Definition and Branches
Definition of Biology
Biology is the branch of science that deals with the study of life and living organisms. The
word Biology is derived from two Greek words: “Bios” meaning life and “Logos” meaning
study. Biology studies the structure, functions, growth, reproduction, evolution,
classification, and interactions of living organisms such as plants, animals, microorganisms,
and humans.
Major Branches of Biology
1. Botany
Botany is the branch of biology that deals with the study of plants, including their
structure, growth, reproduction, and diseases.
2. Zoology
Zoology is the study of animals, including their structure, behavior, reproduction, and
classification.
3. Microbiology
Microbiology deals with the study of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, viruses,
fungi, and some protozoans.
4. Cell Biology (Cytology)
It is the study of cells, including their structure, functions, division, and activities.
5. Anatomy
Anatomy is the study of the structure of organisms and their body parts.
6. Physiology
Physiology deals with the functions and activities of living organisms and their
organs. For example, how the heart pumps blood.
7. Genetics
Genetics is the study of heredity and variation—how characteristics are passed from
parents to offspring.
8. Ecology
Ecology studies the relationships between living organisms and their environment.
9. Taxonomy
Taxonomy is the branch concerned with the identification, naming, and classification
of organisms.
10. Embryology
Embryology deals with the development of an organism from the fertilized egg to the
developing embryo.