What is Biology?

Biology is the science of life. Its name is derived from the Greek words "bios" (life) and "logos"
(study). Biologists study the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution and distribution of
living organisms. There are generally considered to be at least nine "umbrella" fields of biology,
each of which consists of multiple subfields.

 Biochemistry: the study of the material substances that make up living things
 Botany: the study of plants, including agriculture
 Cellular biology: the study of the basic cellular units of living things
 Ecology: the study of how organisms interact with their environment
 Evolutionary biology: the study of the origins and changes in the diversity of life over time
 Genetics: the study of heredity
 Molecular biology: the study of biological molecules
 Physiology: the study of the functions of organisms and their parts
 Zoology: the study of animals, including animal behavior

The Main Branches of Biology

A through C
• Aerobiology is the study of airborne organic particles.
• Agriculture is the study of producing crops and raising livestock.
• Anatomy is the study of the internal structures of living things.
• Bacteriology is the study of bacteria.
• Biochemistry is the use of chemistry in the study of living things.
• Bioengineering is the study of living things through the means of
engineering.
• Biogeography is the study of the geographical distribution of living things.
• Bioinformatics is the use of information technology for the study, collection,
and storage of genomic and other biological data.
• Biomechanics is the study of the mechanics of living beings.
• Biological Earth Sciences are the use of earth sciences, such as geography, in
the study of living things.
• Biomathematics is the application of math to the study of living things.
• Biomedical research is the study of health and disease.
• Bio musicology is the study of music from a biological perspective.
 A through C
• Biophysics is application of physics to the study of living things.
• Biological Psychology is the application of biology to the study of the human
mind.
• Biosemiotics is the study of biological processes through semiotics, by
applying the models of meaning-making and communication.
• Botany is the study of plants.
• Building biology is the study of the indoor living environment.
• Cell biology is the study of the cell as a complete unit.
• Cognitive biology is the study of cognition as a biological function.
• Conservation biology is the study of preservation, restoration, and protection
of the natural environment.
• Cryobiology is the study of lower than normally preferred temperatures on
living beings.
• Cytology is the study of cells.

Why do we need to study biology?

Biology plays an important role in the understanding of complex forms of life involving humans,
animals and plants. Understanding these intricate details of life helps humans understand how to
care for themselves, animals and plants in the proper manner. Biology helps individuals
understand the interaction between humanity and the world. It also develops interests in the lives
of living organisms in an effort to preserve them. Through studying biology, pathologists
understand the human body, the functions of various organs, how diseases affect the body and
ways to effectively control diseases. Veterinarians have to study biology to appreciate the
functions of animals, including marine animals and creatures that live on land. Environmentalists
rely on the study of biology to learn how man’s actions affect his surroundings and the
ecosystems of other living beings.

Studying biology is the foundation of all characteristics of life on Earth. Apart from creating
solutions to the challenges many living organisms face, it paves the way for inventions and
discoveries that improve the quality of life. Without studying biology, humans would probably
never realize how important maintaining a healthy ecology is for themselves, animals and plant
life. Additionally, studying biology enables the use of forensics to trace and arrest errant
members of the society. It also allows agriculturalists to rear unique breeds of plants and
animals.
Difference between personal development & Personality Development.

Personal Development deals with needs and issues within an individual that are sensitive and
very personal to him/her. There cannot be a right or a wrong answer or assessment to them
because they are based on the individual and the cultural values and beliefs that we grew upon.

For example, during an exercise of Personal Development, we try to understand about ourselves
as a ‘whole’, how do we form relationships with others in the external world, what are our
interests and what activities do we participate in and find pleasure. At the same time, we also
understand self-beliefs, other cultural practices and our internal value system that we uphold as
we grow and evolve. In short, a self-awareness exercise. Once we understand ourselves, we try
to inherently compare with others and find the areas we lack and look ways to develop them.

On the other hand, Personality Development is linked with Personal Development.

Personality is the sum total of a person’s qualities, both desirable and undesirable in nature. In
short, it is what we are made of and also the impact we make on other people in our first meet or
as we call generally as ‘First Impression’. It includes primarily appearance and behavior to begin
with.

There are many factors to determine someone’s Personality, few of them are:

 The level of intelligence and extent of education

 How we hold our basic emotions and our anxiety
 Appearance - how we carry ourselves in the outer world
 Reliable, trustworthy, integrity and responsible oriented show
 Morals and Character
Personality development is a broader version engulfing Personal Development efforts and aim
at working on the above qualities and many others related, to be or stand outin the crowd as
preferred by individuals.