Biology Definition and 602 Threads

Biology is the scientific study of life. It is a natural science with a broad scope but has several unifying themes that tie it together as a single, coherent field. For instance, all living organisms are made up of cells that process hereditary information encoded in genes, which can be transmitted to future generations. Another major theme is evolution, which explains the unity and diversity of life. Finally, all living organisms require energy to move, grow, and reproduce, as well as to regulate their own internal environment.Biologists are able to study life at multiple levels of organization. From the molecular biology of a cell to the anatomy and physiology of plants and animals, and evolution of populations. Hence, there are multiple subdisciplines within biology, each defined by the nature of their research questions and the tools that they use. Like other scientists, biologists use the scientific method to make observations, pose questions, generate hypotheses, and perform experiments to learn about the world around them.Life on Earth, which emerged more than 3.7 billion years ago, is immensely diverse. Biologists have sought to study and classify the various forms of life, from prokaryotic organisms such as archaea and bacteria to eukaryotic organisms such as protists, fungi, plants, and animals. These various living organisms contribute to the biodiversity of an ecosystem, where they play specialized roles in the cycling of nutrients and energy.

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  1. Priyadarshini

    Biological Sciences and Biomedical Sciences

    What is the difference between biological sciences and biomedical sciences? In biological sciences, is the main focus ecosystems, evolution etc or is the main focus human biology or zoology? Thanks!
  2. P

    Analyzing Bill Nye's Quote on Evolution and Education: Insights from Undeniable

    I'm sorry for posting this here as it is only partially science related but I tried yahoo answers already and received no help due to the science related material in it. I have an assignment is for both biology and english this year (my school like to make commbination assignments for whatever...
  3. A

    Other What's the best highschool biology book?

    What's a good comprehensive book for a high school student on biology that has never studied the subject before? (Campbell seems to be college/university-level so I can't touch that)
  4. Amine Quentin

    Evolution: Is It Fact or Fiction? | Biology Questions

    Hello Guys I'm not an expert in biology and do not know anything about I have some questions about evolution Is evolution fact and scientifically proven? And is there of biologists who say that evolution is wrong? Thank You
  5. R

    Quantum Biology: Life on the Edge - Where is the Electron?

    Reading Life on the Edge by McFadden and Al-Khalili. I know quantum biology is a controversial subject but my question is very traditional. The authors state" the quantum wave function is spread out over all space" " only through the act of looking can we force the electron to be a localized...
  6. A

    Question about biology - gene mapping

    Homework Statement Homework Equations RF = (#Recombinants)/(Total offspring) x 100 The Attempt at a Solution How do I know that b is unlinked? I know that unlinked genes have a recombination frequency of 50% or higher, but how do I calculate RF for the genes here?
  7. V

    Foreign cells can they survive and divide using its own dna

    If a foreign human cell is introduced into one's body by way of blood transfusion or through some other method could these foreign cells survive and take up host in their new environment ? So if a foreign nerve cell is introduced could this nerve cell take up host as a native cell where it can...
  8. T

    Does Mass Determine Speed? Investigating the Physics and Biology

    I don't know whether this is physics or biology. I think that depends on the answer as much as the question. 1) Hollywood says a big hulking giant would be a huge threat. 2) Critics laugh and say that a big hulking giant wouldn't even be able to walk. 3) Horses are fast, mice are slow, and ants...
  9. Abtinnn

    How Far Will Computer Science Go?

    Many problems in modern science are being solved by computers and not humans (though technically it's the humans that give the task to the computer). If this keeps advancing, would there be anything left for us as a "job?" Sorry if my question sounds dumb but i thought it would be interesting to...
  10. BruceW~

    Books for High School Science: Astronomy, Chemistry, Biology, Calculus

    Hi guys I'm Bruce. I'm new to this forum and I 'm currently a high school student. I was wondering if there was any good books( not too advanced) on topics such as astronomy, chemistry, biology and calculus. If you can give me one or two suggestions that will be great.
  11. ynon

    Hello, optometrist with interest in all sciences. O.D.

    70 yr. old, university and graduate courses in physics, mostly optics. O.D. degree. Many interests and very active. Proud of my Neanderthal cousins and Grandma Lucy.
  12. M

    Gift for Structural Biology professor

    Hello, I would like to offer a gift to one of my professor who has been extraordinary nice to me this past year. He is a physicist in the field of Structural Biology. I am thinking of buying him a cool book/illustrated novel about history of science. The best that I have come up so far is...
  13. S

    Any non-textbook books about Cell Bio?

    Hey guys, I'm looking for a book to read just to gain a deeper understanding of cell bio. I found this book, but I'm not sure I want to read it yet: https://www.amazon.com/dp/9814307327/?tag=pfamazon01-20 I'm looking for something that isn't in a textbook format. Any suggestions? Thanks, -Serg
  14. A

    What Comes Next After Secondary Education? A Senior's Dilemma

    I do not know what to write here, so I just going to say hi! I am Aura a senior 2016 and in this point of my life the time has come to make in my opinion "the most decisive" decision of my life.
  15. E

    How Long Do Quantum Effects Last in Biological Processes?

