INTRODUCING BIOLOGY - Q&A
PROGRESS CHECK
1. Name the specific branches of Biology concerned with the study of:
(i) Fungi
Mycology
(ii) Fishes
Ichthyology
(iii) Insects
Entomology
(iv) Transmission of body characteristics from parents to children
Genetics
2. Mention the kind of study made under the following branches of science:
(i) Histology
It is the study of the minute structure of tiny bits of the body (tissues) as seen with the help of a compound microscope.
(ii) Ecology
It is the study of the relationship of an organism to both its living and non-living environment.
(iii) Cytology
It is the study of the structure and function of animal and plant cells.
(iv) Pathology
It is the study of diseases of plants and animals.
REVIEW QUESTIONS
A. MULTIPLE CHOICE TYPE
1. Choose the most appropriate option in the following statements.
(a) Palaeontology is the study of
(i) embryos
(ii) blood
(iii) classification
(iv) fossils
Answer: (iv) fossils
(b) Clones of animals are being produced through the practice of
(i) genetics
(ii) ecology
(iii) embryology
(iv) biotechnology
Answer: (iv) biotechnology
1. Name the following branches of biology
(a) Application of biological processes in technologies.
Biotechnology
(b) Science of growing fruits and vegetables.
Horticulture
(c) Study of prehistoric forms of life.
Palaeontology
(d) Study of causes of immunity (resistance to or defence against diseases).
Immunology
(e) Study of fishes.
Ichthyology
2. Fill in the blanks:
(a) Bioengineering deals with making artificial limbs and joints.
(b) Genome is the entire DNA sequence of an organ.
(c) Silk is produced by rearing silkworms.
(d) Evolution deals with the study of origin and descent of organisms.
(e) Organisms which draw food from the host body are called parasites.
(f) Animals which give birth to young ones are known as viviparous.
(g) Hippocrates is called the Father of Medicine.
3. Match the branches of biology in Column A with the respective areas of study in Column B.
| Column A | Column B | Correct Match |
|---|---|---|
| Ichthyology | Viruses | Fishes |
| Ornithology | Fishes | Birds |
| Ecology | Birds | Environment |
| Virology | Cells | Viruses |
| Herpetology | Diseases | Snakes (and lizards) |
| Palaeontology | Fossils | Fossils |
| Cytology | Snakes | Cells |
| Pathology | Environment | Diseases |
4. Name any two borderline sciences which are connected with Biology.
Biotechnology and Biochemistry. (Other valid answers include Biogeography, Bioengineering, etc.)
5. Name the respective sub-divisions of Biology which deal with the study of insects, birds, fungi and heredity.
Insects: Entomology
Birds: Ornithology
Fungi: Mycology
Heredity: Genetics
6. Name some professions other than medicine which require a basic knowledge of Biology.
Bacteriologist, Pathologist, Entomologist, Forester, Veterinary Doctor, and Biotechnologist.
1. What is Biology and when did it begin?
Biology is the study of living beings, that is, all plants and animals including humans. It is difficult to say exactly when it began, but it likely started when primitive man began collecting food, hunting, and recognizing plants and animals in his surroundings.
2. How does Biology help us in leading a healthier life?
Biology helps us understand the causes of many diseases and how germs are spread by agents like insects, wind, or water. This knowledge enables us to take proper care of our health, maintain sanitation, and live longer.
3. A farmer and a housewife may have never studied biology, yet both of them know some of its general principles through experience. State any two principles which they know.
(i) A farmer knows that crops require water and specific seasons to grow, which is a basic understanding of plant physiology and ecology.
(ii) A housewife knows that keeping food covered prevents it from spoiling or that boiling milk kills germs, which is a practical application of microbiology and hygiene.
4. Distinguish between the following pairs of sciences:
(a) Zoology and Entomology
Zoology is the general study of animals, whereas Entomology is a specific branch of Zoology that deals exclusively with the study of insects.
(b) Genetics and Embryology
Genetics is the science of the transmission of body characteristics from parents to offspring, whereas Embryology is the study of the formation and development of the embryo of plants and animals.
(c) Botany and Mycology
Botany is the general study of plants, whereas Mycology is the specific study of fungi.
(d) Space Biology and Exobiology
Space Biology is the study of survival problems of living things in outer space, whereas Exobiology is the study of life elsewhere in the universe.
(e) Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
Biotechnology is the use of living cells or microorganisms in industry and technology (e.g., biogas, food processing), whereas Bioinformatics involves the management and analysis of biological information stored in databases.
1. Do you think Biology can help in further increasing the yield of food? If so, how?
Yes, Biology helps in increasing the yield of food in the following ways:
1. New Varieties: New varieties of plants and breeds of cattle and poultry are developed using the knowledge of Biology (Genetics and Biotechnology).
2. Disease Control: The science helps in understanding diseases of plants and animals and how to cure them, reducing losses.
3. Agriculture and Farming: Advances in agriculture, dairy, and poultry farming practices ensure higher production of food.