What is a biologist?

A biologist is a scientist who conducts research in biology. Biologists are interested in studying life on Earth, whether it is an individual cell, a multicellular organism, or a community of interacting populations. They usually specialize in a particular branch (e.g., molecular biology, zoology, and evolutionary biology) of biology and have a specific research focus (e.g., studying malaria or cancer).

Biologists who are involved in basic research have the aim of advancing knowledge about the natural world. They conduct their research using the scientific method, which often involves asking a question, formulating a hypothesis, conducting an experiment, analyzing results, and forming a conclusion. Their discoveries may have applications for some specific purpose such as in biotechnology, which has the goal of developing medically useful products for humans.

What does a biologist do?

Biologists help us to understand environmental issues, genetics and the biology of animals and plants by studying all manner of living things and the world around them. Biologists work across a wide variety of sectors, including:

types of biology?

Zoology

Zoology scientifically studies various aspects such as structure, behavior, classification, distribution, and physiology of animals. Aristotle is called the “father of Zoology”. Animal science is another name of zoology.

Zoology is descriptive as well as analytical. It is basic science and at the same time, is an applied science. A basic zoologist is only concerned with the knowledge of animals but not with the application of the gained knowledge. An applied zoologist is concerned with the information which will directly help animals and humans (e.g. medicine).

Botany

Botany deals with the scientific study of various aspects of plants such as their structure, physiology, ecology, and genetics. Theophrastus is called the “father of Botany”. Plant science is another name of botany.

Botany researches can be divided into different categories depending on which subcategory of biology the research is based on. For instance, botanists can study plant genetics, plant anatomy, ecology, cytology, biophysics, biochemistry, physiology, plant taxonomy, molecular biology, microbiology, and paleobotany. Botanists can also study a particular type of plants such as bryology (the study of mosses), lichenology (the study of lichens), mycology (the study of fungi), pteridology (the study of ferns), and phycology (the study of algae). Applied botany includes agronomy, forestry, food science, horticulture (production of ornamental crops and plants), plant breeding, natural resource management, and plant pathology.

Microbiology

Microbiology studies various aspects of microscopic organisms. These microscopic organisms can be acellular, multicellular, or unicellular. Leeuwenhoek is called the “father of Microbiology”.

Other Branches or Types of Biology:

Taxonomy

Taxonomy discusses the nomenclature, identification, and classification of living organisms.

Anatomy

Anatomy studies the internal structure of organisms that can be seen with eyes after dissection.

Morphology

Morphology deals with the study of the size, external forms, color, shape, relative position, and structure of the different living organs of alive beings.

Cytology

 Cytology focuses on the structure and form of cells and also the activities of the nucleus and additional organelles.

Histology

Histology studies the structure and organization of tissues as seen through a light microscope.

Molecular Biology

Molecular biology deals with the study of the structure, nature, function, physicochemical organization, interaction, and synthesis working of bio-molecules. These biomolecules bring about and command different functions of the protoplasm.

Cell Biology

Cell biology discusses the organizational, morphological, physiological, biochemical, pathological, genetic, evolutionary, and developmental aspects of cell and its elements.

Embryology

Embryology studies the fertilization, division, differentiation, and growth of the zygote into an embryo. In other words, it discusses the early development of alive organisms before the achievement of the size and structure of the offspring.

Physiology

Physiology focuses on the normal functions and processes of living beings and their body parts.

Genetics

This type or branch of biology studies genes, heredity, and genetic variation in alive organisms. Heredity discusses the expression and transmission of qualities from parents to children or offspring.

Ecology

Ecology discusses the relations of living organisms to one another and the environment.

Evolution/Evolutionary Biology

Evolution or evolutionary biology discusses life’s origin and new forms of the organism from the previous types by modifications including adaptations and changes.

Eugenics

Eugenics is a form of biology dealing with aspects related to impairment or improvement of the race, particularly that of humans.

Exobiology

Exobiology scientifically enquires about life’s possibility in outer space.

