Biology as a science

1.Biology is the science of life. Biologists study the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution and distribution of living organisms. There are generally considered to be at least nine “umbrella” fields of biology, each of which consists of multiple subfields: biochemistry, botany, cellular biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, genetics, molecular biology, physiology, zoology.

2.Biology has a long history. Even early humans had to study the animals that they hunted and know where to find the plants that they gathered for food. In classical times, Aristotle is often considered to be the first to practice scientific zoology. He performed extensive studies of marine life and plants. During the Renaissance, Leonardo da Vinci made detailed anatomical drawings of human beings. One of the first illustrated biology books is a botanical text written by German botanist Leonhard Fuchs in 1542.

3.During the Victorian era, and throughout the 19th century, “Natural Science” became something of a mania. On Nov. 24, 1859, Charles Darwin published "On the Origin of Species".  In 1866, Gregor Mendel published papers on inheritance (наследственность) and is now known as the father of genetics. In 1953, Watson and Crick explained the structure and function of DNA.

4.The 20th and 21st centuries may be known to future generations as the beginning of the “Biological Revolution”. We may “grow” batteries from bacteria or light buildings with bioluminescent fungi. We may discover ways to save our oceans while using them to produce enough food to feed the nations. The possibilities are endless; biology is just coming into its own.