Biology: Biology is the scientific study of life. It is a natural science with a broad scope but has several unifying themes that tie it together as a single, coherent field. Biology encompasses the study of all living organisms, from the smallest bacteria to the largest whales, and the interactions between these organisms and their environment.

This field includes the Anatomy, Physiology, Ecology, and Morphology of living organisms. The definition of biology includes the relationship between plants, animals, microorganisms, and their relation to the environment.

What is Biology?

“The more I learn about biology, the more I realize how incredibly beautiful life is.” – E.O. Wilson

Biology is the story of how life unfurled on the Earth. It is the branch of science that deals with life forms and life processes. In earlier times, Biology was only limited to the knowledge of the human body and its function as it formed the basis for medical practice. Fundamental issues regarding how life originated, growth of the biodiversity, and the evolution of living creatures according to different habitats intrigued the biologists.

The term “Biology” in Greek is divided into two parts – bios = life; logos = study, which translates into study of life. Biology is a part of Science, along with Physics and Chemistry. These days Biology is commonly referred to as “Life Sciences”.

Major Branches of Biology

Biology is a vast field, and many different branches of biology focus on specific aspects of life. Some of the major branches of biology include:

• Biochemistry: The study of the chemical processes that occur in living organisms.
• Molecular biology: The study of the molecules that make up living organisms, such as DNA, RNA, and proteins.
• Cell biology: The study of the structure and function of cells.
• Genetics: The study of heredity and how traits are passed down from parents to offspring.
• Microbiology: The study of microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses.
• Botany: The study of plants.
• Zoology: The study of animals.
• Physiology: The study of the functions of living organisms.
• Ecology: The study of interactions between organisms and their environment.
• Evolutionary biology: The study of how species change over time.

The Science of Life

The study of biology is essential to understanding the natural world around us. Biology helps to understand the diversity of life, the processes by which living organisms function, and the relationships between different organisms. This knowledge is essential for solving many of the world’s most pressing problems, such as climate change, disease, and food security.

Divisions of Biology

The subject of biology has many divisions which are discussed below:

History of Biology

In earlier times, man used to live in caves and jungles. He ate fruits and vegetables from the forest and hunted animals. This allowed him to learn about the life and habitats of different plants and animals. This was the beginning of ‘Biology’. Various drawings and paintings during prehistoric times highlight the fact that early man was interested in plants and animals around him. As man evolved socially, he began domesticating animals like cows, sheep, horses, and dogs, which allowed him to learn more about the ways and lives of these animals. Greeks were the first people who organized the study of Biology. A few of the scientists who were involved with the early study are given below:

• Aristotle was the first peson to study animals in detail and is also known as the Father of Biology/Zoology.
• Theophratus studied plants and is known as the ‘Father of Botany“.
• Hippocrates is known as the “Father of Medicine“.

In India, around 2500 B.C to 650 B.C biology flourished. Animals were being classified as Oviparous and Viviparous. The cultivation of rice began, with over 1000 varieties being the current count. During the 16th century, the invention of Microscope opened a new world of minute animals and plants came to human knowledge. The term ‘Cell‘ was coined which further amplified the study of Biology. Currently, biology has made a great progress in the field of Genetics, Genetic engineering, Antibiotics, Cancer research, cloning, Stem cell research.

NCERT Biology Class-wise Revision Notes

Quick notes help students to revise the whole syllabus in minutes. CBSE Revision Notes clearly give you a short overview of the complete chapter as these CBSE chapter-wise key points are prepared in such a manner that each and every concept from the NCERT syllabus is covered in form of CBSE Revision Notes. Following are the links to the revision notes from Grade 8 to Grade 12:

• CBSE Class 8 Biology Revision Notes
• CBSE Class 9 Biology Revision Notes
• CBSE Class 10 Biology Revision Notes
• CBSE Class 11 Biology Revision Notes
• CBSE Class 12 Biology Revision Notes

NCERT Biology Chapter-wise Solutions

Important biology questions for CBSE classes 6–12 are available here. Our subject matter experts and educators have created the questions with consideration for the NCERT curriculum and syllabus. Students can easily do well on their board exams by figuring out the answers to these questions. Following are the links to the chapterwise solutions from Grade 8 to Grade 12:

