Introduction and Scopes of Biology

Introduction to Biology

The word science came from the latin word "Scientia" which means knowledge. Science is the search of reasons for different things on the process of knowing the truth. Science can be defined as the systematic study based on the facts, known by actual observation, experimentation, experiences, analysis and conclusion.

Biology is one of the branches of science. The word Biology is formed by two greek words i.e. "Bios" means life and "logos" means study. Literally, biology is the study of life. It is developed to study living organisms. It is an exceedingly broad and diverse subject which helps us to understand life process and reveals the secret of life:

• Earth was devoid of life at the beginning.
• Living organisms appeared on the earth around 3.5 billion years ago based on fossil records.
• Total almost 11 million living species are found. Such a huge number of living species has made biology as a fascinating subject.
• Biology not only details human brain but also explores vast forest and diversity, cloning, fingerprints, ageing delaying etc are new topics added in the biology.

Notes

• Aristotle is the father of biology.
• Lamarck and Trevirances coined the term biology.

Scopes of Biology

Human beings are the most intelligent organism due to the capability of thinking and understanding. For human, study of science has dual purposes. Firstly, they gain scientific knowledge. Secondly, they apply the knowledge for human welfare. On the basis of practical application, scope of biology in context of Nepal can be discussed in the following points;

Agriculture

Biology gives knowledge about the useful and harmful plant. So, the farmer can get better pest free crops.

Human health

Biology provides the knowledge to maintain good health by following a proper food, exercises, good habits etc.

Human diseases

Several pathogens cause different diseases. The habit, habitat, structure, life cycle etc of such pathogens can be studied in biology. So, we can be away from different diseases to a considerable extent.

Industries

Most of the industries are based on the products of plants and animals i.e jute, rubber, gum, sugar, leather etc.

Conservation of flora and fauna

Biology helps the scientists or researchers to conserve endangered flora and fauna.

Animal husbandry

Rearing of animals for food, watchman-ship, agriculture, transportation etc is an old practice done by man. Biology gives an idea to keep such animals in a systematic way.

Entertainment or Aesthetic value

Rearing of animals and preserving plants are done by the human for entertainment as well i.e. zoo, circus, aquarium, park, garden etc.

Economic value

The products obtained by the rearing of animals and planting can be sold in a market which gives financial aid. Tourist visits in Nepal to entertain with natural resources, wild lives, medicinal plants etc. By exposing flora and fauna, the country can raise its economic status.

Practical scopes

The concept of biology is essential in veterinary science, dairy science, pisciculture, apiculture, biotechnology, biophysics, biochemistry etc. Biology accepted the challenges given by the world regarding food, population, and disease with solutions i.e. new technology in agriculture, family planning and medicine.