Chapter 1: Introduction to biology
Q1. What is Science?
Ans:
Science is the study in which observations are made, experiments are conducted, and logical conclusions are drawn to understand the principles of nature.
Q2. Why was scientific knowledge classified into different branches?
Ans:
In ancient times, all scientific knowledge was grouped under one broad category called "Science." However, as the volume of scientific information grew over time, it became necessary to classify it into specific branches like Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics for better understanding and specialization.
Q3. What did Dr. Abdul Salam say about scientific knowledge?
Ans:
According to Dr. Abdul Salam, scientific knowledge is the common heritage of mankind.
Q4. What is Biology? Describe the major divisions of Biology.
Ans:
Biology
Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms.
Origin of the Word "Biology"
The term "Biology" is derived from two Greek words:
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"Bios" meaning life
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"Logos" meaning thought or reasoning
What do we study in Biology?
Biology helps us understand the structure, function, and behavior of living organisms. It also provides solutions to problems related to health, food, the environment, and more.
Major Divisions of Biology:
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Zoology—The study of animals.
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Botany—The study of plants.
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Microbiology—The study of microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses.
Q5. Define the Different Branches of Biology
Answer:
To study the vast and diverse aspects of life, the three major divisions of Biology—Zoology, Botany, and Microbiology—are further divided into specialized branches. Each branch focuses on a particular area of biological study:
1. Morphology
This branch deals with the form and structure of living organisms.
2. Anatomy
Anatomy is the study of the internal structures of living organisms.
3. Histology
The microscopic study of tissues is called histology.
4. Cell Biology
This branch focuses on the structure and function of cells and their organelles, including the process of cell division.
5. Physiology
Physiology deals with the functions of different parts of living organisms, such as organs and systems.
6. Embryology
Embryology is the study of the development of an embryo into a complete organism.
7. Taxonomy
This branch involves the classification and naming of organisms into groups and subgroups based on similarities and differences.
8. Genetics
Genetics is the study of genes and heredity—how traits are passed from one generation to the next.
9. Palaeontology
Paleontology deals with the study of fossils, which are the preserved remains or impressions of organisms that lived in the past.
10. Environmental Biology
Also known as Ecology, this branch focuses on the interactions between organisms and their environment.
11. Biotechnology
Deals with the practical application of living organisms and biological processes to create useful products for human benefit (e.g., medicines, vaccines, GMOs).
12. Sociobiology
Studies the social behavior of animals, especially those that form structured societies (like ants, bees, and humans).
13. Parasitology
Focuses on the study of parasites, their life cycles, interactions with hosts, and the diseases they cause.
14. Immunology
The study of the immune system in animals and how it defends the body against invading microbes and pathogens.
15. Entomology
The scientific study of insects, including their classification, life cycle, behavior, and impact on ecosystems and agriculture.
16. Pharmacology
Deals with the study of drugs and their effects on the human body. It plays a vital role in medicine and healthcare.
17. Molecular Biology
This field focuses on the molecules of life, such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and water.
It also includes the study of the structure and function of cells at the molecular level.
Q6. What are Parasites?
Answer:
Parasites are organisms that obtain food and shelter from living hosts and, in return, harm the host.
Examples include
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Viruses
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Bacteria
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Parasitic worms
Q7. What are the Major Biological Issues Today?
Answer:
Human population growth, infectious diseases, addictive drugs, and pollution are the major biological issues today.
Q8. Describe the relationship of biology to other sciences.
Ans:
Introduction
The interrelationship among different branches of science cannot be denied. Biological information relates to the other branches of science as well.
For example, when studying the process of movement in animals, the biologists have to refer to the laws of motion in Physics.
This forms the basis of interdisciplinary sciences.
(i) Biophysics
It deals with the study of the principles of physics, which are applicable to the biological phenomena.
Example: Similarity between the working principles of levers in Physics and limbs of animals in Biology.
(ii) Biochemistry
It deals with the study of the Chemistry of different chemical compounds and processes occurring in living organisms.
Example: The study of basic metabolism of photosynthesis and respiration involves the knowledge of Chemistry.
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(iii) Bio-Mathematics/Biometry
It deals with the study of using mathematical techniques and tools in biology.
Example:
To analyze the data gathered after experimental work, biologists have to apply the rules of mathematics.