    Not long ago some biological phenomena were found that have quantum background. These are photosyntesis, quantum smell (Luca Turin), sensation of Earth magnetic field by European Robin etc. What are coherence times of these phenomena?
  16. TranscedentKid

    Schools Between H.S and college: would like pre-study STEM advice?

    The safe path for me is pre-med, which means biology. For career purposes, I imagine it's in my best interests to double major (Bio, computer sci, maybe a minor in business or economics). I've been told that having tech schools will make an M.D. even more valuable. Which reminds me-- I've been...
  17. micromass

    Other Exploring Biology: A Beginner's Guide for Mathematics Majors

    Hi membraneinos! :) Mathematics is interesting and all. But sometimes I miss the touch for something real. So I am trying to expand my horizons a bit. And I think that perhaps biology would be fun to learn. So please recommend me any books in biology (but beware, I'm just a beginner!). Also...
  18. F

    Biophysics: Is it Right for Your Interests?

    As the title says, I want to know which is the area of study of Biophysics. I am really interested in physics because of how interesting everything is. But also I have a great interest on subjects like neuroscience and genetics. Do you think biophysics would be good? Or better go with a biology...
  19. F

    Choosing Between Physics, Aerospace Engineering, and Biology: My Struggle at 18

    Hello, my name is Marcos. I am 18 years old and I am from Argentina. I am going through quite a struggle deciding between Physics, Engineering(specifically Aerospace Engineering) and biology.The reasons for my interest in physics are: I would love to carry out research(I like science), I like...
  20. Entanglement

    Other Campbell Biology 9th vs 10th edition

    I'd like to know if there's much difference between Campbell Biology (9th edition) and Campbell Biology (10th edition). People always tell me that Campbell Biology is the best Biology introductory book, so I've decided to buy it, and I'd like to save money and just buy the 9th edition if there...
  21. R

    The Future of Biology -- Which will be new developments?

    Which branches of the Biological sciences are likely to undergo intense development in the next 10 to 20 years? Which branches of Biological sciences currently face important questions which biologists find very hard to answer? Could you please list some of these questions?
  22. L

    Help with questions on becoming a surgeon?

    Im almost 16 and in 10th grade and I am very interested in biology/human anatomy. But when i was in 9th grade i was homeschooled and it wasnt for me and i ended up procrastinating to the point were i was kicked out in the middle of the second semester (but you need to finish the whole semester...
  23. ish512

    Will not doing AP Biology hurt me in the long run?

    Hey all, I am currently a freshman in high school, and am thinking about my courses for next year. Currently I am signed up for: English 3 Honors Chemistry Honors Precalculus Honors AP Statistics AP World History Programming 1 Honors (prerequisite for AP Comp Sci) Spanish 3 Honors Orchestra...
  24. Biscuit

    Chemistry Nanotechnology careers with biology and chemistry?

    Ok this is my first time posting but my questions about my future are tearing me apart. I am only a sophomore in high school but I am very interested/study physics and intend on perusing my phd. I find nano technology very Interesting and one of the most influential studies that interests me...
  25. Meron

    How Can I Make Biology Less Boring in My Senior Year?

    I'm in my senior year. I need to get flying marks this year to get into a good college. I'm facing problems with biology, not because it's hard, but because it's too boring. It's true that there are some interesting topics like genetics but more than 80% of the textbook is filled with boring...
  26. Entanglement

    Physics Quantum Biology: Exploring the Hot Research Topic

    How hot is Quantum Biology these days? Is there much research being done on this subject ?
  27. D

    Complementarity in Physics and Biology

    As many of you know, Niels Bohr found an understanding of quantum theory in his idea of 'complementarity.' To him, this was not an 'interpretation' of quantum theory, in the sense that it is something added on top of quantum theory whose validity is not on the same footing as the theory itself...
  28. Dishsoap

    Biophysics REU with no biology background

    So here's the thing, I just heard back from a university with an REU offer. I'm super excited and this was definitely my top choice, however the research is in computational biophysics. Again, I'm definitely excited to learn more about the research, but I'm also terrified. I grew up going to a...
  29. Alettix

    The role of orcein in chromosome staining

    Hi! So some weeks ago I did a laboration in school where we had to make or own samples of onion root cells, in order to study the different phases of mitosis in a microscope. Orcein and hydrochloric acid was used when preparing the samples, to "soften up the cells" and do dye them. My questions...
  30. G

    Test questions with answers for studying Biology?

    Hello, Do you guys know any website from which I can download a lot of grade 12 bio quiz (and test) questions with the answers?
  31. miles johnstone

    Basics for: Carbohydrates, Proteins, Amino Acids and Lipids

    I have been trying to get my head around the basics for these four (Carbohydrates, Proteins, Amino Acids and Lipids) for about a week and I just don't understand the basic structure, formulas and such. Help?!
  32. S

    Physics Can I be a Biophysicist without biology?

    So my future dream job is to study life with a more scientific/theoretical approach. I'm super interested in biology subjects but when it comes to actually doing it I don't like biology; to me, it's just a lot of memorization and not as much problem solving as i'd like. I've already started down...
  33. M

    Glad to find a site for rational people.

