Theories of Biology

Running head : SCIENCE OF LIFE

The Major Theories of the Science of Life

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The Major Theories of the Science of Life

The study of living things is called biology . Although biology is one of the fields of study in science , it has a broad range of concepts and principles . To the many scientists who have contributed to biology , it owes the many theories in its scope . Below are the major theories that are crucial for the study of biology p

Most famous of all the theories is the theory of natural selection proposed by Charles Darwin (Pruitt , 2005 ,

. 10 . In the theory different organisms living in nature change or evolve through the years Such process of change in living things is called natural selection (Pruitt , 2005 ,

. 10 . In connection , Mendel 's principle of inheritance is the process wherein characteristics of the parent organism are passed down to the offspring on and on through several generations . This is possible by certain factors known as genes (Pruitt , 2005 ,

. 10 Nevertheless , organisms are not solely composed of genes but rather organisms are composed of cells which come from previously existing cells which are the building blocks of living organisms (Pruitt , 2005 br

. 11 . Due to the many differences in characteristics of organisms biological classification was employed . By the use of biological classification , the various organisms are systematized . Just like the inanimate world , life abides by the rules of energy . Such study is known as bioenergetics (Pruitt , 2005 ,

. 11 . On the other hand , the ability of organisms to tolerate external conditions such as changes in pressure and temperature is known as homeostasis (Pruitt , 2005 ,

. 11 . Lastly the study of the interactions of organisms with others and the environment is known as ecology . Thus , the biological community with the non living environment is known as ecosystem (Pruitt , 2005 ,

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These different theories are used in research studies . One very good example is that of inheritance . The principle that governs inheritance is used in genetic engineering where the genetic characteristic of an organism is altered to add or remove specific traits (Microsoft Encarta 2006 . This method is widely used to produce more desirable products for man

References

Genetic Engineering (2006 . Microsoft Encarta 2007 [CD] . Redmond , WA Microsoft Corporation , Inc

Pruitt , N .L Underwood , L .S (2005 . BioInquiry , Making Connections in Biology . 3rd edition . Wiley and Sons , Inc...