(iv) Biogeography
It deals with the study of the occurrence and distribution of different species of living organisms in different geographical regions of the world.
Application of Biogeography:
It applies the knowledge of the characteristics of particular geographical regions to determine the characteristics of living organisms found there.
(v) Bio-Economics
It deals with the study of organisms from an economical point of view.
Example:
The cost value and profit value of wheat can be calculated through this branch, and benefits or losses can be determined.
Q9. Briefly describe the careers in biology.
Ans:
The following are the careers that a student of biology can plan to adopt:
(i) Medicine/Surgery
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Medicine deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in humans.
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In Surgery, the parts of the body may be repaired, replaced, or removed.
Example: Removal of stones through renal surgery, transplantation of kidney, liver, etc.
Both these professions are studied in the same basic course (MBBS) after higher secondary education, and the students go for specialization afterward.
(ii) Fisheries
It deals with the study of fish production and enhancing the quality and quantity of fish production.
Professionals of fisheries are employed in fisheries departments of Pakistan.
This profession can be adopted after bachelor's or master's level study of zoology and fisheries.
(iii) Agriculture
It deals with the study of food crops and animals, which are the source of food.
An agriculturist works for the betterment of crops like wheat, rice, corn, etc., and animals.
This professional course can be adopted after higher secondary education in biology.
(iv) Animal Husbandry
(a) It is the branch of agriculture concerned with the care and breeding of domestic animals (livestock), e.g., cattle, sheep.
(b) This professional course can be adopted after the higher secondary education in biology.
(v) Horticulture
(a) It deals with the study of the art of gardening.
(b) A horticulturist works for the betterment of existing plant varieties and for the production of new varieties of ornamental and fruit plants.
(c) This professional course can be adopted after the higher secondary education in biology.
(vi) Farming
(a) It deals with the development and maintenance of different types of farms.
For example, in some farms, animal breeding technologies are used for the production of animals that are better sources of protein and milk.
(b) In poultry farms, chickens and eggs are produced.
(c) In fruit farms, different fruit-yielding plants are grown.
This profession can be adopted after courses in agriculture, animal husbandry, or fisheries.
(vii) Forestry
(a) It deals with the study of natural forests and provides advice to the government for planting and growing artificial forests.
(b) This professional course can be adopted after higher secondary education in biology or after bachelor-level study of zoology and botany.
(viii) Biotechnology
(a) It deals with the study and work for the production of useful products through microorganisms.
(b) This professional course can be adopted after higher secondary education in biology or after bachelor-level studies in zoology or botany.
Q10. Explain the Islamic concept about the origin of life.
(Lahore Board 2011 – Short Question)
Ans:
Allah hints about the origin and characteristics of living organisms at many places in the Holy Quran.
Human beings have been instructed to explore the unknown aspects of life by reflecting on and researching the signs (ayat) provided in the Quranic verses.
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Q11. Give comparison in cellular, colonial, and multicellular organization.
Ans:
Five Major Groups of Organisms
All organisms have been divided into five major groups:
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Prokaryotes
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Protists
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Fungi
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Plants
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Animals
Types of Cells
All organisms are made of cells, and there are two basic types:
1. Prokaryotic Cells
Cells lacking membrane-bounded nucleus and organelles are called prokaryotic cells.
Examples: Bacteria, Cyanobacteria
2. Eukaryotic Cells
Cells having membrane-bounded nucleus and organelles are called eukaryotic cells.
Examples: Animal cells, Plant cells
Cell Organization in Living Organisms
Cells in living organisms are organized in three ways to form different types of body structures:
a) Unicellular Organization
(Lahore Board 2012 – Short Question)
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In unicellular organisms, only one cell makes up the entire body of the organism.
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All life activities (nutrition, reproduction, respiration, etc.) are carried out by this single cell.
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These organisms are usually microscopic.
Example: Amoeba, Paramecium, Euglena
b) Colonial Organization
In colonial type of cellular organization, many unicellular organisms live together, but there is no division of labour among them.
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Each unicellular organism in a colony lives its own life independently.
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They do not depend on other cells for their vital requirements.
Example:
Volvox – a green alga found in water – is an example of colonial organization.
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Hundreds of Volvox cells come together to form a colony, but each cell carries out its own life processes.
c) Multicellular Organization
In multicellular organization, cells are organized into tissues, organs, and organ systems.
