Biological Facts: Definition, History, Concepts, Branches, & Facts

What is Biology?

Biology is defined as the study of the living world, their origins, anatomy, morphology, physiology, behaviours, evolution, and distribution. The subject also includes how they interact with their environment and other organisms. Aristotle is known as the father of biology. Modern biology explains the more complex forms and systems that support life. Biology is a constantly changing science; new developments, including genetic engineering and synthetic biology- change our notions of what life is and will be. Biology is the subject that explains life around us. There are several animals and plants in the living world, from microscopic organisms to giant Mammoths. You can learn all the interesting biology facts and expand your knowledge.

10 Interesting Biological Facts

Given below are the 10 interesting facts about biology and why it is considered one of the most important sciences.

Biology Is the Basics of Life Sciences

Biology is the backbone of the study of life sciences. Anatomy, biotechnology, ecology, genetics, microbiology, zoology, and even psychology are fields developed from a solid foundation in the principles of biology. This understanding helps to decode the basic building blocks of life- from simple cell structures to complex and intricate mechanisms and genetic codes contained in living things.

Microorganisms and Ecosystems

Although minute, microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses are very important in ecosystems. They take part in organic decomposition, nutrient cycling, and plant nutrition through nitrogen fixation in the soil. Besides that, some microbes live symbiotically within human and animal hosts, where they often provide important services related to digestion and immunity, thus pointing out their critical role in maintaining the process of life on Earth.

Human Anatomy and Physiology

A large part of biology is devoted to human anatomy and physiology, the study of the structure and function of parts of the body, starting from cells and tissues and leading on to organs and systems such as the nervous, circulatory, and muscular. Learning biology introduces one to the way the body works and how it interacts with the environment.

Evolution and Natural Selection

Biology helps in understanding the process by which living things, through adaptation, have evolved. The theory of natural selection by Charles Darwin is one of the basis of modern biology, explaining how genetic variations among populations lead to the survival of organisms best adapted to the environment. This is important in understanding biodiversity and the emergence of new species.

Biology in Modern Science and Medicine

Without biology, many advances made today in medicine, agriculture, and technology would not be possible. Certain key discoveries related to genetics, immunology, and biotechnology have helped in treatments, vaccinations, and food production that keep humankind alive. In turn, other areas of biology have enabled new disciplines like bioinformatics and genetic engineering that help one to understand the human genome and its diseases.

Balance of Nature

The importance of studying biology allows the understanding of how life is supported within nature. From photosynthesis in plants to food chains and ecosystems, biology explains how everything in nature is related. Knowledge and information gained from this are important to address environmental challenges like climate change and loss of species.

Living and Non-Living Entities

However, biology emphasizes more on living organisms and their interactions with non-living factors, like water, air, and mineral components. It explains the body structure, cell types, organs, tissues, and even non-living parts of the environment, such as soil and climatic conditions in the ecosystem.

Life and Metabolism

Biology deals with some of the fundamental questions in our lives, like: What is life? How do living organisms grow and reproduce? How are humans different from the plant and animal kingdoms? It goes a long way in explaining such phenomena as respiration, metabolism, and reproduction, hence explaining such questions as why we breathe and eat, and how various species adapt to environments.

Multidisciplinary Role of Biology

Biology has many fields of study that overlap with other disciplines of research, including biochemistry, pharmacology, environmental science, and even biotechnology. Biologists and those across disciplines collaborate on solving critical global issues: outbreaks of diseases, security of food, and environmental degradation.

DNA: The Genetic Blueprint

Deoxyribonucleic acid, DNA is a molecule containing the genetic instructions in all forms. DNA was discovered in the 1950s and it carries the code for every biological function right from cell division to heredity.

5 More Fascinating Biology Facts

Biology is, first and foremost, the science of life and organisms, explaining complex mechanisms that dominate all living things. Here are five interesting facts about Biology to illustrate the wonder of this discipline:

Facts About Cells

• Cells are the primary unit of all organisms.

• The body contains around 37.2 trillion cells that perform various functions.

• Some organisms contain only one cell. Others, such as animals, contain many cells.

• Cells have organelles that comprise the nucleus, mitochondria, and ribosomes, among others, on which life processes occur.

• Cells were discovered by Robert Hooke in 1665, marking the start of modern biology evolution.

Facts About Animals

• Animals are multicellular, heterotrophic organisms and depend on other living organisms for food.

• They range from microscopic animals such as tardigrades to the largest animals, the blue whale.

• Animals can broadly be categorized as vertebrates those that contain backbones and invertebrates which do not have backbones.

