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Biology is a complex branch of science and technology. It is based on a set of principles such as evolution, unity, homeostasis, diversity, and continuity. Biology is directly or indirectly interlinked with the other branches of science like chemistry, physics, and technology. The increased understanding of the field of biology has led human beings to have a better and more sustainable livelihood.
Overview
Biology is a branch of science that deals with living beings and the metabolic processes associated with them. This area of science studies all the physicochemical facets of life.
Under the field of biology, there is cross-disciplinary research based on scientific logic and scrutinising new aspects of it. Most branches of science are interconnected with various areas of biology. Some of them are biochemistry, biomedicine, biomechanics, and biophysics. There are several subdivisions of the branch of biology, and all of them are linked with each other with the fundamental principles of biology. The various subdivisions of biology include botany (study of plants), zoology (study of animals), morphology (deals with the structure of living beings), physiology (deals with the functioning of organs), etc. All of these areas of biology follow common biological principles such as cell division and genetic makeup.
Biology focuses on the basic units of life, based on levels of the organisation. In molecular biology, chemical reactions within the body are considered life. Cell biology is another branch of biology that deals with the study of cells, which are the basic fundamental units of living beings. The cell was discovered in the 17th century, after the invention of the compound microscope. On the other hand, population biology studies the community or groups of organisms that reside in a particular area or region.
Principles of Biology
Homeostasis: According to this principle, all living beings have the capacity to manage their internal environment. That principle was initially interred in the 19th century by French physiologist Claude Bernard. He defined it as “all the vital mechanisms, varied as they are, have only one object: that of preserving constant the conditions of life”. Later this concept was developed further as the biological systems’ (from cell to the earth’s entire ecosystem) ability to maintain stability by adjusting to conditions that are optimal for survival.
Unity: According to this concept, despite all living beings being unique, they share common biological, chemical, and physical properties. For instance, all beings are made up of the same type of fundamental units known as cells which consist of the same chemical substances. The activity of any organism is directly linked with the cells, and cells of all organisms interact with each other in the same manner. Therefore, the fundamental functioning of all living organisms is the same in nature.
This principle also states the unity of origin of all living organisms. As per the statement by German pathologist Redolf Virchow in 1855, “all living organisms are created from common pre-existing living cells”.
Evolution: This theory was proposed by Charles Darwin and it states that the evolution of all living organisms is based on the principle of “survival of the fittest”. Evolution is a biological activity common to all living beings, however, there are also differences. Comparative study analysis of fossil records works as proof for this theory.
Diversity: There is a variation among the species of the same kind of population irrespective of biological, chemical, or physical similarities. Throughout the years, many variations have been studied under this phenomenon.
According to Darwin, diversification among the species exists, but it is caused due to variations in genetic material (RNA and DNA). The slightest change occurs due to a change in the sequence of nucleotides. A change in the structure of chromosomes, however, causes a complete change in organisms. The mutation is another factor that causes diversity.
Behaviour and inter-relationships: The branch of biology that deals with interrelationships between organisms and environmental factors is known as ecology. These relationships play a significant role in understanding the circumstances of earth and other factors related to it. For instance, human activities cause destruction of natural habitats, hence proper understanding of this is essential to saving the environment.
Continuity: Creating the same species and carrying forward genetic information is the core principle of biology. Through reproduction, new progeny can receive the genetic traits from the previous generations.
Conclusion
Biological concepts are important in the field of science and research. Biology has some common ground principles on which it works. These principles are evolution, unity, homeostasis, diversity, and continuity. Biology is directly or indirectly interlinked with other branches of science such as chemistry, physics, and technology. The increasing understanding of the field of biology has led human beings to have a better and more sustainable livelihood.