Each type of cell performs a specific function, and different cell types work together for the survival of the organism.
Example: Mustard Plant (Brassica campestris)
(a) Sowing
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It is sown in winter and produces seeds at the end of winter.
(b) Importance
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The plant body is used as a vegetable.
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Its seeds are used for extracting oil.
(c) Body Parts of Mustard Plant
a) Vegetative Parts
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Includes roots, stems, branches, and leaves.
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These parts do not take part in sexual reproduction.
b) Reproductive Parts
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Flowers are the reproductive parts of the plant.
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They take part in sexual reproduction and produce fruits and seeds
Example: Frog (Rana tigrina)
(a) Body
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The body of frog also shows multicellular organization.
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The body is made up of various organ systems (e.g., digestive, circulatory, nervous systems).
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Each organ system consists of related organs that perform coordinated functions.
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All the organs are made up of specific tissues such as:
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Epithelial tissue
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Glandular tissue
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Muscular tissue
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Nervous tissue
Q12: What do you know about species?
Ans:
A species is defined as a group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.
Q13: What is habitat?
Ans:
Habitat means the area of the environment in which an organism lives.
Q14. Describe separate and comparative description of all the levels of biological organization.
Ans:
Biological Organization at Different Levels
(1) Subatomic and Atomic Level
(a) Atoms and Elements
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All types of matter are made up of elements.
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There are about 92 kinds of elements found in nature.
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Each element is made up of a single kind of atoms (from Greek: ‘a’ = not, ‘tom’ = cut).
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Atoms are structures composed of subatomic particles.
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The most stable subatomic particles are:
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Electrons
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Protons
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Neutrons
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(b) Bioelements
Out of the 92 natural elements, 16 elements are involved in forming the body mass of living organisms. These are called bioelements.
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Major Bioelements (99% of body mass):
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Oxygen (O) – 65%
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Carbon (C) – 18%
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Hydrogen (H) – 10%
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Nitrogen (N) – 3%
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Calcium (Ca) – 2%
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Phosphorus (P) – 1%
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Trace Elements (1% of body mass collectively):
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Potassium (K)
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Sulphur (S)
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Chlorine (Cl)
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Sodium (Na)
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Magnesium (Mg)
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Iron (Fe)
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Copper (Cu)
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Manganese (Mn)
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Zinc (Zn)
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Iodine (I)
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(2) Molecular Level
(a) Biomolecules
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In organisms, bioelements usually do not occur in isolated forms. Instead, they combine through ionic or covalent bonding.
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The stable particles formed by such bonding are called molecules.
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When these molecules occur in living organisms, they are called biomolecules.
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An organism is made up of an enormous number of biomolecules of hundreds of different types.
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These biomolecules serve as the building material of the body.
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They are constructed in great variety and complexity due to specific bonding arrangements.
Classification of Biomolecules
a) Micromolecules
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Molecules with low molecular weight
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Examples: Glucose, Water, etc.
b) Macromolecules
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Molecules with high molecular weight
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Examples: Starch, Proteins, Lipids, etc.
(3) Organelle and Cell Level
(Lahore Board 2011 – Short Question)
(a) Organelle Formation
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Biomolecules assemble in a specific pattern and form organelles.
(b) Cell Formation
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Organelles are sub-cellular structures, and when they assemble together, cells are formed.
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The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of life.
(c) Division of Labour within the Cell
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Each type of organelle is specialized to perform a specific function.
Examples:-
Mitochondria are specialized for cellular respiration.
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Ribosomes are specialized for protein synthesis.
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In this way, the functions of the cell are accomplished by these specialized structures.
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It is an example of division of labour within the cell.
No. of Cells
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In the case of Prokaryotes and most Protists, the entire organism consists of a single cell.
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In the case of most Fungi, Animals, and Plants, the organism consists of up to trillions of cells.
(4) Tissue Level
(a) Definition
A tissue is a group of similar cells specialized for the performance of a common function.
(b) Explanation
Each cell in a tissue carries out its own life processes (e.g., cellular respiration, protein synthesis)
and also performs special processes related to the function of the tissue.
(c) Examples
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Plant Tissues: Epidermal tissue, Ground tissue, etc.
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Animal Tissues: Nervous tissues, Muscular tissues, etc.
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