• Animal behavior, which entails communication, mating, and migration among many more is another area of study that falls under zoology.

• Many animals have developed ways of survival in extreme environments. Examples include deserts to the deep oceans.

Facts About Life

• Life emerged on Earth approximately 3.5 billion years ago as very simple microorganisms.

• All organisms have some things in common: metabolism, reproduction, growth, and adaptation.

• Life operates at levels of molecules, cells, organisms, populations, and ecosystems.

• The theory of evolution and natural selection provides an explanation for all living varieties.

• Life literacy can be used to find solutions in relation to environmental challenges such as climate change or species extinction.

Facts About Marine Biology

• Marine biology is the study of life in oceans, which cover about 70% of the Earth's surface.

• Oceans harbour an incredible number of species, ranging from plankton to large mammals like whales.

• Corals, like those under marine biology, are biodiversity hotspots that support 25% of marine life.

• Marine biologists investigate how human activities, like pollution and overfishing, impact ocean ecosystems.

• Indeed, the deepest part of the ocean is very little explored, containing thousands of as yet unknown species and ecosystems.

Facts About Biology Major

A major in biology includes training in all the following:

• Genetics, ecology, anatomy, and biochemistry,

• Life processes at the molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecosystem level.

• A degree in biology prepares students for careers in health care, research, environmental science, and education.

• Biology majors include laboratory work, field studies, and internships to give students working experience.

• Primarily, biology graduates pursue advanced studies in specializations, such as marine biology, microbiology, and biotechnology.

Importance of Biology

Biology is an important aspect of science that sheds light on how all the living organisms that are part of this world work. Their interactions, evolution and adaptation are carefully studied so that students can learn how things work. This is a very productive topic because it is very relevant and interesting at the same time. The practical tasks that are part of biology are also very sensible and fun. Biology always opens the way for further study of a particular subject, allowing progress to be made in these fields. Form various professions such as doctor, engineer, ecologist, chemist, scientist and more.

Biology NEET MCQs

Q1. Omnis cellula e cellula is the concept of______given by_____

1. Cell division; Rudolf Virchow

2. Cell respiration; Meredith Grey

3. Cell death; Harper Avery

4. Cell maturation; Leeuwenhoek

Correct answer: 1) Cell division; Rudolf Virchow

Explanation:

In 1838, German botanist Matthias Schleiden observed that all plants are composed of cells, and in 1839, German zoologist Theodor Schwann extended this idea to animals, declaring that they too are made up of cells. These foundational observations led to the formulation of the Cell Theory, which was later refined by German physician Rudolf Virchow, who introduced the famous dictum Omnis cellula e cellula ("new cells arise from pre-existing cells"). The Cell Theory states: (1) All living organisms are made up of one or more cells, (2) Cells are the basic unit of structure and function in organisms, and (3) New cells arise only from pre-existing cells, as they are self-reproducing. This theory remains a cornerstone of modern biology.

Hence the correct answer is option 1) Cell division; Rudolf Virchow

Q2. The GI tract or alimentary canal in humans starts with the ________ and proceeds to the __________, stomach, small intestine, and then to the large intestine (colon), rectum, and terminates at the _________. Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct option.

1. Tongue, trachea, anus respectively

2. Mouth, pharynx, duodenum respectively

3. Mouth, oesophagus, anus respectively

4. Salivary glands, larynx, jejunum respectively

Correct answer: 3) Mouth, oesophagus, anus respectively

Explanation:

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract, also known as the alimentary canal starts with the mouth and proceeds to the esophagus, stomach, small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum), and then to the large intestine (colon), rectum, and terminates at the anus. It has an endodermal origin during embryonic development.

Hence, the correct answer is option 3) Mouth, oesophagus, and anus respectively.

Q3. Which of the following statements is incorrect?

1. The major components of our food are carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

2. The major components of our food are carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

3. Food is reduced in the presence of oxygen to release energy in a process called aerobic respiration.

4. Food provides energy and organic materials for the growth and repair of tissues.

Correct answer: 3) Food is reduced in the presence of oxygen to release energy in a process called aerobic respiration.

Explanation:

Food is oxidized in the presence of oxygen to release energy in a process called aerobic respiration.

Food (usually glucose) is oxidized not decreased during aerobic respiration. Energy is released during the process when glucose (or other organic molecules) oxidizes in the presence of oxygen. The energy currency of cells- ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is created using this energy.

Hence, the correct answer is option 3) Food is reduced in the presence of oxygen to release energy in a process called aerobic respiration.

Also Read:

• Anatomy of Flowering Plants

• Principles of Inheritance and Variation

• Body Fluids and Circulation