• CBSE Class 8 Biology Chapterwise Solution
• CBSE Class 9 Biology Chapterwise Solution
• CBSE Class 10 Biology Chapterwise Solution
• CBSE Class 11 Biology Chapterwise Solution
• CBSE Class 12 Biology Chapterwise Solution

Important Class 12 Biology Chapters with Class 12 Biology Notes

The list of important class 12 biology chapters are:

• Plasmodium Life Cycle – Classification, Life Cycle and Diagram
• Ecosystem 
• Evolution 
• Molecular Basis of Inheritance
• Microbes in Human Welfare
• The Experimental Proof Of DNA Replication
• Lac Operon
• Food Preservation – Importance, Objectives, and Methods
• Biogas Production – Role of Microbes
• Competition Interaction 
• Genetic Code and Mutations
• What Is Parasitism? Definition, Types and Examples
• Contraceptive Methods
• Loss of Biodiversity

Important Class 11 Biology Chapters with Class 11 Biology Notes

The list of important class 11 biology chapters are:

• Cell the Unit of Life
• Neural Control and Coordination
• Structural Organisation in Animals
• Generation And Conduction Of Nerve Impulse
• Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity
• Biomolecules – Definition, Structure, Classification, Examples
• Parts of a Flower and their Functions
• Kingdom Monera – Definition, Classification, Characteristics, Examples
• Chemical Coordination and Integration
• Seed Dormancy
• Respiration In Plants
• Diploblastic And Triploblastic Organization
• Cyclic and Non-cyclic Photo-phosphorylation
• Cardiac Cycle
• Difference between Angiosperms and Gymnosperms
• Meiosis – Definition, Stages, Function and Purpose
• Morphology of Flower – Definition, Structure, Parts, Examples
• Prokaryotic Cells
  
• Fermentation: Meaning, Process, Types and Importance
• Structure Of A Dicotyledonous Seed
• Protein Structure – Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, Quaternary
• What is Nucleus?
• Body Fluids and Circulation
• Connective Tissue – Definition, Functions, Types, Examples
• Biological Classification
• Organ System

Important Class 10 Biology Chapters with Class 10 Biology Notes

The list of important class 10 biology chapters are:

• Human Reproductive System
• Human Nervous System
• life process
• control and coordination
• How do organisms reproduce
• Hereditary and evolution notes
• Our environment
• Brain Anatomy
• Female Reproductive System
• Components of Ecosystem – Biotic and Abiotic
• Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants
• Movement Due to Growth in Plants
• Coordination in Plants
• Heterotrophic Nutrition
• Speciation and Evolution
• Respiration
• Managing the Garbage we Produce
• Transportation in Plants
• Reflex Action
• Male Reproductive System
• Nutrition in Living Organism
• What is the Ratio of Dihybrid Cross?
• Hormones In Animals
• Do Organisms Create Exact Copies of Themselves? 
• Accumulation of Variation During Reproduction
• The Fusion of Biology and Electronics
• How do the Traits and Characters get expressed?
• Tracing Evolutionary Relationships
• Protection of the Central Nervous System
• Sex Determination
• Nutrition In Human Beings
• Evolution 
• Means of Transportation In Plants
• Role of Hormones in Completing the Life History of Insects and Frogs
• Which is a Better Mode of Reproduction & Why?

Important Class 9 Biology Chapters with Class 9 Biology Notes

The list of important class 9 biology chapters are:

• Endoplasmic Reticulum – Structure, Types And Functions
• Bryophyta – Structure, Classification and Characteristics
• Lysosomes – Definition, Types, Significance, Functions
• Pteridophyta – Definition, Characteristics, Classification, Uses
• Carbon Cycle
• Water Cycle – Process, Diagram, and its Various Stages
• What is Manure? Definition, Types, Advantages and Disadvantages
• Nervous Tissue – Definition, Characteristics, Functions, Types
• Improvement in Food Resources
• The Fundamental Unit of Life
• Crop Variety Improvement
• Mineral Riches in the Soil
• Phylum Coelenterata – Definition, Characteristics, Classification, Examples
• Gymnosperms – Definition, Characteristics, Uses and Examples
• Structure and Types of Animal Tissues
• Meristematic Tissues – Definition, Features, Types, Role
• Scientific Name of Human Being
• Are Plants and Animals Made of Same Types of Tissues?
• Biogeochemical Cycles
• Ozone Layer – Causes, Effects & Depletion

