Biology explained to kids
Biology is the natural science that studies life and living organisms, including their physical structure, chemical processes, molecular interactions, physiological mechanisms, development and evolution. Despite the complexity of the science, certain unifying principles consolidate it into a single, coherent field. Biology recognizes the cell as the basic unit of life, genes as the basic unit of heredity, and evolution as the engine that propels the creation and extinction of species. Living organisms are open systems that survive by transforming energy and decreasing their local entropy to maintain a stable and vital condition defined as homeostasis.
Biology is a vast subject containing many subdivisions, topics, and disciplines. Biologists conduct research at the atomic, cellular, and organismal levels. The study of biology at any one of these levels can be divided into many specialized fields. Molecular biology is the study of the chemical structure of biological molecules, the interactions between them, and the way they work in the cell. Cellular biology is the study of the structure and function of the cell, including the organelles within the cells, and how cells interact with their environment. Anatomy and physiology are the study of the structure and function of the body's organs and tissues.
Evolutionary biology is the study of the history of life on Earth and the mechanisms that have led to the diversity of life. Ecology is the study of the distribution and abundance of organisms, the interactions between them, and the interactions between them and their environment. Developmental biology is the study of the cellular and molecular processes that lead to the formation of an organism, from fertilization to adulthood.
The science of biology is divided into two main branches: zoology and botany. Zoology is the study of animals, while botany is the study of plants. These two branches are further divided into sub-branches, each of which focuses on a particular group of organisms or a particular aspect of the study of life. For example, the sub-branch of zoology that focuses on the study of fish is called ichthyology, while the sub-branch of botany that focuses on the study of trees is called dendrology.
Biology is a complex and fascinating science that is constantly evolving as our understanding of the natural world grows. It is an essential part of our lives, and the study of biology can provide us with a greater understanding of ourselves and the world around us.