ALGIN P. BANE NATURAL SCIENCE 2BM-MUSIC EDUCATION

Biologyis anatural scienceconcerned with the study oflifeand livingorganisms, including their structure, function, growth,evolution, distribution, andtaxonomy.[1]Modern biology is a vast and eclectic field, composed of manybranches 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 thecellas the basic unit of life,genesas the basic unit ofheredity, andevolutionas the engine that propels the synthesis and creation of newspecies. It is also understood today that all organisms survive by consuming and transformingenergyand byregulatingtheir 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:biochemistryexamines the rudimentary chemistry of life;molecular biologystudies the complex interactions among biologicalmolecules;botanystudies the biology of plants;cellular biologyexamines the basic building-block of all life, thecell;physiologyexamines the physical and chemical functions oftissues,organs, andorgan systemsof an organism;evolutionary biologyexamines the processes that produced the diversity of life; andecologyexamines how organisms interact in theirenvironment.

BranchesThese 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 humansHistology 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 throughprostheticsororthotics

Biomedical research the study of health and diseasePharmacology 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 andsynthetic biologySynthetic 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 ofcognitionas 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 structureEmbryology 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 blood-forming 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 thingsParasitology 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 hownanotechnologycan be used in biology, and the study of living organisms and parts on thenanoscalelevel of organization

Neurobiology the study of the nervous system, including anatomy, physiology and pathology

Population biology the study of groups of conspecific organisms, includingPopulation 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 ofpsychology

Quantum biology- the study ofQuantum mechanicsto biological objects and problems.

Sociobiology the study of the biological bases ofsociology

Structural biology a branch ofmolecular biology,biochemistry, andbiophysicsconcerned 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 justread through this blog post on common biology vocabto help you with some of the lingo were about to hit you with.Understanding Our BodiesFrom 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 NutritionBy 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 ScienceNext 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 well-reviewed course.Understanding Our EnvironmentHumans 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 thrivingIf youd like to do your part to help the environment,give this course on growing your own permaculture garden a try.

Using Natural ResourcesA 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 FoodPlants 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 EverywhereThe 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 structureThe 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:LevelExamplesSpecial consideration

EcosystemRain forest, desert, fresh water lake, digestive tract of animal for bacteriaIncludes all living organisms and non living matter such as air, water and minerals

CommunityAll species in an ecosystemOnly includes living things from bacteria, to fungi, to plant to animal

PopulationAll individuals of a single species in a given areaIncludes only individuals from a specific species such as a plant, an animal, a bacterial colony

OrganismOne single individualServes as a representative of the species and describes overall form and function of an organism

Organ systemA specialized functional system of an organismThe nervous system or immune system of an animal

OrganA specialized structural system of an organismThe brain or the thymus of an animal

TissueA specialized substructure of an organThe nervous tissue and epithelial tissue are both part of the brain

CellA single cellA neuron, a skin cell, a root cell, bacteria, yeast, paramecium

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