Chapter 1 Introduction to Biology part 1

 

Chapter 1|Biology 9th Class for FBISE &RBISE

The detail topic by topic explanation of chapter 1 with PowerPoint slide notes for students of grade 9.

CHAPTER – 1

Introduction to Biology

Science: Our universe operates under certain principles. For understanding of these principles, the experiments are done and observations are made; on the basis of which logical conclusions are drawn. Such a study is called “Science”. In brief science is the knowledge based on experiments and observations. Biology: The Scientific study of living organisms is called Biology. The word biology is derived from two Greek words “bios” meaning life and “logos” meaning thought, discourse, reasoning or study. It means that all aspects of life and every type of living organism are discussed in biology. Branches of Biology: Biology is divided into following branches: Morphology: The study of form and structure of living organisms is called morphology. It can be further divided into following two parts: 1. The study of external parts of living organism is called external morphology. 2. The study of internal parts of living organism is called internal morphology or anatomy. Histology: The study of cells and tissues with the aid of the microscope is called Histology. Cell Biology: The study of structure and functions of cells and their organelles is called Cell Biology. Physiology: The study of different functions performed by different parts of living organism is called Physiology. Ecology: The study of organisms in relation to each other and their environment is called Ecology or Environmental Biology. Taxanomy: Living organisms are classified into groups and subgroups on the basis of similarities and differences. This is called classification Taxanomy is that branch of biology in which organisms are classified and given scientific names. Embryology: The study of development of an organism from fertilized egg (zygote) is called embryology. The stage between zygote and newly hatched or born baby is called embryo. Genetics: The study of methods and principles of biological inheritance of characters from parents to their offspring is called genetics. Paleontology: The body parts of ancient organisms or their impressions preserved in rocks are called fossils. The study of fossils is called paleontology. It also includes the study of origin and evolution of organisms. It can be divided into two parts: 1. The study of fossils of plants is called Palaeobotany. 2. The study of fossils of animals is called Palaeozoology. Biochemistry: The study of metabolic reactions taking place in living organisms is called biochemistry. These reactions may be constructive or destructive. The assimilation of food is a constructive process and respiration is a destructive process. Biotechnology: It is the branch of biology which deals with the practical application of organisms and their components for the welfare of human beings e.g. disinfections and preservations of food, preservations of insulin and biogas from bacteria etc. Relationship of Biology with other Sciences In ancient times, there was no distinction of biology and other sciences. Different fields of sciences like biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics are met together in the writings of ancient scientists. In ancient times, these subjects were studied under one head “science”, but with the passage of time, the science developed very much and the huge scientific knowledge was then divided into different branches. However even today the interrelationship of these branches cannot be denied. Biophysics: The study of various biological phenomena according to principles of physics is called biophysics. For example, movement of muscles and bones based on principles of physics. Biochemistry: The study of different biochemical like carbohydrates, proteins and nucleic acids etc found in cells of living organisms and hundreds of the underlying chemical reactions in cells of organisms is called biochemistry. Biometry: The data obtained from observations and experiments on living organism is analyzed by various statistical methods. This is called Biometry. Biogeography: The study of plants and animals and the basis of geographical distribution is called Biogeography. Bio-Economics: The study of living organisms from economic point of view is called Bio-Economics. It includes the study of cost effectiveness and viability of biological projects from commercial point of view.

Contributions of Muslims Scientists in the Field of Biology Many Muslim scientists contributed a lot in the field of biology but the following names are more respectable:

Islamic concepts About Origin of Life

We have got much information about origin of life by studying the Holy Quran.

Ultimate Creator

The first thing learnt from teachings of Quran is that Allah is the ultimate creator of everything whether plants, animals or non-living things. “Allah is the creator of all things and He is Guardian of overall things.” – (Surah Zamar-Ayat 62) Not only plants, animals and non-living things and human beings but also the heavens and whole universe have been created by Allah.

Origin of Life from Water

The second important fact we get from Quran is that Allah has created all living thins from water. “We made every thing from water.” – (Sura Ambia – Ayat 30) Viruses, bacteria, algae, fungi, different plants, all animals and humans are all living things. According to Quranic verses, all diverse living things were created from water.

Common Origin

From above mentioned sayings of God there is an indication for common origin of living things or we can at least say that all living things have come out from water.

Creation of Man

Allah also sys in Quran: “He created man from clay like the potter’s.” – (Sura Rehman – Ayat 14) It seems that there were following two sages for creation of man: 1. Creation from water. 2. The first created thing, on admixing with clay was transformed into more advanced beings. The same can also be applied to other animals because there are certain similarities between structure of man and other animals. In vertebrate animals, the structures of digestive system, respiratory system, blood circulatory system, excretory system and reproductive system etc are similar to great extent, although differ in other details. Reproduction in living things. Once the life had been created, Allah implemented the process of reproduction for the continuity of races of animals and other organisms. The various stages of reproduction have been described in sura in following way: “Then fashioned we drop a clot, then fashioned we clot a little lump, then fashioned we the lump bones, then clothed the bones with flesh.” – (Sura Almominoon Ayat 14)

Classification and Evolution

“Allah has created every animal from water some of them creep up on their bellies, other walk on two legs, and others on four, Allah creates what the pleases. He has power overall thins.” – (Sura Nur Ayat 45) “Hath there come upon man (every) any period of time in which he was a thing unrememberd?” – (Sura Dahar Ayat 1) The close study of above sayings of God reveals that all animals had a common origin but they gradually underwent changes after words and became different from each other i.e. some animals became crawler, some bipedal and some other tetra pods. The present animals are advanced forms of the past animals who achieved this form after passing through many changes.