Important Class 8 Biology Chapters with Class 8 Biology Notes

The list of important class 8 biology chapters are:

• Types of Pollution
• Food Sources – Food from Plants and Animals
• Fertilization
• Deforestation and Its Causes
• Conservation of Forest and Wildlife
• Biosphere Reserve – Zones and Their Importance
• Embryo Development – Development Process of Fetus
• Reforestation
• Agricultural Implements and Tools
• Basic Practices of Crop Production
• Female Reproductive Organs – Anatomy, Diagram, Functions, Disorders
• Cytoplasm and Nucleus – Overview, Structure, Functions, Examples
• Microorganisms: Friend and Foe
• Crop Production and Management
• Reaching The Age of Adolescence
• Types of Asexual Reproduction
• Animal Husbandry – Types and Advantages

School Biology

• Diagram of Animal Cell
• What is Biome?
• Environmental Issues and Solutions
• Animal Cell
• Evolution Of Humans
• Food Web
• Ecological Pyramid
• Mitosis 
• Lipids 
• Parts of a Flower and their Functions
• Cell Organelles
• Food Chains and Food Webs
• Diagram of Water Cycle
• List of 206 Bones in Human Body
• Cell the Unit of Life
• Chloroplasts
• Energy Flow of Ecosystem
• Difference Between Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration
• Ethical Issues Related to Genetically Modified Organisms
• What does Ramachandran Plot tell us?
• Classification of Animals
• Ribosomes
• Cell 
• Kingdom Protista
• Carbon Cycle

Check Here for More Topics: School Biology Archives

Biology MAQs

• What does Ramachandran Plot tell us?
• What is Oogenesis?
• What are Darwin’s four Postulates?
• What is DNA Fingerprinting?
• What is Nephron?
• What is Metabolism?
• What is Monocot Root? 
• What is Dicot Root? 
• What is Hemoglobin? 
• What is Amoeba?
• What Stem Cell is and its use?
• What is Somatic Hybridization?
• What is Chromatin?
• What are Secondary Messengers?
• What is Crossing Over?
• What are Homologous Structures?

Check Here for More Topics: Biology MAQ

Biology Diagram’s

• Tap Root Diagram
• Diagram of Mitochondria
• Important Biology Diagrams
• Amoeba
• Diagram of Mitosis
• Diagram of Human Brain
• Diagram of Ear
• Ascaris lumbricoides Structure and Life Cycle
• Labelled Diagram of Scoliodon
• Trophic level Diagram
• Diagram Of Stomata and its Types
• Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV)
• Diagram of Water Cycle
• Labelled Diagram of Neuron with Detailed Explanations
• Diagram of Animal Cell

Check Here for More Topics: Important Biology Diagrams for Class 8 to Class 12 and NEET Exam

Difference Between Series of Biology

The list of articles on difference between are given below:

• Difference Between Thrombin and Prothrombin
• Difference Between Aardvarks and Anteaters
• Difference Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Replication
• Difference Between G-Actin and F-Actin
• Difference Between Alpha, Beta and Gamma Hemolysis
• Difference Between Purines and Pyrimidines
• Difference between Pneumothorax and Tension Pneumothorax
• Difference Between Cold Blooded And Warm-Blooded Animals
• Difference Between Renewable And Non-Renewable Resources
• Difference Between Open and Closed Mitosis
• Difference Between Medial and Lateral
• Difference Between Autotrophs and Heterotrophs
• Difference Between Interstitial and Appositional Growth
• Difference Between Carbohydrates and Lipids
• Difference Between Oxygenated and Non-oxygenated Gasoline
• Difference Between Nervous System And Endocrine System
• Difference Between Active and Passive Transport

