Introduction

Biology is a term derived from two Greek words: bios (life) and logos (knowledge).

Biology is therefore the study of life.

Biology is the scientific study of life/living things (organisms).

Science is knowledge about the structure and behavior of the natural world based on facts that can be proved by experiments.

Question

State the meaning of the following terms;

1. Science
2. Biology

Branches of Biology

Biology is divided into two major branches:

1. Zoology: the study of animals.
2. Botany: the study of plants.

These are further divided into sub-branches;

1. Microbiology: It is the study of microscopic organisms (microorganisms) like bacteria and viruses.
2. Virology: It is the study of viruses.
3. Mycology: It is the study of fungi
4. Bacteriology: It is the study of bacteria.
5. Anatomy: It is the study of internal body structures
6. Morphology: It is the study of external body structures.
7. Embryology: It is the study of embryos
8. Parasitology: It is the study of parasites.
9. Pathology: It is the study of the disease causing microorganisms (pathogens).
10. Physiology: It is the study of functions of body structures.
11. Biochemistry: It is the study of chemical compounds and how chemical reactions take place in the cells of the living organism.
12. Entomology: It is the study of insects.
13. Genetics: it is the study of inheritance and variation.
14. Cytology: It is the study of cells.
15. Histology: It is the study of tissues
16. Ecology: It is the study of the interrelationship between the living organisms and their environment.
17. Taxonomy: It is the study of classification of living organisms.
18. Ichthyology: It is the study of fish
19. Biotechnology: study of development of techniques for application of biological processes
20. Evolution: It is the study of the origin and development of organisms from ancient life to date and how they relate with each other.

Summary of branches of Biology