Introduction to Biology

Chapter 1
1.What is BIOLOGY?
2.It is derived from two Greek words
 ‘ bios ’ means “ life”
 ‘ logos ’ means “ the study of ” .
3.It is a scientific study of living organism,
environment and interaction between
them
IMPORTANCE OF BIOLOGY
 Improved understanding on functions of
organisms.
 Improved understanding on causes of disease.
 Finding treatment for diseases.
 Improved understanding on ecology.
 Better management on environment problems.
 Improved quality and production of food.
The knowledge of biology is
widely used in the field of

A.MEDICINE
 To create NEW MEDICINE to cure diseases
 To invent MODERN MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
and procedures to treat patients such as
haemodialysis techniques
 To invent NEW VACCINES to prevent
diseases
B.AGRICULTURE
 To produce high quality agricultural
products
 To clone plants and animals of good
strains
 To control and overcome the problem
of pests
C.INDUSTRY
 To produce nutritious foods
 In food processing and preservation

D.IN RESEARCH
 In genetic engineering
 In conservation and preservation of
endangered species
THE DIFFERENT FIELDS of STUDY in BIOLOGY
Anatomy The study of body structure such as
bones and muscles
Biochemistry The study of basic molecular of life

Bacteriology Study of bacteria

Biotechnology Study of application of biological science
to the manufacturing industry

Botany Study of plants

Cytology Study of cells
Ecology The study of the interactions between the
organisms and between the organisms and the
abiotic environment

Genetic Study of the inheritance

Human Biology Study of the human body

Marine Biology Study of the marine life such as corals, fishes

etc
Microbiology Study of microorganisms such as bacteria,
virus, alga etc
Physiology Study of the functions and life processes of
organism
Taxonomy Study of the classification of organisms
 The Characteristics of Living things?
1. Cell is basic unit of life that is highly organized.
2. They response to stimuli.
3. Nutrition – they feed to obtain energy.
4. Respiration – they break down food to obtain energy.
5. Metabolism – they are capable to increasing in size and number.
6. Reproduction – they produce offspring.
7. Excretion – they expelled wastes.
8. They are able to adapt to different environments.
The levels of Organization in an Organism
Ecosystem Atom

Environment Molecules

Habitat
Cell organelles

Population

Cell
Species

Organism Tissue

Systems Organ