chemistry and chemical aspects of the living system.

12) Microbiology:

It deals with the study of microscopic organisms such as viruses, bacteria etc.

13) Biotechnology:

It is the manipulation of living things for the welfare of mankind.

14) Sociobiology:

It is the study of social behavior f living organisms i-e interaction between themselves.

15) Parasitology:

It is the study of parasites.

16) Pharmacology:

It is the study of action and effects of drugs.

17) Molecular Biology:

It is the study of organic molecules which constitute cell and it's organelles.

Relationships of Biology with other Sciences:

Biology is multidimensional subject as it linked with other Sciences. Some of the relations of biology with science are mentioned below.

1) Biochemistry:

It is the branch of chemistry which requires firm knowledge of biology and chemistry to explain the synthesis of Bio molecules, there requirement and the effect caused by the deficiency and efficiency of different molecules on the organisms and their metabolism. 

2) Biophysics:

Branch of physics where we apply laws and techniques of physics to explain the metabolism of living organisms, to find out the age of fossils etc.

3) Biometry:

It is the branch of mathematics  where data and measurements related to living organisms are dealt with.

4) Biogeography:

It deals with the distribution of different living organisms in different geographical regions of the world. Due to environmental conditions  many living organisms are restricted in a particular regions.

5) Bio-economics:

It deals with such organisms which are economically very important and are involved in production such as meat production etc. are calculated for cost value and profit value.