    I am in retired college teacher. I have taught geology, meteorology, chemistry, biology as well as astronomy. I guess I'm a person that just likes science and am a super generalist.
  34. B

    Programs Preparing for Med School: A Freshman's Guide

    Hey yall. I am currently majoring in Biology at the University of Texas at San Antonio. I have plans to go to med school after I graduate and I am currently a freshman. As far as now, what can I start doing early to get myself prepared for the mcat test and other things I need to do prior to...
  35. J

    Cell physiology vs Molecular biology vs Cell Biology?

    What exactly is the concrete difference between those three?
  36. C

    Biophysics Equation for Cell Permeability: Alcohol Concentration Model

    Homework Statement Consider a simple, physical model of a cell in which the cell is regarded as a spherical bag with radius r, bounded by a membrane permeable to alcohol with permeability, P=20μms-1. Show the concentration of alcohol in the cell is governed by this equation. Homework Equations...
  37. M

    Advice for an Undergraduate Physics major looking for focus

    I am a sophmore physics major, and I'm trying to decide on a concentration. I'm very interested in psychology, and am trying to find a way to combine the two, but I doubt that with the time remaining that I could even minor in bio or psychology in the time remaining to me. If I wish to pursue...
  38. H

    To physical scientist, what do you think of biological sciences?

    I majored in neuroscience and applied math in college and want to do computational neuroscience research long term. Being at the crossroads of biology and physical sciences, I think a lot about how the two "worlds" view each other. The lab I'm currently in has some people directly from the...
  39. gracy

    Calculating Chromosomes & Nitrogen Bases in Biology

    I am not sure where to put this question in biology or maths forum.But i finally decided to ask here.Somatic cells have two "copies" of each of chromosomes, one inherited from each parent. Each sperm cell, on the other hand, only gets one "copy" of each chromosome (either the one from your mom...
  40. Brunnun

    Astrobiology: Is a PhD a Career Risk?

    I am probably making a fool of myself asking this here, but having little to no knowledge about the market in Physics (besides what I read in this forum), I would like to know if one is writing a death wish for one's financial life and career when choosing to study Astrobiology. I began...
  41. D

    Exploring the Physics of Emotions: Is There a Fundamental Variable?

    So... this may not be the right forum... but I figured biology was pretty close. While we have built a very strong correlation between let's say dopamine and happiness (not sure if that's right), I was wondering if anyone knows of research that looks at correlations between matter and emotions...
  42. T

    Quantum Biology and the Hidden Nature of Nature

    Just came across this youtube video discussing Quantum Biology It features Paul Davies and Seth Llyod. It debates whether biology makes use of non-trivial quantum effects to improve performance and/or perform functions that cannot be accounted for classically. I'm posting it here and asking...
  43. A

    How Can I Deepen My Understanding of the Science Behind Physiology?

    I have no idea where to post this, but I figured this is the most relevant place. I'm sorry if it's in the wrong section. I am a Pharmacology and Toxicology major at a large state school. I was only required to take physics I and II. (algebra based) At first I thought that was fine, but I...
  44. N

    Do somthing you love or you're good at?

    To start off, I am a freshman majoring in physics and I am a girl. Over the past few months in college, I am beginning to feel like I don't fit in. Because I am not as smart as others, I am questioning if I still want to major in physics. To be honest, I am very good in biology and understand it...
  45. T

    Explore Biology Careers: Safe Options & Job Prospects

    I'm helping someone figure out what they want to do career-wise. They know they're interested in biology, but they don't want to become a doctor. Based on my experience here, I'm guessing that becoming a biologist is a long and difficult road, and that a biology probably doesn't really prepare...
  46. Q490264

    SparkNotes 101: Biology (A Complete Course in a Book)

    Does anyone know where the book "SparkNotes 101: Biology (A Complete Course in a Book)" can be purchased in ebook form ? Thanks in advance.
  47. P

    Programs Alternative master's degree with a bachelor in physics

    I'm in my second year of my physics bachelor's (in the Netherlands) and my average score is about an 8.5. I like physics, but... I've already realized that an academic career in physics is not at all what i want to pursue. (eg. no theoretical physics/experimental physics in a lab). Basically...
  48. L

    Looking for an unusual material

    Dear all, I'm a university student in charge of developing a biochemical device (reactor) for the depuration of leather factory wastewaters, this is an european project leaded by Ambiental Engineering University of Florence. Part of this device should be colonized with fungi in order to purify...
  49. M

    Help Needed: Biology Survey - 30 Participants Needed

    Hello everyone. I hope this is Biology-related enough to stay on this forum. I only need 30 people to take this survey. It is 19 questions, and the information will only be used for educational purposes. If you have a chance, I would appreciate the help. :) I have posted it in two parts here...
  50. A

    Non-academic career with PhD in physical/molecular biology

    I am currently in a BSc into MSc program (continental Europe) that combines chemistry, molecular biology and a bit of physical chemistry. It is very much interdisciplinary. About 90% of the people continue into a PhD program and students with this career are preferred as PhD students because of...
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