Paleontology

Paleontology studies the impressions and remains of past organisms available in the rocks of various ages. More precisely, it studies fossils.

Virology

Virology is the type or branch of biology that studies viruses and their every aspect.

Immunology

Immunology is a branch of medicine and biology which deals with immunity.

Marine Biology

Marine biology scientifically studies the organisms living in the ocean. It studies ocean ecosystems. 

Mycology

Mycology scientifically focuses on fungi.

Photobiology

Photobiology scientifically discusses the interactions of living organisms and light.

Parasitology

Parasitology is the branch or type of medicine or biology which is focused on parasitic organisms.

Biophysics

Biophysics applies the laws of physics to the learning of biological phenomena or living organisms.

Biochemistry

Biochemistry applies chemistry to the learning of living organisms. It is the branch or type of biology that deals with the physicochemical and chemical processes occurring within living beings.

Biotechnology

Biotechnology is the application of biological processes e.g. micro-organisms’ genetic manipulation for the production of hormones, antibiotics, etc.

Structural Biology

Structural biology is a type or branch of molecular biophysics, biochemistry, and biology. It discusses biological macromolecules’ molecular structure.

Radiobiology 

Radiobiology studies ionizing radiation’s action on living organisms.

Theoretical Biology

Theoretical biology is also known as mathematical biology. It is a field of scientific research that uses a range of mathematical applications in medicine, biology, and biotechnology.

**Q:‌ What is a Biologist?**



**A:** A biologist is a scientist who studies life and living organisms, exploring their structure,⁣ function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution. ​Biologists strive to understand ​the intricate mechanisms that govern biological⁢ systems, from the molecular level to the ecosystemic scale, aiming to advance our knowledge of the ‌natural world.



**Keywords:** Biologist, Life Sciences,⁤ Biological Science, Living Organisms, Structure, Function,⁢ Growth, Evolution, Distribution, Ecosystems



**Q: What Do ‌Biologists Do?**



**A:** Biologists engage in various research ‌activities, including:



* Conducting experiments and observations to study⁣ the behavior, physiology, and interactions of organisms.

* Analyzing data, formulating hypotheses, and developing theories related to biological phenomena.

* Identifying, classifying, and documenting the diversity of life forms.

* Investigating the effects‌ of ​environmental factors on living organisms.

* Exploring the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying biological processes.



**Keywords:** Research, Experiments, Behavior, Physiology,‌ Interactions, ⁤Data Analysis, Hypotheses, Theories, Biodiversity, Ecology,‌ Molecular Biology



**Q: What ⁤is the Role ⁤of a Biologist in Society?**



**A:** Biologists play ‍a ‌crucial role in society​ by:



*‌ Advancing our understanding of ​biological processes, aiding in the development of new medical treatments, agricultural⁣ advancements, ⁢and environmental conservation strategies.

* Contributing to scientific literacy ⁣and promoting ‍the importance of biodiversity.

* Advising on public policy‍ and decision-making related to biotechnology,​ healthcare, and environmental sustainability.

* Informing the public about complex scientific concepts and inspiring future‌ generations of scientists.



**Keywords:** Healthcare, Agriculture, Conservation, Scientific Literacy, Public Policy, Biotechnology, Sustainability, STEM Education



**Q: What Career Paths Can Biologists ⁣Pursue?**



**A:** Biologists enjoy diverse career ⁣opportunities in various fields, including:



* Academia: Teaching and ‍conducting research at universities and ‍research ⁢institutions.

* Healthcare: Working as medical professionals, researchers, or in the pharmaceutical industry.

* Environmental Science: Engaging in environmental conservation, restoration, and wildlife management.

* Agriculture: Researching crop improvement, pest control, and food production systems.

* Biotechnology: Developing new biotechnological applications in medicine, agriculture, and industry.



**Keywords:** ‍Career Opportunities,⁢ Academia, Healthcare, Environmental Science, Agriculture, Biotechnology