Fields of Biology
How do different fields of biology differ in their approach to studying life?
Living systems range from groups of molecules that make up cells to collections of organisms that make up the biosphere. Biology includes many overlapping fields that use different tools to study life from the level of molecules to the entire planet. Here's a peek into a few of the smallest and largest branches of biology.
Global Ecology Life on Earth is shaped by weather patterns and processes in the atmosphere so large that we are just beginning to understand them. We are also learning that activities of living organisms—including humans—profoundly affect both the atmosphere and climate. Humans now move more matter and use more energy than any other multicellular species on Earth. Global ecological studies, aided by satellite technology and supercomputers, are enabling us to learn about our global impact, which affects all life on Earth.
An ecologist studies lichens on Douglas fir. Many lichens are extremely sensitive to nitrogen- and sulfur-based air pollution. Thus, researchers often monitor lichens in efforts to study the effects of air pollution on forest health.
Table of Contents
- Formulas and Equations
- Applying Formulas and Equations
- Mean, Median, and Mode
- Estimation
- Using Measurements in Calculations
- Effects of Measurement Errors
- Accuracy
- Precision
- Comparing Accuracy and Precision
- Significant Figures
- Calculating With Significant Figures
- Scientific Notation
- Calculating With Scientific Notation
- Dimensional Analysis
- Applying Dimensional Analysis