1st year biology chapter 1 notes

Chapter 1: Introduction to Biology—Short Questions with Answers

Basic Concepts

1. Define biology.
   Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms.

2. What is meant by zoology?
   Zoology is the branch of biology that deals with the study of animals.

3. Write a definition of botany.
   Botany is the branch of biology concerned with the study of plants.

4. What is microbiology?
   Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

5. Name three major divisions of biology.
   Zoology, Botany, and Microbiology.

Branches of Biology

6. What is morphology?
   Morphology is the study of the form and structure of organisms.

7. Define physiology.
   Physiology deals with the functions and processes of living organisms and their parts.

8. Define anatomy.
   Anatomy is the study of the internal structure of organisms.

9. What is taxonomy?
   Taxonomy is the science of naming, classifying, and organizing organisms.

10. What do you mean by embryology?
    Embryology is the study of the development of an organism from a fertilized egg to the embryo stage.

11. What is genetics?
    Genetics is the study of heredity and variation in living organisms.

12. Write the definition of ecology.
    Ecology is the study of the relationship between organisms and their environment.

13. What is biotechnology?
    Biotechnology involves the use of living organisms or biological processes in industrial and medical applications.

14. Define immunology.
    Immunology is the study of the immune system and how the body defends itself against disease.

15. What is the study of viruses called?
    Virology.

16. Define pharmacology.
    Pharmacology is the branch of biology that deals with drugs and their effects on living organisms.

17. What is bioinformatics?
    Bioinformatics is the use of computer technology to manage and analyze biological data.

18. Define entomology and give one example.
    Entomology is the study of insects. Example: Study of ants.

19. What is paleontology?
    Paleontology is the study of fossils and ancient life forms.

20. What is the difference between histology and cytology?
    Histology is the study of tissues, while cytology is the study of cells.

Biological Organization

21. List any four levels of biological organization.
    Cell, Tissue, Organ, Organ System.

22. What is a cell?
    A cell is the basic structural and functional unit of life.

23. Define tissue and give an example.
    A tissue is a group of similar cells performing a specific function. Example: Muscle tissue.

24. What is meant by an organ system?
    An organ system is a group of organs working together to perform a common function.

25. Define population in biology.
    A population is a group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area.

26. What is a community?
    A community is a group of different populations living and interacting in the same environment.

27. Differentiate between ecosystem and biosphere.
    Ecosystem: All living and non-living components in an area.
    Biosphere: The global sum of all ecosystems.

28. Define species.
    A species is a group of similar organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.

29. What is the correct hierarchy of biological organization?
    Atom → Molecule → Organelle → Cell → Tissue → Organ → Organ System → Organism → Population → Community → Ecosystem → Biosphere

30. Give one example of a unicellular organism.
    Amoeba.

Scientific Method

31. What is the scientific method?
    A systematic way of investigating natural phenomena through observation, hypothesis, experimentation, and conclusion.

32. Define hypothesis.
    A hypothesis is a tentative explanation that can be tested through experiments.

33. What is meant by observation in the scientific method?
    Observation involves collecting data or noticing something that prompts a scientific question.

34. What is a theory?
    A theory is a well-supported scientific explanation based on evidence and repeated testing.

35. Define experimentation.
    Experimentation is a process of testing a hypothesis under controlled conditions.

36. Write any two steps of the scientific method.
    Observation and Hypothesis.

37. What is meant by data analysis?
    Data analysis involves interpreting the results of experiments to draw conclusions.

38. Differentiate between a theory and a law.
    A theory explains why phenomena occur; a law describes what happens under certain conditions.

39. Define the term “deductive reasoning.”
    Deductive reasoning is applying general principles to reach specific conclusions.

40. Define the term “inductive reasoning.”
    Inductive reasoning is deriving general principles from specific observations.

Binomial Nomenclature and Classification

41. Who introduced binomial nomenclature?
    Carl Linnaeus.

42. What is binomial nomenclature?
    A system of naming organisms using two Latin words: genus and species.

43. What is the scientific name of a human?
    Homo sapiens.

44. What is taxonomy?
    Taxonomy is the science of classification of organisms.

45. Define classification.
    Classification is the arrangement of organisms into groups based on similarities.

46. Why is classification important?
    It helps in identifying, naming, and understanding relationships among organisms.

47. Name the two parts of a scientific name.
    Genus and Species.

48. Give an example of a binomial name.
    Felis catus (domestic cat).

49. Define genus.
    A genus is a group of closely related species.

50. Define species.
    Species is the basic unit of classification; members can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

Miscellaneous

51. Who is called the father of biology?
    Aristotle.

52. What is homeostasis?
    Homeostasis is the maintenance of a stable internal environment in an organism.

53. Write two characteristics of living organisms.
    Growth and reproduction.

54. Name two branches of applied biology.
    Biotechnology and Pharmacology.

55. What is the significance of biology in medicine?
    Biology helps in understanding diseases, developing treatments, and producing medicines.

56. How is biology helpful in agriculture?
    It aids in improving crops, pest control, and understanding soil-plant interactions.

57. Differentiate between biotic and abiotic components.
    Biotic: Living components (e.g., plants, animals); Abiotic: nonliving components (e.g., water, sunlight).

58. Define the term biodiversity.
    Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms in an ecosystem.

59. What is the role of biology in industry?
    Biology is used in fermentation, food production, and biofuel development.

60. What is the importance of bioinformatics?
    It helps store, analyze, and interpret biological data, especially genetic information.