Biology Articles on Facts

Some of the important articles on facts are:

• Facts About Brain
• Facts About Biogas
• Facts About Anatomy
• Interesting Facts About Lungs
• Facts About Vitamin B
• Facts About Ribosomes
• Facts About Cholesterol
• Facts About Evolution
• Facts about Animal Cell
• Facts About Vitamins and Minerals

Themes of Biology

Despite the diversity of life, there are several unifying themes that tie biology together as a single field. These themes include:

• Hierarchy of organization: Living organisms are organized into a hierarchy, from the smallest molecules to the largest ecosystems.
• Unity and diversity of life: All living organisms share certain characteristics, such as cells, metabolism, homeostasis, growth, reproduction, and adaptation. However, there is also a great deal of diversity among living organisms.
• Energy and matter flow: Energy and matter flow through living organisms and ecosystems.
• Change over time: Living organisms and ecosystems change over time.

Importance of Biology

The study of biology has helped humans advance very far in their field. Few of the examples are given below:

• Medicine: The basis of contemporary medicine is biology. Scientists have been able to enhance surgical techniques, produce  new vaccinations to prevent diseases, and find novel treatments for diseases by knowing how the human body functions.
• Agriculture: Developing innovative agricultural technology to increase food production and enhance the quality of our food  supply requires a strong understanding of biology.
• Protection of the environment: Understanding and safeguarding the environment depend on biology.Biologists research how  organisms interact with their surroundings and create plans to save threatened species and ecosystems.

How biology is used in the real world?

• Medicine: Biologists develop new drugs and vaccines to treat diseases, and they develop new surgical techniques and medical devices.
• Agriculture: Biologists develop new crop varieties that are resistant to pests and diseases, and they develop new agricultural practices that are more sustainable.
• Environmental protection: Biologists study the interactions between organisms and their environment, and they develop strategies to protect endangered species and conserve biodiversity.
• Biotechnology: Biologists use living organisms to produce products, such as food, medicine, and biofuels.
• Forensic science: Biologists use DNA and other biological evidence to solve crimes.

Future of Biology

Biology is a rapidly evolving field. New discoveries are being made all the time, and new technologies are being developed that allow us to study biology in new ways. For example, the development of gene editing technologies has revolutionized the field of biology and has led to new insights into the causes and treatments of diseases.

The future of biology is bright. Biologists are working on solving some of the world’s most pressing problems, such as climate change, disease, and food security. Biology is a fascinating and important science that has a profound impact on our lives.

Further Reading:

Biology – FAQs

What is Biology?

Biology is the scientific study of living organisms and their interactions with each other and their environments. It encompasses everything from the smallest cells to complex ecosystems.

Who is the father of biology?

Aristotle is recognized as the father of biology for his pioneering contributions to the study of living organisms.

What are the Main Branches of Biology?

Biology has several branches, including botany (the study of plants), zoology (the study of animals), microbiology (the study of microorganisms), genetics (the study of heredity), and ecology (the study of ecosystems).

Who is the Mother of biology?

Maria Sibylla Merian is celebrated as the mother of biology, known for her detailed observations and illustrations of insects and plants.

Who First Discovered Biology?

The discovery of biology as a science is attributed to Thomas Beddoes, who made significant early contributions to the field.

What are Some Important Topics in Biology?

Key topics in biology include evolution (the process of how species change over time), genetics (the study of inheritance), photosynthesis (how plants convert sunlight into energy), and cell biology (the study of the basic units of life).

Who is the Father of Zoology?

Aristotle is also known as the Father of Zoology due to his extensive studies and classifications of various animals.

How Does Biology Relate to Medicine?

Biology plays a crucial role in medicine by providing the foundation for understanding diseases, the human body, and the development of medical treatments and advancements in healthcare.

Who is the Father of Virology?

Martinus Beijerinck is honored as the Father of Virology for his discovery of viruses as a new form of infectious agent.

Why is Biodiversity Important in Biology?

Biodiversity, or the variety of life on Earth, is essential for ecosystem stability and the well-being of all living organisms. It contributes to ecosystem services and supports various human needs.