TOPIC 01

INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY
DEFINITION OF BIOLOGY:

Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms, focusing on their structure,
function, growth, evolution, distribution, and interactions.

The word Biology comes from two Greek words which are:

a. Bios – which means “Life”

b. Logos – which means “Study/Knowledge”

Other Terminologies

Biologist: is a person who studies biology.

Life is the state of being exist or alive

Cell is a basic unit of life

Organism is anything which has life. (Plants and

animals)

BRANCHES OF BIOLOGY:

Biology has two main branches

a. Zoology: This is the branch of biology that deals with the Study of animals.

b. Botany: This is the branch of biology that deals with the Study of plants.

Other Branches of Biology

Physiology: Study of the functions and mechanisms in living organisms, including how
organs and systems work.

Anatomy: Study of the structure of organisms, including their systems, organs, and
tissues.

Entomology: Study of insects, their behavior, ecology, and roles in ecosystems.

Mycology: Study of fungi, including their taxonomy, genetics, and ecological roles.

Taxonomy: the study of classification of living things basing on their characteristics.

PREPARED BY MR. EDGER N.E 2024

Immunology: Study of the immune system and its responses to pathogens, including
diseases and vaccines.

Microbiology: is the study of micro organisms

Parasitology: this include the study of all parasite

CHARACTERISTICS OF LIFE:

Cellular Organization: Living things are made up of cells.

Metabolism: All living organisms undergo chemical processes to maintain life.

Homeostasis: Ability to maintain a stable internal environment.

Growth and Development: Organisms grow and develop following specific

genetic instructions.

Reproduction: Ability to produce new individuals.

Response to Stimuli: Organisms respond to environmental changes.

Adaptation through Evolution: Populations evolve over generations through

natural selection.

CHARACTERISTICS OF LIVING THINGS

1. Movement: This is the ability of organism to move from one place to another.
While not all living things move actively (like plants), they can exhibit movement
in response to stimuli (e.g., growth towards light).

2. Reproduction: is the ability of organism to reproduce, either sexually or

asexually, passing genetic information to the next generation.

3. Growth and Development: this is the process where living things grow and
develop. Living organisms grow and develop according to specific instructions
coded in their DNA. This includes changes in size, shape, and function over time.

4. Excretion: this is the process where living organism produces and removes
waste materials from the body. Ex: carbon dioxide, water, urea etc

5. Irritability/Sensitivity: this is the ability of organism to respond to the

stimulus.

6. Nutrition: (Feeding) the process of taking food and utilize it to form energy.
PREPARED BY MR. EDGER N.E 2024
 7. Respiration: is the process of breaking down food materials with cell to release
energy. All living things need energy for movement, growth and for function of
body organs. All this process take place in the presence of oxygen.

IMPORTANCES OF STUDYING BIOLOGY

Understanding Life Processes: Biology helps us understand the fundamental

processes of life, including reproduction, growth, and metabolism.

Environmental Awareness: Biology provides insight into ecosystems, biodiversity,

and the impact of human activities on the environment, fostering conservation efforts.

Agricultural Advancements: Studying biology aids in improving agricultural practices,

leading to better crop yields and sustainable farming techniques.

Personal Health Awareness: A solid understanding of biology empowers individuals

to make informed choices about their health, nutrition, and lifestyle.

Evolutionary Insights: Biology offers a framework for understanding evolution and

the relationships between different species, enhancing our grasp of biodiversity.

Health and Medicine: Knowledge of biology is crucial for advancements in medicine,

including understanding diseases, developing treatments, and improving public health.

Summarized Importance of Biology

 it help us to understand the life of living organisms

 it helps us to understand the impacts of human activities on the environment

 It helps us to understand agricultural practices and sustainable farming

techniques.

 It helps to understand better individual health and lifestyle

 It helps to understand the relationship between different species

PREPARED BY MR. EDGER N.E 2024

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PLANTS AND ANIMALS

PLANTS ANIMAL
They are autotrophic, i.e. they can make They are heterotrophic i.e. they feed on
their own food complex organic compounds

Contain chlorophyll, can undergo No chlorophyll, cannot undergo

photosynthesis photosynthesis

Growth occurs in some parts only i.e. root Growth occurs in all parts of the body.
and shoot tips.

They have branched bodies They have compact bodies

No nerves, muscles, blood system or Have nerves, muscles, blood system and
special sensory cells. special sensory cells.

Usually rooted in the ground and do not Not rooted in the ground, move to get
move from place to place. food and escape enemies.

Have no digestive system Have digestive system needed to break

down food

Cells of plants have cell walls Cells of animals have no cell walls

PREPARED BY MR. EDGER N.E 2024